Ron Urick

La La Land is hands down in my Top 5 Movies of all time list! I've seen it four times but could easily watch it 40 more times. Not only is it a color-studded, high energy, incredible musical ---but it's a realistic glimpse into the lengthy, painful struggles emerging artists endure. The chemistry between Emma Stone(Mia) and Ryan Gosling(Seb) is touching and heart-filled. Seb's genuine love for Mia is fully apparent as he sacrifices much to guide and coach her to stardom---while he settles in for a lesser fate. The final moments of the film are incredibly touching as we witness Mia in her new, luxury lifestyle accompanied by her handsome husband and comfortable home complete with a beautiful, young daughter and live-in nanny. The dreamy fantasy that emerges when Mia ultimately witnesses Seb playing in his jazz club is all too much like real life. How many of us settle---eventually-- for a relationship that never quite completes us?? (Ron Urick, 2021 author of "Teaching with Heart")