Review: Stone-Gosling team-up lovelier the third time around in ‘La la land’

MANILA, Philippines – It seems like third time is the charm for stars Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling.

After their team-up in “Crazy, Stupid, Love” and “Gangster Squad,” Stone and Gosling have matured and stood out in their third collaboration, “La la land.”

Stone, who plays a barista who is also a frustrated actress, “Mia,” and Gosling, whose role is a traditional pianist who loves jazz, “Sebastian,” were revelations as they hit the right notes in “La la land.” Who would have thought that these two do not only have chemistry, but can also sing?

In the film, the pair showed off their improved acting prowess, coordinated choreography, and actual singing voices, which will make you swoon and delighted in an instant.

As one of the most anticipated romantic musicals, “La la land” does not only showcase good acting from its lead characters, but also gives audiences an amusing movie experience with its colorful cinematography, superb musical score, and moving screenplay.

At first, it would give you the impression that it is a typical musical movie that is heavy on song and dance as it started with the sudden singing and dancing during traffic in a Los Angeles freeway. Nonetheless, it would later on reveal that it is more than that once Mia and Sebastian meet.

“La la land” has a simple plot of two people meeting unexpectedly and later on hitting it off. It is conveniently set during winter, spring, summer, and fall but will end five years later also on a winter.

The film was said to pay homage to legends of cinema while harnessing its current power to make the most private human terrain – the territory of intimate relationships, personal dreams, and the crossroads where decisions set fate into motion.

Although it appears all rosy, the film still depicted tension between the two characters as they struggle to find their real purpose in achieving their dreams – Mia as an actress is failing miserably in auditions and Sebastian striving to preserve dying jazz in the 21st century despite suggestions of keeping up with the times. Once they face success, will it finally be a happy ending for them?

Since “La la land” is directed by Damien Chazelle, also the director of the Oscar-winning “Whiplash,” both his two films resemble the same theme of music and dreams, but he attacked it differently this time on a lighter note, which the audience will love.

Chazelle’s gem could have a potential to become one of the classics in the future as it is now being compared to “Grease” and “Casa Blanca.” No wonder it swept awards at the Golden Globes.

And did we mention that after watching the film you will find yourself singing the Golden Globes'  Best Original song, “City of Stars?”

Watch the official clip of the film's original song, "City of Stars," below:

Pioneer film’s “La la land” opened in local cinemas nationwide last Wednesday.