La La Land‘s limited release date has been pushed back by a week to December 9th. The musical about the not-so-glamorous life of struggling artists in Hollywood has its wide release on December 16th. Featuring a romance between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, the film has been making rounds at festivals to great praise. La La Land won the people’s choice award at the Toronto International Film Festival and received several standing ovations at Telluride and Venice festivals.
La La Land comes from Whiplash director Damien Chazelle. A talented jazz musician, played by Gosling, has a few random encounters with aspiring actress Mia (Emma Stone). The film follows the ups and downs of their relationship and careers. Catchy music and dance numbers offset the emotional drama. Whether you love musicals or not, La La Land is certainly a film to watch.
I can’t think of many reasons to delay the release of a film that is already finished and has been received so well. There isn’t much competition on La La Land‘s original opening weekend or December 9th. My guess is to have the limited release closer to the wide release date. By the time general audiences hear the buzz from the limited release in major markets, there will be screenings in their local theaters. A later release might also keep the film fresh in the minds of Academy voters at a time they are viewing lots of movies. Whatever the reason, catch La La Land in its limited release if you can. Otherwise, consider a double feature while you are at the theaters for Rogue One.
