Opening with a fabulous fantasy song-and-dance sequence featuring of commuters caught in congested traffic on Los Angeles freeways, Damien Chazelle's dazzling multi-Oscar-winning contemporary musical serves up a chronicle of longing, love, and lingering wistfulness. Aspiring actress Mia (Emma Stone) works as a barista on the Warner Bros. lot, while brooding jazz pianist Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) is tired of playing background music at bars and restaurants. They “meet cute” several times before actually connecting, after which they encourage each other to follow their dreams as their respective careers move forward. Mia writes a one-woman show attracting the interest of an influential agent, while Sebastian joins a touring pop band that is fronted by his old friend (John Legend). But long separations take a toll on their romantic relationship as the story follows the couple over changing seasons. Inspired by Jacques Demy's classic The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, as well as A Star Is Born and Singin' in the Rain, Chazelle stylishly transitions from naturalism into the breezy romanticism of make-believe through entrancing, unabashedly twinkly musical numbers choreographed by Mandy Moore (not the pop singer) that are reminiscent of Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers and Gene Kelly/Debbie Reynolds, particularly when the lovebirds glide into the heavens during “City of Stars” at the Griffith Observatory. A lovely contemporary update of the classic Hollywood musical, this is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include the production featurettes “The Music” (14 min.), “Another Day of Sun: They Closed Down a Freeway” (11 min.), “Before Whiplash: Damien Chazelle's Passion Project” with the director (10 min.), “The Look of Love: Designing” (9 min.), “Epilogue: The Romance of the Dream” (8 min.), “La La Land's Great Party” (5 min.), “John Legend's Acting Debut” (5 min.), “Ryan Gosling: Piano Student” (5 min.), and “Damien & Justin Sing: The Demos” (5 min.), and a marketing gallery. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is audio commentary by writer-director Chazelle and composer Justin Hurwitz, a song selection menu option, production segments on “La La Land's Love Letter to Los Angeles” (7 min.) and “Ryan and Emma: Third Time's the Charm” (6 min.), and bonus DVD, digital, and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a fine extras package for this multiple-Oscar-winning musical.] (S. Granger)
Check out our list of more modern musicals
Check out our list of more modern musicals