The Lay of LaLa Land (2017) User Reviews

A glutton for punishment

[kosmasp · 7/10 · 18 June 2022]

Not a pun, quite literally actually. And I am talking mostly about the male main character here. He really digs in deep (no not that kind of deep, so no pun intended here) - or falls really hard for the main female character here.

A quite troubled woman to say the least. With quite the package ... from the past that is. And one she is putting together for the future - but that will only be really apparent as the movie progresses. Nicely told and if you are kind of able to sympathize with the chemistry those two have - and their relationship ... this movie is something for you.

Although the subject matter may suggest it, there is not really a lot of nudity here (especially not from the main actress/character), but it also works without any vivid content from her (again no pun intended). Because the story and the bond is strong with the two - and while you may not agree with the actions taken - they make sense within the ... sensibility of the story and the characters.

Suspend your disbelief and go on this trip ... if you dare.

Intrigued & Inspired

[katiemack-08943 · 10/10 · 3 November 2022]

I thoroughly enjoyed this suspenseful and entertaining film. The cast, directing, story and visuals created a sense of harmony and wonder that kept me from moving out of my chair even for a bathroom or snack break! A. Y. Miles has talent and created a winner. I'm looking forward to seeing more of his work. I've been meaning to watch this movie for some time and I'm so glad I took the time to sit watch and fall in love with Lenny. Warm, smart, innocent. I can not wait to read the book. A friend said it is really good and even more funny then the movie. One of a kind, funny, smart. I'll be sure to share this with others. Best, K.

An Eye for an Eye

[RobMarksIMDB · 9/10 · 8 December 2022]

As with all movies adapted from their books, its true. The book is always better. With the exception being Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Because Wilder kills it. But thats another review for another day. This is about The Lay of Lala Land.

I give it 9 stars. After all, this is no Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

A note to the fellas: there is no nudity in this film, considering the subject matter. And to the ladies: this could be difficult subject matter to watch. Or also empowering, says my mom. She had read somewhere that this film was a true story. My reply to her was, holy cow what a life this writer must live.

There is some seriously bad acting in this film and then in the next scene some seriously great acting. Little kid Lenny with his psychiatrist is brillant and believable. If you've ever been shrinked this is more accurate then the whole laying on the office couch bit. Their dialogue combined with their relationship of stranger getting personal with stranger rings true. Other scenes I liked: Lenny in class with his Professor. "Society of Hippocrites". Yep. And immaturity. Jane and her family is a highlight. Her Dad, Henry LeBlanc, in particular. Another really good actor in this film. The eye for an eye bit was a creative tie-in to this story. Daniel de Weldon was great. So was his bodyguard. The combination of the two are pretty funny. He reeks of creepiness. Great casting there. Speaking of casting, my mom kept insisting Betty Ann was a blond in the book. I have no idea. The few things I disliked about this film were quickly redeemed with funny stuff like the roommates. Very funny dialogue and great comedic timing by those two. Lenny and Jane were usually a good pair. But a few scenes needed re-takes. I just wasn't believing it. Scenes I hated: when Lenny is caged underwater. Mostly because I'm a dude who can't swim. His horror is believable and the scene is filmed disturbingly well. Another scene I hated was the boat party scene. Again, water. And probably hard to film on a small budget and it looks like its edited all over the place.

The only thing worse then skipping over this film would be ignoring the soundtrack. I loved this soundtrack immensly. I forced my mom to look up every song on Spotify and Youtube. She couldn't find much and it made me want it even more. The closing credits were cool. A nice tribute to each cast member. And once again I forced my mom to search for all the IMDB profiles of the actors we thought were good. We will be following up on some of their work.

Writing and directing is hard to do together in a movie. This guy pulls it off successfully. Now, lets see him do it again on his next project.