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If you've seen classics that clearly inspired multiple facets of this film, like "An American in Paris," "Singin' in the Rain," "A Star is Born," and lesser films like "Xanadu,"and "Fame," you may find "La La Land" less than inspiring, despite its decent songs. Emma Stone was very good, but Gosling nearly ruined the film with his saturnine presence; there are many actors who could have done a better job. Overall, it presents a heavily romanticized version of L.A., giving the impression that the city is largely defined by Pasadena, Griffith Park, the Santa Monica Pier and the Hollywood Hills. These and other script elements certainly betray director/writer Chazelle's youth and lack of real-life experience. Most actors in L.A. never get (paid) work in films or TV, and the small percentage who do mostly get work in commercials and as (non-union) extras. Most would gladly eat out of dumpsters for months for the chance to get a SAG card. Given that jazz clubs are few in L.A., and regularly feature established artists of the genre with a lot more experience than Gosling's character has, some of his character's actions and attitudes are largely preposterous. In short, a derivative diversion with some good songs and a luminous performance from Emma Stone. It lacks the zest and joie de vivre to make a strong impression on the big screen. It may play better on video.

You could make a comedy featuring an arsonist in 1948, but you definitely cannot do that today. That is why this film has been indefinitely shelved by whichever corporate entity owns the copyright to it. Other reviewers of this title have wondered why it is not available. It is NOT, as one speculated, because the actor-impersonator indulges in stereotypical mentally-challenged behavior. There are lots of movies available on video featuring comic portrayals of what we know today to be mental illness. It is because of the arson. You can not have acts of arson portrayed in a comedy, because it is not in the least bit funny.

This movie will surely appeal to misfits and dreamers of all stripes. It starts off promisingly, introducing a few of Joseph Campbell's key ideas, and even a couple of his subversive ones. Unfortunately, it soon devolves into interviews with several men, most of whom have unconventional occupations, and all but one of whom are white. These men delight in lecturing the audience about the ups and downs and eventual success they achieved during their own "journeys," using a profusion of nauseating "you"-statements instead of "I"-statements. The takeaway from this - that you too can have a fulfilling life if you just do what you love - is nothing new and can be heard in your local college's career counseling office. Oh, but be prepared for the road to be rocky along the way. Heard that one before?

This is by a director who made his living making commercials - it shows in his visual style. He has some talent in this area, but he should have left the writing to someone else.