Review of Barracuda (2017) by Steviegjd — 09 Feb 2017

I liked this movie and knew my mother would love it. She and my sister then saw it and mom did indeed love it. I thought it was pretty good, by no means great. My wife hated it, which I think is a bit strong.

This is a throwback to musical films of the past, the ones my mother loved and had the soundtrack albums for when I was growing up. Though it most closely resembles The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, I suspect most of the user reviewers never saw that 1964 French film, which I liked more than La La Land.

There are moments in the movie when I got the feeling it was about to start getting really good then it would stall again for me. Neither of the lead actors can sing or dance particularly well, though Emma Stone is better at both than Ryan Gosling.

Their acting and chemistry are great. The travelogue of Los Angeles aspect of the film is very appealing and fun. But, ultimately, this is a movie about two beautiful people whose career choices take them in different directions, which is fine, but not that interesting.

It is pure escapist entertainment, which, if done right, can be excellent. The story of a mid 20s actress who is giving up and going home to live with her upper middle class parents and the white guy who is going to save traditional jazz music from the likes of John Legend is not that appealing to me.

I get why most people really like this movie. I really do. I knew my mom would. I'd rather rewatch The Umbrellas of Cherbourg.