Los Angeles is the city of dreams and ambition for an actor (Emma Stone) and a jazz musician (Ryan Gosling), who fall in love and sing about it in this appealing modern musical. Both actors have acceptable voices, but it’s not about their vocal prowess. Stone shines in her doubts (and auditions), while Gosling (who impressively plays his own keyboards) creates a classic Hollywood leading man with elegance and humor. The songs by Justin Hurwitz are lovely and the choreography by Mandy Moore is simple and fun. Director Damien Chazelle frames the numbers in extended wide shots to let their graceful dance moves fill the screen, instead of trying to edit them for “energy.” He’s gilded the movie with delightful flourishes that add even more charm. Chazelle’s inspired modern showmanship also honors the classic charms of its predecessors to create a captivating flight of fancy.
(5 / 5)