I remember when I saw the trailers for this movie, I thought it would be a sad but sweet love story and nothing more. And while it is that it brings so much more flare and beauty that I would never have expected from this. It took me three years to see it and it far out shone any expectation I had.

This is like a great 50's MGM musical was made in 2016 and I simply cannot understand how anyone would dislike the film. It has everything a musical should have. There's the two appealing and darling lovebirds to follow. Striking and visual pleasant colors and direction that make the film a cinematic experience from beginning to end. And the score is beltable, lush and with with iconic songs. This is like the platonic ideal of movie musicals.

Best of all the script has a relative sophistication to it; there's a troubling ambiguity about how the film feels about Seb and him being way to into jazz. In fact the script, more or less, acknowledges that he is a bit a prig. Indeed the film leaves the distinct impression that the romance was sacrificed on the alter of personal ambition. It is annoying how the Oscar race simplified this film.

In the end this is one of the great musicals.

It's a good film, but definitely overhyped. It's a love story about LA that is all-too-true for many people who move there and seek their fortunes (and fame).

3.5/5. Good to watch once. No more.