La La Land

I know it doesn’t seem like a big thing, but here we have a musical film that harkens back to a time in one’s life when all of your decisions seem to focus on what you’re going to be when you grow-up and start making your mark in the world.  For Mia (Emma Stone), it’s acting and making it big in the business.  For Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), it’s owning a “pure” jazz club where he’s in charge.  Having dreams and being able to fulfill them, doing what you love so it’s not work, that’s the ultimate goal in everybody’s life.  This isn’t the 850-thousanth remake of “A Star Is Born” (I’ve been told that’s probably coming), so you don’t need to pack a handkerchief.  It’s an original story, but also familiar with a twist.  The dancing and singing is borderline silly, but it’s really a translation of the heart more than anything.  What does your heart tell you, what do you feel in your gut?  Do you have the courage and the determination to really go for that brass ring or do you just give up and turn in all of your chips and become something you really don’t want to be just to keep a roof over your head, clothes on your back, and fed?  The chemistry between Ms. Stone and Mr. Gosling is undeniable and seeing them dance and sing is a lovely change from the usual relationship films that have so much emotional baggage, you can’t understand why these two people ever got involved in the first place.  I liked the sets, the feel of the film, the costumes and the spontaneity of the characters.  The songs seem destined to become classics.  The writing and direction are spot on for this freshman effort.  I’ve always wondered when I see something from a first time director/screenwriter, is it a fluke or is this the start of a crazy successful career.  We’ll have to wait and see, but for now, here’s to the lovers, the dreamers, and those who take the leap of faith to make it against incredible odds.  Rating:  3.7 stars.

Doctor Strange

As my ex would say, you have to believe we are mačke (that’s a pun son in Croatian and it translates to “cats” not “magic”)—enter Stephen Strange, an uptown arrogant neurosurgeon, Benedict Cumberbatch, who has finally portrayed a character that I like.  Not as the bullying, self-absorbed doctor, but as the human being who has a come-to-Tilda Swinton meeting of the minds, so to speak, in this latest Marvel stunning live action comic book.  I found myself watching it over and over again in amazement.  It has all the elements of a top-notch fantasy science fiction martial arts superhero film (say that fast five times).  I’m used to the velvet voice and I’ve seen that he’ll be doing the voice of Shere Khan in yet another version of The Jungle Book (excellent choice).  He has the same tone that reminds me of Jeremy Irons (I could listen to Jeremy read a phonebook and never tire of it).  Since I’m not a comic book reader, I wasn’t aware of the backstory of the good doctor, nor that this is a part of the ever growing Avengers series.  I’m a convert for more and I want it now.  A little bit “Inception” with a bit of The Avengers, Thor, Captain America, and the Karate Kid (on steroids) thrown in for good measure.  The supporting cast is tight, the effects are spectacular, the costumes, make-up and stunts are amazing, and the dialogue ain’t bad either.  Time means nothing and never will again, at least not in this multi-Marvel-universe.  Rating:  thumbs X ∞