Movie Reviews

‘Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles’ Review – If LA Doesn’t Love Her Back, Everyone Else Will

Synopsis:

GRAMMY® Award-winning and chart-topping artist Billie Eilish will make her Disney+ debut with “Happier than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles,” a cinematic concert experience. Fresh off the heels of her brandnew album, “Happier than Ever,” the Disney+ original will feature an intimate performance of every song in the album’s sequential order – for the first and only time – from the stage of the legendary Hollywood Bowl.

As a seemingly infinite amount of music saturates the airwaves and streaming services, I didn’t think there would be any new artists that could truly resonate with millions upon millions of ears and become the voice of a generation, I was wrong. Not saying that there isn’t plenty of great artist or music being made, but very few transcend all boundaries and are put in the same category as legends. We’re not just talking numbers either, we’re talking about when they do anything, drop a song, eat a sandwich, change their hair, the internet blows up. It’s incredible to see, but I assume it’s a mountain of pressure on the artist. Not every artist can handle it. We’ve seen many have meltdowns and crumble but when you think about it, who could blame them. However, there are those artists who are able to take control of their narrative, their trajectory, and themselves. This is pivotal to the creative process because while the labels want here today, gone tomorrow radio hits, we all know, substance lasts.

“… is my value based only on your perception?”

If you’re somehow not familiar with Billie Eilish, allow Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles to be your official introduction. For those who have already hopped on the Billie bus, sit back and enjoy a more mature, more confident, and more self-secure performance than ever before. And if L.A. doesn’t love her back, everyone else will. This entire concert film experience thrusts me back into the 90s when Disney broadcasted concerts they held featuring 5ive, B*Witched, N’Sync, Backstreet Boys, and more. Unfortunately, due to the current state of the world, the famous Hollywood Bowl had to be empty for the duration of the concert excluding of course Billie and those who performed with her. However, it may have increased the show we got. It’s polished, intimate, and there’s an animated aspect that adds to the cinematic ride we take through song. Gripping the microphone while draped in dark-colored silk and platform shoes, the songstress stands and moves among moody lighting that glides and changes with each emotion-driven song. There are moments where she speaks and describes why certain things are important to her as well as introducing her renowned guests.

The cinematic feel they are going for definitely shines through as the effects and cinematography creates a vibe and gets you as close to the star as possible. With this being the first time she has performed the album front to back, she makes sure that every song hits as hard as it can at a venue she holds in high regard. Things get real exciting once she sings the alluring Oxytocin which is visually stimulating. The fully animated, Not My Responsibility commands to be watched, and the title track, Happier Than Ever is a complete anthem. At this point, Billie Eilish is making all the right moves and taking all the right steps to become a legend. I had a great time with this concert film and grew a greater appreciation for Billie’s music. I highly recommend it. Its rewatchablity is high.

Pacing & Pop

The film moves as smoothly as Billie’s voice sounds on each song. What popped for me besides her voice was the stage lighting design and effects. It made the experience visually stimulating and helped set a mood for each song.

Performance & Performers

As expected, Billie did an incredible job. This performance differs from others in that you get a live performance that is the same quality as the album. With an empty Hollywood Bowl, we get her in her element with no crowd but get a clear and intimate show. She is joined as always by her extremely talented brother, Finneas for every song, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic conducted by Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel, Brazilian guitarist, Romero Lubambo, and the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus who join her for a few. They all did amazing. The Philharmonic provides a grandiose atmosphere that boosts the performance. The Children’s Chorus adds a trance-like echoey chant that makes Goldwing stand out. And Lubambo adds an exclamation point to any song.

Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles debuts exclusively on Disney+ on September 3, 2021. Stay safe and enjoy.