This seemingly critical darling may appeal more to the critics for its nostalgic value. Sure it would strike a chord with the dreamers and creators who had to give up things in pursuit of the dream, to do what it is you feel you were born to do, but ultimately... it's very much a movie about chasing your dream, but with a cost. Presenting it within the framework of an old-fashioned musical... well, that has its ups and downs. As much as I enjoy the toe tapping, infectious jazzy melodies and songs, as well as the incredible dance choreography presented with long single takes, it doesn't feel like it's enough to warrant a musical. Sing Street integrated their songs better than this, but then, this is more the fantasy romance of old fashioned musicals. Characters burst into song and bust a move every now and then, although not necessarily to the benefit of the story, no matter how amazing the presentation and performance. Sure, the opening set-piece on the highway is a showstopper, but it was also obvious the songs are pre-recorded, and the performers are lip-synching. This happens for most of the major numbers that involves the song and dance, but the more solid singing performances are the smaller set-pieces, such as when it's simply Seb (Ryan Gosling) and Mia (Emma Stone) singing at the piano, or when it's Mia's torch song of an audition. Those have a more live-singing vibe, which resonates a more honest performance. As to the movie itself minus the songs, the story strictly revolves around Mia and Seb with everyone else seemingly a peripheral cameo to their romance, for the most part. While Emma Stone shines, making this very much her movie, Ryan Gosling doesn't seem to do anything very different from most of his other movies, playing a strong silent type for the most part, unless it's about jazz, and simply being charming, even when his character seems rather standoffish. The chemistry between the two stars is palpable though, this being their third movie together. Director Damien Chazelle pulls off the impossible by reviving the essence of the old musicals, mostly by paying homage be it the music, dances or set-pieces, and even the story. Will this foster a resurgence of movie-musicals of this nature? I think, not likely, but it's also not likely to stop others from trying given its success. Props do go to the composer Justin Hurwitz and songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. The songs and melodies do stay. In all, there is an infectious joy to most of the movie, and then it meanders a bit, the songs drop off and the melodrama settles before it ramps for the end. It does feel like it was stretching it for a bit, but ultimately, the entertainment value remains high enough to carry it though. Still, it is melodrama and that should factor into your own personal enjoyment of the movie. Directed by Damien Chazelle Stars Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling with Finn Wittrock, John Legend, Rosemarie DeWitt, Tom Everett Scott, and JK Simmons Rating ****/5 Find the best online deals here. | Barnes and Noble | Google Play Store | Book Depository Discover more about the books here.
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