reynpapaul

What a great idea for a film. What disappointing execution in every respect. It's aimless, beginning as an examination of Laurel Canyon's culture and creativity and then barely mentions those again, instead mostly exploring the studio culture of L.A., with no connecting theme. Then, almost an hour in (as in almost an hour late) it jerks back to the Canyon, with anecdotes about what first drew people to it. Where was the editor in all this mess? Finally, the recreations of 60s L.A. hits are pointless and mediocre, with Jakob Dylan's dour, quiet voice completely unsuited to the material, and guest stars with talent (like Norah Jones) looking understandably lost in his turgid and inappropriate arrangements. Somewhere in all this footage, with all these celebrity interviews, there must be a good film. This isn't it.