La La Land

8

kathytreeceDec 30, 2016

How nice to see singing and dancing from our favorite young movie stars. Nice humor and romance. The story was confusing at times, but that is overshadowed by the wonderful music and dancing.

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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8

JyroJyroSep 27, 2017

Apart from being stupidly cliche, everything is beautifully seamless in La La Land. The emotions flicker through the seasons, the songs skip & drag with the characters mood, and both Gosling & Stone deliver the performance of a lifetime.Apart from being stupidly cliche, everything is beautifully seamless in La La Land. The emotions flicker through the seasons, the songs skip & drag with the characters mood, and both Gosling & Stone deliver the performance of a lifetime. Everything is a metaphor in this silly, soulful throwback to Hollywood's infatuation with hope & desire.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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8

spiderproviderJan 30, 2017

Great script, acting and cinematography. singing, songs and dancing almooooost great. This one might have been a bit overhyped, but is still a fantastic film.

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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8

daviddelnorte23Jun 15, 2017

No creía que iba a ver esta película nunca, pero las buenas críticas y la fama de ser una de las películas del año, levantó mi curiosidad. Creía que iba a quitar la película a la mitad de metraje, pero no. Me encontré con una buena película,No creía que iba a ver esta película nunca, pero las buenas críticas y la fama de ser una de las películas del año, levantó mi curiosidad. Creía que iba a quitar la película a la mitad de metraje, pero no. Me encontré con una buena película, una película simpática para pasar el domingo y al final me gustó. Un grandísimo homenaje al "Hollywood" clásico que, el que la vea lo entenderá.

En cuanto a lo bien escrita que está y la interpretación de sus personajes por parte de E. Stone y Gosling, hace que ni te enteres de las dos horas del filme y te interese la historia. El final es BRILLANTE y de verdad que me encantó porque no me esperaba esa dureza/amargura. Muy bueno.

En definitiva, es una buena película que me gustó, a pesar, que odio el género y por su final y algunas situaciones de los personajes, estuve contento de haberla visto. Mi gusto aparte, es un peliculón en todo. Un 8.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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8

dspratlinDec 23, 2016

What’s it about?

An aspiring actress (Emma Stone) and a jazz musician (Ryan Gosling) meet and fall in love in Los Angeles, musical style. What did I think? La La Land is simultaneously a loving homage to the golden age of cinema andWhat’s it about?

An aspiring actress (Emma Stone) and a jazz musician (Ryan Gosling) meet and fall in love in Los Angeles, musical style.

What did I think?

La La Land is simultaneously a loving homage to the golden age of cinema and completely uncharted film territory; nostalgic and new all at once. It delivers the feelings of falling in love in a heady, melodic rush that’s absolutely captivating. It channels films such as "Singin’ in the Rain" and "An American in Paris" whilst navigating the modern pitfalls of romance. But it’s so caught up in the quirky and magical “newness” of its concept that towards the middle it seems to rely solely on that. Unfortunately, this means the pacing feels at odds with the gloriousness of the rest of the film. But the magic returns for a finale guaranteed to take your breath away.… Expand

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

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8

LaskeudeungJan 26, 2017

Abis nonton Whiplash nonton ini ... emang bakal kecewa dikit. Tapi sebenernya ga bisa dibandingin, beda genre Gan. Satu thriller Musical, yang ini romansa musikal. Tapi emang keren banget ni film, ga heran Gosling dan Stone masuk nominasi. 7Abis nonton Whiplash nonton ini ... emang bakal kecewa dikit. Tapi sebenernya ga bisa dibandingin, beda genre Gan. Satu thriller Musical, yang ini romansa musikal. Tapi emang keren banget ni film, ga heran Gosling dan Stone masuk nominasi. 7 nominasi Gan ... bayangkeun ... Ruarrrrrr… Expand

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8

mejzamFeb 12, 2017

A beautiful movie full of emotions. And yes, the story couldn't be simpler; but I don't think the filmmaker wants to tell a story. He wants to show pure romance between lovers. Not boring at all if you got feelings.

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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8

CherryVictorinoFeb 28, 2017

Lalaland é com certeza o filme mais artístico que eu já assisti. A direção de arte tanto como a direção de fotografia é impecável. Eu finalmente assisti o filme sem o hype todo. Eu anulei todas as críticas que eu li e só assisti o filme. OLalaland é com certeza o filme mais artístico que eu já assisti. A direção de arte tanto como a direção de fotografia é impecável. Eu finalmente assisti o filme sem o hype todo. Eu anulei todas as críticas que eu li e só assisti o filme. O filme não é só sobre a Mia que deseja ser atriz e o Sebastian que quer abrir um bar de jazz. Vendo o filme com atenção eu percebi que é mais do que isso. Quantas vezes você não esteve em uma relação e acabou se sentindo frustrado pela pessoa conseguir realizar um sonho e você continuar ali parado? Quantas vezes a vida já te deu um não e você se viu sem forçar para continuar e acreditar no seu sonho? O sonho de Mia era ser uma atriz sim, um clássico clichê de holiwood. Mas não tem que ser isso não. Qualquer um que tem um sonho sabe como é levar um soco na cara da vida. Eu vi muitas pessoas reclamando do final também, mas e dai? Sinceramente. Vamos parar de ficar colocando defeitos onde não existem. Algumas pessoas talvez estivessem esperando um conto de fadas não sei e aí ao chegar no final do filme leva esse tapa na cara. Eu não tenho vergonha de dizer que eu me emocionei com o filme, principalmente com o final. Eu não pensei que poderia me tocar tanto. É tão simples e ao mesmo tempo tão intenso que agora eu entendo porque tantas pessoas amaram e odiaram esse filme. Se você assiste La La Land no hype de ser mais um romance clichê é nítido que você vai odiar esse filme. Emma Stone que eu cheguei a criticar eu percebi que nos 45 do segundo tempo ela conseguiu impressionar demais e fez uma atuação MARAVILHOSA. Os filmes tem alguns defeitos sim, mas acho que o que mais importou pra mim foi a mensagem que ele quis passar. Acho que daqui uns anos as pessoas vão perceber que, apesar dos clichês, o filme passa uma mensagem linda… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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8

ZerpnosMar 5, 2017

Gerek verdiği aşk duygusu, gerekse müzikleri için bile bu film izlenir. Aşk duygusunu hissederken müzikler eşliğinde büyülendim. Normalde müzikal sevmeyen biri olarak, kesinlikle bu filmi izleyin diyorum.

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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8

SHEPARD2001Apr 3, 2017

It's the best I've seen in a long time, it's great fun and if you go with your girlfriend will be the best 2 hours of cinema you can spend. The story fails in some aspects but when they start dancing and singing you feel like getting up AndIt's the best I've seen in a long time, it's great fun and if you go with your girlfriend will be the best 2 hours of cinema you can spend. The story fails in some aspects but when they start dancing and singing you feel like getting up And start dancing.… Expand

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8

SquaredRenMay 21, 2017

Hands down to Ryan Gosling & Emma Stones performances, they are deep and excellent on the role on this film. The music aspect is awesome, and that comes from someone who doesn't like musicals either this type of music. The plot overall isHands down to Ryan Gosling & Emma Stones performances, they are deep and excellent on the role on this film. The music aspect is awesome, and that comes from someone who doesn't like musicals either this type of music. The plot overall is good, but some aspects at the beginning felt a little rushed, but the plot ends up been very charming. Summing all up, it's a nice musical, an awesome performance by both actors that will leave you breathless, and a loving story with good music & dancing.… Expand

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8

mrdr4gonDec 15, 2017

Class personified from beginning to end. This film is fantastically realized if a little formulaic. The performances, visuals and direction all come together to help this film rise above other romantic musicals. Great cinema.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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8

BITESCREENJun 21, 2017

Drei Oscars gab es für das intensive Drummer-Drama Whiplash – entsprechend ambitioniert fällt Damien Chazelles nächste Regiearbeit La La Land aus: Zwar immer noch eine Ode an den Jazz, ist das mit Emma Stone und Ryan Gosling prominentDrei Oscars gab es für das intensive Drummer-Drama Whiplash – entsprechend ambitioniert fällt Damien Chazelles nächste Regiearbeit La La Land aus: Zwar immer noch eine Ode an den Jazz, ist das mit Emma Stone und Ryan Gosling prominent besetzte Musical primär eine ultra-opulente Liebesgeschichte vor der glitzernden Kulisse der Hollywood Hills. Hier träumen die Schauspielerin Mia und der Jazzpianist Sebastian gemeinsam vom ganz großen Durchbruch – bis die Realität das trällernde Traumpaar einholt. Eine große Geschichte erzählt Chazelle also eigentlich nicht, dafür ist La La Land eine inszenatorische Wucht: Die kalkuliert-künstlichen Bilder sind betörend wie ein Wes-Anderson-Film, die Sing- und Tanzeinlagen stilsichere Ginger-Rogers-und-Fred-Astaire-Zitate. Außerdem reizt die episodenhafte Erzählweise des durchweg unterhaltsamen Spektakels.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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8

adamako666Oct 12, 2017

The acting in this film from the two main leads in awesome. The music written by Justin Horowitz is also incredible. The ending scene is heart wrenching and yet strangely beautiful at the same time. Looking forward to more of Chazelles's inThe acting in this film from the two main leads in awesome. The music written by Justin Horowitz is also incredible. The ending scene is heart wrenching and yet strangely beautiful at the same time. Looking forward to more of Chazelles's in the future.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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8

amheretojudgeMay 19, 2019

Gosling and Stone shines and as a result Chazelle marks his name on the wall.

La La Land Chazelle is on a strike. With successive jaw dropping projects coming out, his passion grows more intense and the cinema much larger. Coloring the 70mmGosling and Stone shines and as a result Chazelle marks his name on the wall.

La La Land

Chazelle is on a strike. With successive jaw dropping projects coming out, his passion grows more intense and the cinema much larger. Coloring the 70mm screen with rich mesmeric visuals, the director, Damien Chazelle is boasting his love with proper understanding of the Hollywood culture that he so blindingly adores. Not an inch goes by in the film that looks pretentious, working over a year on editing along with Tom Cross, Chazelle wishes you to understand the "if's" and "but's" of this show business in one note. And boy what a note it is. I am sorry but that hooked theme of Justin Hurwitz, whispered in every line of the film always sobers me up.

All hail the production team for carving out this desert as fresh as it looks, from clothes to designing and from locations to set pieces, the view gets better and better and so does the performance. And daunting as this task may sound, but Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling might be the new Woody Allen and Diane Keaton. But unlike them they aren't quirky but are goofy about the relationship and flirty about their first love. If Stone going over the montages of failed auditions is a threat, then Gosling on piano is her equal competitor.

I have always preferred them alone, one is happy being stubborn and intuitive- something that she later on adapts from him- and other being mature and hard on herself. Together, they would fall apart, they are meant to be, no matter how in sync are they while dancing and how pitch perfect are they while singing, their rhythm is too vacuumed by the outer world to float in one room, maybe they should have just stayed in that cinema hall, but despite of claiming it to be a La La Land, this is the reality, they had to get out.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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8

etheronJan 15, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Mucho mejor de lo esperado. La escena final es demasiado buena, con mas detalles de los que aparentemente tiene.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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8

RobwinzJun 28, 2020

La La Land is a great musical/romance movie with a little bit of comedy throughout. Also, the cast who are in this movie do a really good job for what they're given, especially Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) and Mia (Emma Stone) they give the bestLa La Land is a great musical/romance movie with a little bit of comedy throughout. Also, the cast who are in this movie do a really good job for what they're given, especially Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) and Mia (Emma Stone) they give the best performances throughout this great movie. Finally, it's got some beautiful cinematography which looks amazing and it's got some great musical scenes throughout. The only negatives which I had with this movie would be some of the dialogue an hour in or so with Sebastian and Mia, It honestly felt a bit forced to me and the ending wasn't what I was expecting which was a bit sad. Overall, I really enjoyed this movie more than I expected to, its honestly worth the watch.

Also, I forgot to mention that scene with J.K Simmons is honestly really good, I didn't even know he was in this movie at all but it's always good to see him having a role in these new movies.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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8

zklJun 20, 2020

A colorful musical with a nice message. I thought it was pretty dreamy and great.

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8

PsychopathicTimJun 3, 2021

This movie was very nice! I liked the choreography and singing a lot! It feels like a movie with the potential to be very iconic! There are some segments that don’t stick as well as I’d like, but I was going through a cruddy period in my lifeThis movie was very nice! I liked the choreography and singing a lot! It feels like a movie with the potential to be very iconic! There are some segments that don’t stick as well as I’d like, but I was going through a cruddy period in my life and honestly couldn't complain too much. I love that the film subverts an expectation of a happily ever after, but goes for a more realistic ending for our beloved characters rather than the fantastical ending so many older movies were famous and loved for. I’d say this is average to above average (an 8). A very good slice of life rom com.… Expand

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8

OMR02Jan 26, 2021

Una historia muy buena en mi opinión, pero hablando de lo artistico como coreografía da mucho de que desear, pudo dar mucho más.

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8

AgentLviJun 27, 2023

Great movie. The story is decent. The scoring is great, visual is really amazing, the voice & sound is also amazing

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8

jackctierney05May 6, 2022

This is, hands down, the greatest romance I've ever seen. I'm not huge on the genre of romance, nor am I a fan of musicals, but La La Land sold it to me. It just tears your heart out! It's charming, lovely, smart, and heart-warming. EmmaThis is, hands down, the greatest romance I've ever seen. I'm not huge on the genre of romance, nor am I a fan of musicals, but La La Land sold it to me. It just tears your heart out! It's charming, lovely, smart, and heart-warming. Emma Stone shined like a diamond in this film, combining the best of her acting, gorgeous looks, and charming character. I could not have picked a better couple for this film than Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. Their performance together took my heart to far-away galaxies a hundred times over, and still left me hungry for more! The sheer power of a Steinway and Sons Piano and the soothing, nostalgic sounds it makes, takes this film's power of emotion to a whole other level. The filming was excellent combined with the dancing, music, and setting of each scene. All of it combined made for a mind-blowing romance which deserves all the praise it has received from the hungry critics. Two thumbs way up.… Expand

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8

SobhanZarei313Nov 11, 2022

This movie is amazing. Decisively I can say that this movie is the best 21 century movie.
Emma Stone and Rayan Gosling had a amazing acting, Congratulations to both of them.
The movie has suspension between the dream world and the real worldThis movie is amazing. Decisively I can say that this movie is the best 21 century movie.
Emma Stone and Rayan Gosling had a amazing acting, Congratulations to both of them.
The movie has suspension between the dream world and the real world which we can see on the movie famous scene.… Expand

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7

DukeJonApr 4, 2017

A charming film, and so nice to see a musical that plays tributes to the great musicals of old. Nice chemistry between the leads and the story wasn't predictable. More like this please.

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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7

redjet3Jan 30, 2017

It's cute, not as good as everyone is making it out to be. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone are good in their parts as mediocre musicians that have talent, but they would not shine in any limelight outside of this movie. The story was also veryIt's cute, not as good as everyone is making it out to be. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone are good in their parts as mediocre musicians that have talent, but they would not shine in any limelight outside of this movie. The story was also very simple but nice to watch and follow. The music was also good, I certainly have "City of Stars" on my Spotify, but much of the music is forgettable. I would definitely watch it -- just to create your own opinion and enjoy this modern day musical.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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7

NikolayGOct 18, 2017

This movie was a good comfort movie, like a cup of hot chocolate. I was considering a 6 but I give it a low 7, which may be a bit too generous. There was one song that stood out, the one Emma Stone sings at her audition, but the rest wereThis movie was a good comfort movie, like a cup of hot chocolate. I was considering a 6 but I give it a low 7, which may be a bit too generous. There was one song that stood out, the one Emma Stone sings at her audition, but the rest were just OK. The dancing was competent but very unexceptional. This is not Ginger Rodgers and Fred Astaire. The story is average, except that the latter portion skips over a number of years without explanation and tells us nothing of what happened in between. It was rather strange and seemed like a shortcut to end the movie in a way that appeared modern and cynical, as if the writers felt they had to do that since the rest of the movie was so old fashioned. I wish they written a better final act.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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7

LeZeeJul 30, 2017

They'd crossed each others life while chasing their dreams.

I am not a big fan of modern musical films. So I was not expecting it to be a great or worst. The film opened with a song that I was not happy, because I did not like the verse orThey'd crossed each others life while chasing their dreams.

I am not a big fan of modern musical films. So I was not expecting it to be a great or worst. The film opened with a song that I was not happy, because I did not like the verse or the music. And again to say, the modern timeline does not suit for the musical theme, unless it is a fantasy or an Indian film. The best part of the film was, those song fades away as the film progresses. But I kind of liked the drama/story part and the climax track with the quick flashback (kind of). Till that scene I was considering it an average film, but that one scene changed my stance. So, now I think it is a good film, but winning 6 Oscars, I don't know it deserved that.

Yes, the director is known for making music and musical film, but he has not made many. He's young and so his career. Yep, I loved 'Whiplash'. One of my all time favourite. If that film had won 10 Oscars, I would have not surprised at all. After that flick, the people were anticipating, to exceed that success in this film. As it was received, no doubt for those people it was a different flick, but not for me. Especially if you watch lots of Indian films. By the way the film characters were nice, and so the story, but not the songs.

Gosling and Stone were performed well. The chemistry between them was great. The narration was going decently until the end, which reminded me 'Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya' ending that I was not happy about, yet something different than usual. Sometimes I am okay with cliché than this kind of conclusion, just to bring a change in storytelling. Overall an enjoyable film, most people would love it. Some like me would say it is a decent flick, but there's always a few who would never favour it. Yet worth a watch.

7/10… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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7

TommasoFeb 27, 2017

I think it is a great movie, Ryan and Emma are really incredible actors (I remember them in "Crazy, Stupid Love"). I'm not a fan of musicals. This is one of the two musicals I liked to date: the other one is "Mamma Mia". Both are greatI think it is a great movie, Ryan and Emma are really incredible actors (I remember them in "Crazy, Stupid Love"). I'm not a fan of musicals. This is one of the two musicals I liked to date: the other one is "Mamma Mia". Both are great musicals but they are completely different. Personally, I liked Mamma Mia more than La La Land. I don't know why Mamma Mia's Metascore is just 51 and La La Land's is 93. This film is maybe a "little" overrated. I just saw it yesterday. Mamma Mia's soundtrack was made with songs of Abba, songs everybody knows. When they sang in that movie, it all seems normal. But in this movie, you can realize while watching that it's not real, not normal. I love the concept, the story. But I hated the final. It is different from the one I thought before. But, you know, a good movie is determinated by a good final. Good, but boring sometimes. I'm happy it won 6 Oscars, but I don't think it deserved 14 Nominations. Just a normal movie, I cannot wait to see it again. Maybe I'll like it more than the first time I saw it.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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7

golforooshOct 6, 2017

this movie was another version of the 500 days of summer movie and there were some better songs and better end ,but i prefer the 500 days of summer because of better story

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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7

Jess_HillJan 2, 2017

There are some delightful sequences here in what should have been a wonderfully serendipitous film, but sadly the overall experience is lacklustre. Stone and Gosling make magic on occasion, but both have singing voices which aren't suited toThere are some delightful sequences here in what should have been a wonderfully serendipitous film, but sadly the overall experience is lacklustre. Stone and Gosling make magic on occasion, but both have singing voices which aren't suited to a musical, and whilst their performances are polished, they're not good enough to save the storyline from fading into mediocrity. The cinematography again has a few shining moments, but these are hampered by intermittent framing issues, producing blurred or confused compositions which detract from what are some magnificent sets. Finally, the score which is of the highest importance in a musical is adequate throughout, with a few moments of exquisite crafting that ultimately and disappointingly fail to elevate this film to the soaring heights which I expected. 6.97/10… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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7

RatedRexDec 18, 2016

There used to be a time when movie critics were tough. I don't how many of you are old enough to remember Pauline Kael of the New Yorker, Vincent Canby on the New York Times, Gene Siskel of the Chicago Tribune, and of course, my favorite,There used to be a time when movie critics were tough. I don't how many of you are old enough to remember Pauline Kael of the New Yorker, Vincent Canby on the New York Times, Gene Siskel of the Chicago Tribune, and of course, my favorite, Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun Times. In those days, you couldn't just pop out a cute little movie and expect the critics to rave, uncontrollably. Those critics would dissect every fabric and every film cell. When they were done with their reviews you knew, pretty much, what to expect. But not anymore, cutesy movies like "The Artist", "Birdman" and "Silver Lining Playbook" and the like, are given way more credit than they deserve by today's movie critics. In fact, I think todays movie critics go overboard for anything that is just a little bit different. Well, "La La Land" is a little bit different. But its just a cutesy little movie that's nice and neat. That's all it is. All of the glowing praise by the critics is laughable. Actually the best parts of movie are the scenes with John Legend in them… Expand

8 of 13 users found this helpful85

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7

SrPepeNov 17, 2017

Me sorprendió para ser un musical, muy buenas actuaciones de los protagonistas. Sin embargo, una historia muy predecible, es la típica historia de amor con un final distinto.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

PluutozzMay 29, 2017

Very well crafted movie. Beautifully and thoughtfully shot. Well deserved Oscar for Cinematography. Great acting and music. However for me... it lacked a bit with the story elements. Nothing new there really. At points there were someVery well crafted movie. Beautifully and thoughtfully shot. Well deserved Oscar for Cinematography. Great acting and music. However for me... it lacked a bit with the story elements. Nothing new there really. At points there were some interesting drama but it kept me wishing for more at the end. Good film though, worth a watch.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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7

TrevorsViewDec 21, 2016

It’s shot in cinemascope, it’s big on pizzazz, it’s packed with bold color schemes, the stage lights appear straight out of a dream, it’s big one minute and quiet the next, and every song and tune will replay in your head days after it’s allIt’s shot in cinemascope, it’s big on pizzazz, it’s packed with bold color schemes, the stage lights appear straight out of a dream, it’s big one minute and quiet the next, and every song and tune will replay in your head days after it’s all over. No, you’re not in the 1950s, and no, you’re not in Kansas anymore. This is the present-day reality. So forget about those loud action movies with no respect for the stage, La La Land proves what can and should be done with the long lost art that is the moving picture.

The joyful musical genre has been in the Hollywood cemetery for too long now, but even rarer now is a musical with entirely original music in an entirely original story, which director Damien Chazelle (Whiplash) achieves with expert choreography. While he may give Southern California a bit too overly glamorous of a view with no dark edge, he still recaptures the same zest of West Side Story while cranking the spectacle up a notch. It’s always a challenge for any serious director to stage a film where everyone breaks out into song without it oozing Disney Channel cheese, but Damien Chazelle has done it!

Within Chazelle’s cinematic recreation of Southern California, he fastens our seatbelts through the bumpy relationship between two artists over the course of four long seasons, starting at the heat of Christmas. One is a ruby-red aspiring actress who cannot land an audition, and thus must serve coffee under a careless manager to make ends meet. The other is a Fred Astaire-Dooley Wilson mash-up whose fast fingers command jazz on the piano, no matter what his boss wants him to play. After they first meet over road rage at rush hour, these distracted minds find that destiny has forced them together with coincidental run-ins day after day. Everything after that is as pure and classic as dancing under a full moon.

Once we learn about what these two have in common, boy is it the beginning of a beautiful friendship! He wants to revive Jazz as a modern art form, but she cannot stand listening to it, and this subject alone stems all the other conflicts that these two share over the course of a year. It is a pleasure to see the ups and downs of their romance, even if the other people in their lives are treated by the screenwriter as if they don’t even matter.

Yet it’s not the supporting cast who helps us to understand their relationship, but the numbers that project their thoughts onto the moment. On their first formal meeting, she hears his piano playing as lit by a single spotlight, as if she’s glancing into his own little world. On second formal meeting, they tap dance in front of a skyline at twilight. On the first date, they are swept off their feet—literally, to a dance against the stars in a planetarium. On the tenth date, they sing an Oscar-worthy duet. As time goes by, the dream of making it to the top of the world in Paris quickly diminishes. Her tears swell up along with the audiences’; I’ll even admit I choked up as well, and I’m a man.

This wide variety of tone in music is plentiful yet wisely spare, celebrating the history of cinema magic while wishing the best for its future. Yet also like the oldies it writes its love to, there are one too many white players in the production. There are two African Americans cast, but as dancers on the pier who say not a word, just as blacks were stereotyped in that golden age of Hollywood. If this production was less focused on making a musical spectacular and more focused on showing care and attention to today’s media-frenzied audience, then there would have been a better likelihood for this to surpass those repetitive comic book movies at the box office.

I sincerely hope for the day when people return to their senses and offer their money to movies because of their cinematic quality other than their branding. Considering how much music is now taking over our culture, we could use that reminder of how much music raises our self-esteem when times are hard. After seeing what La La Land can do with both old and new styles of filmmaking, I can absolutely assess that I love musicals all over again! Therefore, I encourage everyone to go see this magical delight to raise the spirits for 2017. After all, tomorrow is another day!… Expand

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

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7

fmmJan 3, 2017

With the exception of the brilliant opening sequence, another critical darling this year that disappoints. With so much talent - and given that this is a musical - could they not find actors who were better singers and dancers!?

7 of 11 users found this helpful74

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7

toadvinesJan 19, 2017

This made a refreshing change from the usual sort of stuff I watch. I thought it could have been a heck of a lot better though – the song and dance routines were a bit bland and uninspiring if you ask me. The choreography in the openingThis made a refreshing change from the usual sort of stuff I watch. I thought it could have been a heck of a lot better though – the song and dance routines were a bit bland and uninspiring if you ask me. The choreography in the opening number seemed a bit ‘loose’. I’m not sure if this was intentional or not. The songs were….okay….it’s hard to really know after one listen. I have been humming the ‘City of Stars’ song all day though. Gosling and Stone are delightful. They really carry the film. Emma Stone is the best young actress around and she has a lovely singing voice. However the acting from John Legend is diabolical. He really is terrible every time he speaks. I don’t know why they gave him a speaking part in this film. But overall, I enjoyed my time with this movie and this would encourage me to go and see more musicals. I think musicals work much better in the movie theatre than at home.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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7

maiyagygeryMar 9, 2017

La La Land is a Hollywood version of a Bollywood movie.
Too much singing, too much dancing, the plot is common, nothing special except the jazz music.

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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7

GabMegaApr 18, 2017

Después de 5 meses, finalmente me pude ver La la land, y aunque mis expectativas no estaban tan altas con esta película, me impresiono a final de cuentas es sus mayores aspectos técnicos, y hasta argumentales, no tanto en estos últimos,Después de 5 meses, finalmente me pude ver La la land, y aunque mis expectativas no estaban tan altas con esta película, me impresiono a final de cuentas es sus mayores aspectos técnicos, y hasta argumentales, no tanto en estos últimos, porque quizás los personajes no sean los favoritos de muchas espectadores que se vean la pelicula. Pero hay una cosa que no se puede negar, la musica de esta obra, llego para quedarse, siendo mis favoritas Another Day Of Sun, Someone In The Crowd y City of Stars, son totalmente memorables y hasta uno le da una buenas energías al momento de escucharlas. Y pues claro, que se puede esperar del mismo que dirigió Whiplash, que ahora va a estar a boca de muchos en esta nueva era de cine como lo esta siendo como Iñárritu o Guillermo del Toro que esta volviendo a sacar relevancia en estos tiempos.

Quizás no sea la película que va a cambiar la industria, pero es una que deben apreciar a los que les gusta de buen cine y de aprender a analizar las características que conforman una película para los estudiantes o críticos que estudian cine.

Aunque mi favorita para los Oscares seguirá siendo Arrival.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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7

IM-NOT-DEADPOOLJun 24, 2017

Ehhh. I had to give it 7 out of 10. I would give it 9 out of 10,but theres too much purple.You know what I mean.Its too bright too. Just look at all those lights.

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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7

SilentTacticianFeb 23, 2018

Fantastic dance scenes and I really enjoyed the song "City of Stars". Liked the ending choice. Everything else is boring and dull.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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7

oneofjwNov 25, 2022

Look , im not a big fan of musicals. But this has Emma Stone on it so thats a win.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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7

yotaaApr 26, 2023

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie has great music, but the plot could've been better. Sad ending..… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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6

astrowhizApr 30, 2017

I like musicals, but I left La La Land slightly disappointed. Ryan and Emma are good in their roles, but unfortunately they're only so-so singers and dancers. I did like the chemistry between them though. The movie only has one good song,I like musicals, but I left La La Land slightly disappointed. Ryan and Emma are good in their roles, but unfortunately they're only so-so singers and dancers. I did like the chemistry between them though. The movie only has one good song, which I think the film-makers recognized as it's used again and again in the film. The cinematography is good, but the staging and direction are very safe and unoriginal. I'd contrast it with a movie like Chicago, which was very inventive with how to present the music in each scene.… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

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6

RazvJan 25, 2017

A pretty good romantic musical, but a pretty bland experience overall. The chemestry between the two characters is great, however the plot is incredibly predictable and the dialogues are often out of place. The soundtrack is spot on though.A pretty good romantic musical, but a pretty bland experience overall. The chemestry between the two characters is great, however the plot is incredibly predictable and the dialogues are often out of place. The soundtrack is spot on though. Overall not something to skip, but certainly not something to be baffled by.… Expand

1 of 6 users found this helpful15

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6

StevieGJDFeb 9, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. 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.… Expand

4 of 9 users found this helpful45

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6

ClariseSamuelsSep 18, 2018

Film musicals have a long and venerable history in Hollywood, although we see less of them now in this age of skepticism when viewers are slightly less inclined to be seduced by the magic and the illusion of the big screen. Films based onFilm musicals have a long and venerable history in Hollywood, although we see less of them now in this age of skepticism when viewers are slightly less inclined to be seduced by the magic and the illusion of the big screen. Films based on Marvel Comics, which now rule the industry, have succeeded in resurrecting some of that old wizardry that makes the audience forget themselves as they plunge into a make-believe world. Trying to make a magical musical in the twenty-first century that references the classics of the 40’s and 50’s is a risky business, but La-La Land has succeeded in charming its audiences with its song, dance and simple love story of two young people with a dream. Nevertheless, translating what is basically a stagecraft into a musical film is difficult. The forced artificiality of breaking out into song and dance (the phenomenon known as “I feel a song coming on”) is born of the architecture and design of stage and theatre, which is artificial in and of itself. Suspension of disbelief is required for performances limited by the spatial dimensions of the stage, but with live theatre, we are prepared for this practiced tradition of Western civilization going back to ancient Greece (although props and scenery were not invented until after 1600, and the position of scenic designer did not evolve until the 1920’s).

The risk of too much theatrical artificiality is a lurking threat behind this film, but it is to some extent salvaged by the performances of Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. Their singing voices are so-so but they dazzle when they dance, and Gosling cuts an eloquent profile at any piano. He is the perfect picture of the artist as a young man—romantic, angry, frustrated, a loner who is misunderstood even by the one woman who loves him. From the moment the characters of Mia and Sebastian meet, setbacks, misunderstandings and financial concerns delay and frustrate their relationship until finally it fails. At the end of the film, a fantasy sequence replaying their entire romantic history in an idyllic version of how things might have been is a poetic testament to the harsh realities of life and how it interferes with the hopes and dreams of the individual. For the most part, the two lovers both achieve what they wished for, but the personal price was high. The poignant, old-fashioned nostalgia of the film is enhanced by the musical score, most especially the haunting refrains of the song “City of Stars,” sung by Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

TyranianApr 11, 2019

Pretty good musical film with a few good songs and decent acting. Gotta love musicals though.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

EdeltraudJan 28, 2017

Sure good, if you like musicals. But like most films now about 30 minutes too long. Too many numbers with just Gosling & Stone -- why not get more background dancers involved especially with the backdrop of jazz clubs? Pool scenes were lostSure good, if you like musicals. But like most films now about 30 minutes too long. Too many numbers with just Gosling & Stone -- why not get more background dancers involved especially with the backdrop of jazz clubs? Pool scenes were lost opportunity to do a brief Esther Williams tribute. Neither star has great vocal chops, which is OK, as it makes their characters down to earth -- still, would have enjoyed better skills - kind of thin singing & I got bored with the repetition of the theme song. Also would have been fun to have more fully developed secondary characters -- i.e. Gosling's sister shows up for 30 seconds as a foil to his messed up life but then she just disappears. Stone has all these roommates who could have provided a counterpoint to her experience but who just serve as props. A nice fantasy romance & yes it's nice to see a musical but really not quite up to all these raves -- still, miles above Mama Mia.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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6

endaugustDec 22, 2016

Didn't live up to the hype. A tribute or a gimmick? Hard to tell sometimes. The love story is shallow and thus all the rendered emotions feel artificial and pushed. Emma Stone is quite lovable and her acting is note perfect. Ryan Gosling is miscast.

6 of 18 users found this helpful612

All this user's reviews

6

21gramsJan 16, 2017

Painfully average movie and it's getting hyped because hey - it's musical. The story is cheesy and you've seen it like a billion times, yes it's trite. As a musical it's so inconsistent - the beginning is just cheap musical theater that hasPainfully average movie and it's getting hyped because hey - it's musical. The story is cheesy and you've seen it like a billion times, yes it's trite. As a musical it's so inconsistent - the beginning is just cheap musical theater that has thematically absolutely nothing in common with what is going in the movie - it's cheap and lazy and only later on a few jazz pieces and ones with John Legend kinda save they day from absolute disaster. The cast is not not amazing but it does the job and I kinda feel sorry for Ryan Gosling - he is way better than this, but apparently for some mysterious reasons his career is going downhill. I'm sorry, but if this get's best motion picture of year, then academy awards can go to hell, since those are going garbage more and more every year. It's not a bad movie, but it's not great either. It's just painfully average with a lot inconsistencies. I loved the Whiplash but with this one Chazelle felt flat to me, in music terms "it was out of tune".… Expand

7 of 14 users found this helpful77

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6

Brent_MarchantDec 24, 2016

It's been said "They don't make musicals like this any more," and hopefully they won't in the future, either. Director Damien Chazelle's big budget overlong, cliched production provides a showcase for his potentially stellar filmmakingIt's been said "They don't make musicals like this any more," and hopefully they won't in the future, either. Director Damien Chazelle's big budget overlong, cliched production provides a showcase for his potentially stellar filmmaking abilities, but its largely forgettable soundtrack, plodding pacing and lack of viewer emotional engagement doom it to unending mediocrity that will likely have you checking your watch in anticipation of its long-awaited conclusion (as it did with me). Granted, the film is technically brilliant and nice to look at and features fine performances, singing and dancing. But its unoriginal story line, all-too-obvious thematic elements, underwhelming humor and inability to get viewers to feel much of anything for its protagonists undermine whatever goodwill is earned by its few strengths. This one's a reach that tries way too hard and never really satisfies.… Expand

7 of 20 users found this helpful713

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6

TheMetacritiqerDec 30, 2016

It's super overrated but a little better than average. Would have preferred if it was more of a throwback to the era of the songs at the pool party scene.

1 of 10 users found this helpful19

All this user's reviews

6

twall3Jan 30, 2017

The opening scene made me embarrassed to have asked my wife to see this movie. "What is this - High School Musical?" she asks. There were scenes that I really liked - maybe even loved. Emma was great as a down-to-earth quirky actress. Some ofThe opening scene made me embarrassed to have asked my wife to see this movie. "What is this - High School Musical?" she asks. There were scenes that I really liked - maybe even loved. Emma was great as a down-to-earth quirky actress. Some of the dialogue was borderline brilliant. Her discussion w/ Ryan about him giving up on dreams was wonderful and real. I understand why people love this movie but too many of the dance numbers just seemed too sugary, whimsical and fake for my taste. Less is more - less musical numbers used more strategically and my score would have been an 8 or 9.… Expand

6 of 13 users found this helpful67

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6

shoulderoforionJan 22, 2017

It was alright, there were some moments of joy/wonder in this homage to Hollywood golden era musical romantic comedy, but both the romance & comedy fell short. The "what if" montage was devastating. Better than bad, but in no way great.

3 of 11 users found this helpful38

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6

TheGamerKnightMar 16, 2017

Presenting the most overrated movie anyone ever saw, Moonlight. Wait, hold on...La La Land. (See what I did there?)

La La Land is boring. It's incredibly dull, the plot seemed a little obvious, the music isn't even that good...it's overratedPresenting the most overrated movie anyone ever saw, Moonlight. Wait, hold on...La La Land. (See what I did there?)

La La Land is boring. It's incredibly dull, the plot seemed a little obvious, the music isn't even that good...it's overrated as hell.

But hey, at least the performances are pretty good.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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6

KaptenVideoDec 9, 2016

The dinner is served, girls and boys! Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone are here to dazzle you with this movie musical serving as ode to both 1950's musicals and screenwriter-director Damien Chazelle's love for jazz. The story is generic but cosyThe dinner is served, girls and boys! Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone are here to dazzle you with this movie musical serving as ode to both 1950's musicals and screenwriter-director Damien Chazelle's love for jazz. The story is generic but cosy as your favorite pillow: jazz pianist boy meets waitress / aspiring actress girl and they fall in love. And then a whole bunch of people dance and sing. The two lovely stars are both singing and dancing themselves, doing a good job at that. Still, personally I'd have chosen an actress with stronger onscreen presence to pair up with already-legendary Gosling. But you know, whatever.

I am not actually into musicals, so for me, by far the most impressive thing about this feel-good crowdpleaser is the boss man behind the screen: Damien Chazelle. The dude is only nearly 32 years old but he has done three movies already, always as a director and a sole screenwriter. You know him better as the author of 2014's majestic surprise hit "Whiplash".

So... go see it. If you like musicals, you will be pleased. If you don't care about them, there's still enough feel-good stuff to enjoy the ride for 128 minutes.

If you are a fan of "Whiplash" dying to get another dose of Chazelle, then be prepared for a nice surprise in the form of certain bald guy who should have a bigger role here for sure.… Expand

5 of 28 users found this helpful523

All this user's reviews

6

ShowPonyDec 17, 2016

B- Literally most overrated movie in film history. Expected 2nd coming of "Citizen Kane." Unfortunately, it's the "Hairspray Live" of movies. Technical perfection can't help paper thin script, ridiculous opening "traffic" dance mess (noteB- Literally most overrated movie in film history. Expected 2nd coming of "Citizen Kane." Unfortunately, it's the "Hairspray Live" of movies. Technical perfection can't help paper thin script, ridiculous opening "traffic" dance mess (note to directors & producers: if traffic is stopped on the on ramp, edit free flowing traffic on freeway out of scene - duh!). Gosling & Stone are amazing but chemistry is more brother-sister than smoldering passion. John Legend is awful. Thankfully brilliant final 10 minutes elevates movie to a B- from a barely average C.… Expand

10 of 28 users found this helpful1018

All this user's reviews

6

natanfkJan 25, 2017

Totally average. Technically it's great, but it misses content. A lot of it. It's the kind of movie that it's like a dog. It will sit, lay and roll to gain a cookie (oscar).

9 of 14 users found this helpful95

All this user's reviews

6

Darksabre812Feb 27, 2017

Look, I get it. Its a solid film. It has everything it needs to win Oscars, it pulls on the nostalgia strings in the correct way, it mirrors familiar scenes from old movies. In other words, it is a giant pat on the back to the movie industry.Look, I get it. Its a solid film. It has everything it needs to win Oscars, it pulls on the nostalgia strings in the correct way, it mirrors familiar scenes from old movies. In other words, it is a giant pat on the back to the movie industry. Much like the Artist, it focuses on characters that are hard to relate to for regular movie goers. Go ahead and see it. I'm sure you'll like it, but I guarantee you in three years you won't be thinking about this movie.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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6

DaBlazeyekFeb 19, 2017

I think it's definitely film NOT for Oscar. Generally film was OK, but in 2016 there was so much better films. "La la land" should have Oscars only for music. Then, Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling played rather for Gold Raspberries, not for "theI think it's definitely film NOT for Oscar. Generally film was OK, but in 2016 there was so much better films. "La la land" should have Oscars only for music. Then, Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling played rather for Gold Raspberries, not for "the greatest film awards". And plot was not oryginal, even banal.… Expand

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

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6

luke100Jan 9, 2018

The relationship between the protagonists is fun and engaging, and the final sequence makes up for a huge part of the movie. But I found nothing interesting in the soundtrack, the musical numbers, the themes, the- well, almost nowhere,The relationship between the protagonists is fun and engaging, and the final sequence makes up for a huge part of the movie. But I found nothing interesting in the soundtrack, the musical numbers, the themes, the- well, almost nowhere, really. It just didn't thrill me at all.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

TheEventsOf1989Jan 10, 2020

"La La Land" does combine Chazelle's fun camerawork with good acting and an interesting musical tone, but it's story doesn't give us enough, and its music feels mostly average. Some of the pivotal moments in the story happen off-screen, and"La La Land" does combine Chazelle's fun camerawork with good acting and an interesting musical tone, but it's story doesn't give us enough, and its music feels mostly average. Some of the pivotal moments in the story happen off-screen, and the rest leaves us mostly unsatisfied, there can be a profound message in a lack of satisfaction, but it's story needs more context. The visuals are well done, the camera feels as though it dances with the characters in every scene, but the story and music leave a lot to be desired.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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6

colehibbertDec 12, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The conflict isn't really there... does anything bad really happen to these characters? At the beginning, they're all moody and lost while living in (hollywood stop doing this) big, nice apartments. So when they introduce the emotional drama, you don't really feel bad for these characters. They were doing fine in the first place. The scene at the end was good, though.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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5

EludiumQ36Apr 26, 2017

Giving it a 5 is generous, mainly because of its casting and production values. But I called ToD on this 40-mins in. Its attempt at being a 50s or 60s musical about actors' lives was an epic fail and will only be of interest to those with anGiving it a 5 is generous, mainly because of its casting and production values. But I called ToD on this 40-mins in. Its attempt at being a 50s or 60s musical about actors' lives was an epic fail and will only be of interest to those with an LA zip code. This is NOT a mainstream film, but it'll be praised out the wazoo by those that, um, service the acting class and that's why you see a nearly 100% positive Critics' reviews here.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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5

TheWaffleSep 29, 2017

Great characters and direction are wasted in this magical outing for the simple fact that the music is utterly forgettable. For a film so focused on music and theater, it can't manage to pull together any creative effort that breaks the mold.Great characters and direction are wasted in this magical outing for the simple fact that the music is utterly forgettable. For a film so focused on music and theater, it can't manage to pull together any creative effort that breaks the mold. The great musical films have you walking out of the theater with a song in your head that you just can not get out of your mind: Singin' in the Rain, White Christmas, Moulin Rouge's Come What May. None of the songs in La La Land leave any kind of lasting impression. And though Stone and Gosling have good screen presence, it's hard to imagine that there weren't better dancers/singers on offer in LA's sprawling theater scene. Several of the dance scenes and songs seem limited by their talents, and the movie's core message about ambition and creativity would have been much more powerful if the film featured true no-names rather than a highly successful actor and actress.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

All this user's reviews

5

BarryRDec 31, 2016

Mediocre singing, mediocre dancing.
The opening scene was full of colour and should've zinged. But it was thin. Maybe too many dancers, each doing too little.
Contrived plot.
The only exciting bit was John Legend. He could sing!

12 of 19 users found this helpful127

All this user's reviews

5

inaneswineNov 14, 2017

Having waited a year since its original release before I finally saw it meant that I could watch it without the typical Oscars hype that surrounded it. And frankly, I just don't get what the hype was all about.

The story is a somewhatHaving waited a year since its original release before I finally saw it meant that I could watch it without the typical Oscars hype that surrounded it. And frankly, I just don't get what the hype was all about.

The story is a somewhat muddled tale of a struggling actress and a jazz musician who fall in love, though they struggle to keep things together as they chase their dreams. Now, a plain story like this can usually be dressed up in a musical with flashy singing and dancing - neither of which are present here. The songs are repetitive, as it turns out that listening to the exact same chord progression repeated for two hours can become a bit tedious; and Stone and Gosling's "singing-in-the-shower" warbles certainly didn't dazzle this viewer. In fact, their restrained musical performances are an embarassment to the resplendant costumes and sets that surround them.

What's worst, however, is that its potential did shine through. There are two or three dramatic scenes between Stone and Gosling that are so well written and brilliantly acted, they genuinely show up the mediocrity of the rest. It's not a bad film, by any standards, just very painfully and shamefully average.

Finally, I watch enough Strictly Come Dancing to be irked by the poor shaping of Emma Stone's hands during her final musical number with Ryan Gosling. But that's being quite picky, isn't it?… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

AxeTDec 26, 2016

Yet again the obscene over-praise by jackass critics who join the herd because they are incapable of thinking for themselves! This is why they are critics to begin with. This little movie is fine but sure isn't greatness as reviewers mightYet again the obscene over-praise by jackass critics who join the herd because they are incapable of thinking for themselves! This is why they are critics to begin with. This little movie is fine but sure isn't greatness as reviewers might attempt to make you believe. This is the age we live in. "Grease" was a much better musical. "Swingers" was a wittier and far funnier similar tale of making it in Tinseltown. Yet of course those two movies were not nominated by The Academy. This will be by those sheep because of a sheer decline in standards, and simply because it's a stupid musical. A musical made by a dopey millennial with a dopey millennial sensibility where phony dialogue and dopey millennial slight humor pass for adult reality. This unoriginal film is thin on all important plot and story craft if not on visual style and the maturity of its theme. The leads are a Canadian who wears his watch on the wrong wrist and an actress playing an actress who is not all that attractive. The film does stay with you though which is an important signifier of any truly good movie. However too little and too late in its running time does any sort of poignancy develop astute as that aspect is.… Expand

8 of 19 users found this helpful811

All this user's reviews

5

pdw123Dec 30, 2016

Hollywood reflexive films have been done before, and please see the master named Woody Allen, to the viewers here, if you yet haven't--he was the master who did it the best. I agree with the other reviewer here saying that these days withHollywood reflexive films have been done before, and please see the master named Woody Allen, to the viewers here, if you yet haven't--he was the master who did it the best. I agree with the other reviewer here saying that these days with Kael and Ebert gone, you now have the AA sycophant reviewers giving stuff a pass, and "the Artist" and "Birdman" are simply prime examples, couldn't have said it better.

Chazelle's second film is simply not up to par with his brilliant work that absolutely floored me, "Whiplash". That work was totally original, inspired by personal experience obviously, and held my attention like I was sitting on a pin cushion throughout, and with a dramatic climax like none seen before. It is an amazing piece of work and needs to be listed under "great" films, and there's also NO comparison whatsoever between the JK Simmons performance in it (beyond brilliant) TO this current film--a mediocre bit part.

Gosling and Stone are multi-talented, I'll give them that, but Stone is overall a better actor, and Gosling came off too plastic and contrived throughout this. While there are a couple of belly laughs maybe worth 1/3 the price of admission, the overall film had me looking at the time and just dragged on and on waiting for it to end finally.

I thought given the fact that Chazelle was a "jazzer" with Gosling trying to transcribe the car radio piece in the first scene, that I would be in for an original treat. However, the bane of Hollywood trying to market films to too many interest groups e.g. Is it a reflexive film, a musical, a jazz film?? It was just trying to be too many things at once without a coherent vision, so better luck next time Damien, and I can't recommend it overall, and the 94 rating is just way way overhyped.… Expand

3 of 11 users found this helpful38

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5

TaborFeb 10, 2017

Damien Chazelle's Ode to Hollywood, "La La Land" is a thin and predictable mega musical. The love between Sebastien and Mia is cliched and overly dramatic as is the score, which has some unforgettable hooks but not much more. Damien ChazelleDamien Chazelle's Ode to Hollywood, "La La Land" is a thin and predictable mega musical. The love between Sebastien and Mia is cliched and overly dramatic as is the score, which has some unforgettable hooks but not much more. Damien Chazelle gives his all into this sweet non substantial flick, and does not get much out of it, as the relationship is going into a direction we've seen before, and the music relies on repitition to convey emotions. Go home and watch "The Broadway Melody" or "West Side Story" instead of this fun but tiring musical epic.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

All this user's reviews

5

CheetahiceFeb 2, 2017

I think that this movie has a very unbelievable plot line and I also think that the musical was a little over the top. The only thing that they did great for my opinion was that they got a talented cast. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone cameI think that this movie has a very unbelievable plot line and I also think that the musical was a little over the top. The only thing that they did great for my opinion was that they got a talented cast. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone came together to make an okay film that won too many awards.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

All this user's reviews

5

cine1Jan 28, 2017

The dance numbers, inside nods to the city of LA and Ryan Gosling's quirky, charming bravado carry this film through its first half. Then, the fantastical dance sequences quickly lose its charm and the second half of the film becomes quiteThe dance numbers, inside nods to the city of LA and Ryan Gosling's quirky, charming bravado carry this film through its first half. Then, the fantastical dance sequences quickly lose its charm and the second half of the film becomes quite dull. Plus, it seems Gosling and Emma Stone aren't very good singers, which I get is part of their characters, but is hard to listen over long stretches in a feature film. "What's wrong with being romantic," Gosling's character asks in the beginning of the film. Nothing, and this film is romantic and charming but I do like to see some development between characters past the visually pleasing song and dance numbers that are really just flashes in the pan. A light, enjoyable film but more style than substance.… Expand

5 of 10 users found this helpful55

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5

ALisandeDec 30, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I've never walked out of a movie so unsure whether I liked it or not, and I can't explain why; the acting was decent (though the singing and dancing, not so much), and the story, while cliched, was ok. And the ending frustrated me. Maybe I'm just weird this way, but if I'd gone off to Paris to shoot a movie, I would have kept in touch with someone who had inspired me to reach my dreams, instead of haphazardly bumping into them 5 years later with no contact in the meantime.… Expand

2 of 9 users found this helpful27

All this user's reviews

5

DrBlahBlahFeb 12, 2021

An indulgent and ridiculous film that knows nothing about jazz and even less about life in the real world.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

5

Onlyclassicvg1Sep 19, 2022

Sauron's forces have laid siege to Minas Tirith, the capital of Gondor, in their efforts to eliminate the race of men. The once-great kingdom, watched over by a fading steward, has never been in more desperate need of its king. But canSauron's forces have laid siege to Minas Tirith, the capital of Gondor, in their efforts to eliminate the race of men. The once-great kingdom, watched over by a fading steward, has never been in more desperate need of its king. But can Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) answer the call of his heritage and become what he was born to be? In no small… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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5

Gamzguy17Aug 21, 2021

The film is in love with nostalgia; complete with the bright colours, choreography, cinemascope, and editing transitions that big-time grandiose Hollywood of yore used for its big-budget musicals. It's so in love that it unfortunately fallsThe film is in love with nostalgia; complete with the bright colours, choreography, cinemascope, and editing transitions that big-time grandiose Hollywood of yore used for its big-budget musicals. It's so in love that it unfortunately falls victim to plot sacrifice by pleasing today's pop culture fascination with the oldies. Being that this is also a Musical, its songs are also, unfortunately, not very memorable and have mediocre choreography. I also did not feel any on-screen chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone as the two leads.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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4

mandm1951Jan 16, 2017

I was disappointed. I didn't fully engage with the characters or plot. Instead my mind wandered to thoughts such as, "Best picture of the year? What am I missing?" -- Not a bad film imo, but I was hoping for more given the hype.

12 of 21 users found this helpful129

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4

JamesLJan 30, 2017

I see why the critics rave as it is original and breaks away from the same old themes we get every time. That said, I was bored and could not wait for it to end. From the first scene on the freeway, I knew I would not enjoy this. The problemI see why the critics rave as it is original and breaks away from the same old themes we get every time. That said, I was bored and could not wait for it to end. From the first scene on the freeway, I knew I would not enjoy this. The problem is more me and my lack of enjoyment for musicals and jazz. The plot and character development is wafer thin and it troughs in Legend to try and keep your attention. When I saw Silence just two weeks ago ,I was clued to the chair as the subject matter really has been on my mind since I was a little kid. It is all a matter of taste. This film does not satisfy or interest me.… Expand

4 of 9 users found this helpful45

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4

lancekozMay 17, 2017

I really, really can't believe the critical acclaim for this light thing. Sure, the singing is not great, I can deal with that, but also, it just isn't fun! Snipey and dark, with low chemistry. After suffering thru the beginning, I was aI really, really can't believe the critical acclaim for this light thing. Sure, the singing is not great, I can deal with that, but also, it just isn't fun! Snipey and dark, with low chemistry. After suffering thru the beginning, I was a little enthused by the 'pool party' scene, which was finally light, both visually and in mood. But then, it retreated into its marginally directed dirge-y-ness. The wildly over-worked planetarium romance scene looked hokey in this age of great effects... and we are led to believe that two gorgeous adults living in LA are ruminating about a kiss in a way some grade-schoolers might? In fact, that makes me realize, if this film was made based on junior-high students, it may've made a lot more sense.… Expand

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

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4

NedRyerson1Jan 21, 2017

La La Land is the new movie of Damien Chazelle, and after Whiplash the expectations are high, although is a musical, so obviously contains flash mobs, everybody singing at the stupidest situation and knowing perfectly the choreography.La La Land is the new movie of Damien Chazelle, and after Whiplash the expectations are high, although is a musical, so obviously contains flash mobs, everybody singing at the stupidest situation and knowing perfectly the choreography. Despite that, like I said before, the director in his previous work demonstrated all his potential, the problem is that in this film there is none of that. The complex protagonist that wants to reach a goal, making a path marked by obsession, that implies rupture of own canons and lot of sacrifice to finally find itself again in perfection, is lost. Here the protagonists are nothing but stereotypes, they are empty, circular, and there is no evolution at all. Also we have zero development of secondary roles, simple plot and predictable conflict. The outcome did surprise me, totally unexpected, but cannot save this mediocre picture. The songs are great and enjoyable, nothing to say about them, the performances are fine too, up to the occasion. This film is made in order that the viewer leaves the theater feeling well, but really is a setup to deceive the weak-minded.… Expand

4 of 10 users found this helpful46

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4

dc127Jan 31, 2019

I still don't get why people went crazy over this film. It was . . . fine. The whole end sequence made me angry. They stopped dating because she was going to take a job away for a couple months? It wasn't like she was going there permanently.I still don't get why people went crazy over this film. It was . . . fine. The whole end sequence made me angry. They stopped dating because she was going to take a job away for a couple months? It wasn't like she was going there permanently. They have phones. And planes. He didn't have to give up his job. He could go visit her off and on until the film was done. Instead they just throw in the towel and she ends up with someone else and you get the "might have been sequence." Just give us the happy ending. The bittersweet one was just the director trying to get Oscar bait. It didn't make the movie better. Also in no way did she deserve an Oscar for her performance. It was good, but nothing different than any of her other movies. If anything Ryan was the standout role.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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4

gameplayer85Jan 15, 2017

Wanted too see what all the hoopla was about seeing how this was supposed too be the movie of the year. Gosling was good as always. The musical numbers didn't blow me away. Neither of thier singing voices will blow you away. Could haveWanted too see what all the hoopla was about seeing how this was supposed too be the movie of the year. Gosling was good as always. The musical numbers didn't blow me away. Neither of thier singing voices will blow you away. Could have definitely used more people of color in main cast roles in this film. It's supposed to be L.A. but it feels more like some unmapped area of whitetown. Wish they would have cast someone other than emma stone. Her acting wasn't solid, singing was mediocre at best and the whole time all i could wonder is when was the last time she has eaten a good meal because her rail thin body distracted me the entire time. I felt like if a big gust of win came along she would get blown off set! All in all the movie is watchable but it's not going to blow you away like the wind might do to Ms. Stone. Want to watch a good musical film? Go watch Across the Universe with the uber talented Evan Racheal Wood.… Expand

5 of 12 users found this helpful57

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4

finnigan37Dec 26, 2016

The film is beautifully shot and the actors give it their best but in the end it's just kind of boring and unoriginal. Trying so hard for award recognition at the expense of doing something more interesting.

9 of 21 users found this helpful912

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4

psyberdelicApr 26, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Good Not Great... Overrated. This film is OK but really uneven in tone, writing and acting. It starts off fine but by the time the leads get into a really stupid fight when Mia questions whether Sebastian is following his dream but he seems to be doing fine. They break up, he talks her into one last audition, which, of course, is her giant break. Five years get jumped with no explanation or back story and then we get treated to two different endings. Neither of which is satisfying. Maybe it was supposed to be clever but I found it really annoying and it spoiled the parts that were OK. I would call it a Hollywood Musical Light. Doesn't compare to the best (West Side Story, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, Singin' In The Rain, etc.)… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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4

nilsyJan 28, 2017

During more then half of the musical parts i was checking the clock and wondering if it was worth it to finish the movie even. Nothing wrong with the instrumental music its the songs that i dislike, which is a shame as visually it wasDuring more then half of the musical parts i was checking the clock and wondering if it was worth it to finish the movie even. Nothing wrong with the instrumental music its the songs that i dislike, which is a shame as visually it was stunning throwback towards the golden age of hollywood musicals. The songs emma and ryan are forced into trying to sing are demanding stuff that a skilled singer could really make something out of sadly that was not to be. If these actors had tried to audition for american idol neither ryan or emma would stand a chance of getting in. Yet somehow nobody cares they are lead in a hollywood musical they are still praised to high heavens for la la land its beyond me why all the critics set the bar so incredible low for hollywood actors singing. Maybe modern critics simply arnt used to judging singers and think average is good enough its afterall a movie and not a album.… Expand

7 of 12 users found this helpful75

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4

PanchogulSep 11, 2023

No es mala pero está extremadamente sobrevalorada de principio a fin. Moonlight es por lejos infinitamente mejor.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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4

johnsonjohnsonJan 17, 2017

有時則是指在伦敦西区上演的戏剧。光業的役所浩二勝俣博山约百老汇剧院經常共同被看作光業的役所浩二勝俣博山是英语世界中最高水平的商业剧院代表。观赏伦敦西区的演出已经成为觀光業光業的役所浩二勝俣博山的役所浩二勝俣博山崎健藺生小林高水平的商业剧院代表。观赏伦敦西区光光業的役所浩二勝俣博山業的役所浩二勝俣博山。有時則是指在伦敦西区上演的戏剧。光業的役所浩二勝俣博山约百老汇剧院經常共同被看作光業的役所浩二勝俣博山是英语世界中最高水平的商业剧院代表。观赏伦敦西区的演出已经成为觀光業光業的役所浩二勝俣博山的役所浩二勝俣博山崎健藺生小林高水平的商业剧院代表。观赏伦敦西区光光業的役所浩二勝俣博山業的役所浩二勝俣博山。

6 of 10 users found this helpful64

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4

GleefulnessJul 30, 2017

Not as good as Jacques Remy film it rips off. End sequence was good but songs weren't that memorable and story didn't quite work. If you like this, check out Umbrellas of Cherbourg.

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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4

manusbyrneApr 7, 2018

La La land is a musical that does not have good songs or a good story. The story follows a women who dream to be an actress but just can't get a movie role and a man who want to open a bar that plays jazz music. the story is not creative orLa La land is a musical that does not have good songs or a good story. The story follows a women who dream to be an actress but just can't get a movie role and a man who want to open a bar that plays jazz music. the story is not creative or interesting it is just so cliched.
the film doesn't know what tone it wants to go for. From the advertising and the trailers, you would think that this was going to be a happy musical but no it's a drama and not a good one. Despite of it being a drama most of the song in the movie is a very happy tone and once the songs are over the movie instantly goes back into a drama. Because of this the songs of the movie feel out of place. Not to say that the song is not good. They are actually very good, City of stars is the best song in the hole film it's well written and it's the only song in the hole film that fits in with the tone of the film.
So what about the drama if that is the main focus of the film. well, it's not only bad but it's stooped. The characters are always going back and forward of happy song and serious drama which just ruins the drama.
This film would just be alright if the ending was not terrible. does not make sense for the characters to do what they did at the end and nothing else makes sense about it.
that's why I give this a 4 out of 10… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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4

laltunaNov 13, 2018

The whole movie was made out of rip-offs from other musicals. Very nice topic, not-so-good acting (except Stone) and awful dancing.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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4

kino_avantgardeNov 18, 2022

La La Land is a movie that owes its relative success not to the technical quality of the film; editing, script, director, etc.; but instead people's longing for nostalgia, manipulating the audience emotionally, keeping a 'light of hope' aliveLa La Land is a movie that owes its relative success not to the technical quality of the film; editing, script, director, etc.; but instead people's longing for nostalgia, manipulating the audience emotionally, keeping a 'light of hope' alive until the last minute, and of course the leading actors who are loved by both opposite genders.

The fact that it left tears and smiles on the audience's face at the end explains why he is so identified with the audience.

However, if there is one thing to remember, it is the difference between successful and quality film. In addition, success is subjective, quality (technical) objective data; It would be more rational to compare from this point of view.

Whether la la land is a "dreamland" as depicted in the movie, or just a fake paradise, the decision is yours. I only respect the ones which touches my brain, not necessarily or only my heart.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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3

JoeCoolMay 22, 2019

I didn't like the story much. It has some good moments but not a lot. What the hell was I watching? Very overrated movie. I put off seeing it as I'm not really into musicals. I had to force myself to watch it all the way through and now II didn't like the story much. It has some good moments but not a lot. What the hell was I watching? Very overrated movie. I put off seeing it as I'm not really into musicals. I had to force myself to watch it all the way through and now I feel worse for having seen it. Universal acclaim, man, your opinion may differ.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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3

GreatMartinDec 30, 2016

I LOVE jazz, love stores and Hollywood musical movies so why is my reaction to "La La Land", which right now seems to be the one to beat for the Best Movie Oscar and Golden Globe, so blah? Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone have chemistry as theI LOVE jazz, love stores and Hollywood musical movies so why is my reaction to "La La Land", which right now seems to be the one to beat for the Best Movie Oscar and Golden Globe, so blah? Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone have chemistry as the lovers from the boy meets girl, boy loves girl, boy loses girl in the acting department but are sorely lacking in the singing and dancing department though Gosling acquits himself in piano playing.

Everything you read, including comments by the director and screenwriter Damien Chazelle, has remarks about it being a salute to old Hollywood movies and to Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Cyd Charisse, Judy Garland but,with no disrespect, unless this was a take-off of all mentioned, and even if Charisse's voice was dubbed, "La La Land" fails miserably. I have seen some talk about it saluting Jacques Demy and Michel Legrand's movies "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" and "The young Girls of Rochefort" which it does in some departments such as the production design by David Wasco and the costume designs by Mary Zophres. Regarding the choreography by Mandy Moore the opening is really a winner but in other scenes she is let down by Stone and Gosling who just don't have it when it comes to doing the steps she has for them. There is one scene where they are dancing in the stars, at the Griffith Observatory planetarium after watching the James Dean movie "Rebel Without a Cause", that is more special effects than dancing.

The music by Justin Hurwitz with lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul sort of get lost except for the jazz music which comes across strong, melodic. The love theme lyrics are still somewhat a mystery to me though it is sung and played a few times.

The climax lasting about twenty minutes, a recap of what has taken place for the first 100 minutes, jell everything together but, for me, it was too late.I think I would have been much happier and appreciated the movie, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone just seeing that section.

J.K. Simmons, who was in Chazells's "Whiplash" and won an Oscar for his role does a brief cameo here while John Legend does an extended one, neither adding or taking away from the movie.

The bottom line is that "La La Land", for me, was not worth the time though I am sure I am in a very small minority. It might have helped if I hadn't seen the Broadway version of "An American In Paris" in Miami this past Tuesday where the leads were amazing dancers and strong singers.

P.S. When will the fad of young actors wearing that 5 o'clock shadow stubble on their faces end? ARGH!!… Expand

11 of 29 users found this helpful1118

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3

FlorentineJan 17, 2017

I do like musicals, but I didn't like this one. It's been a long time since I walked out of a movie, but I really wanted to today. I stayed to the bitter bitter end. I've never cared for Ryan Gosling or John Legend, and I still have no useI do like musicals, but I didn't like this one. It's been a long time since I walked out of a movie, but I really wanted to today. I stayed to the bitter bitter end. I've never cared for Ryan Gosling or John Legend, and I still have no use for either. The whole movie fell flat. The opening scene was not entertaining. Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly and Donald O'Conner must be rolling in their graves and rolling their eyes at this one. Best movie of the year? You cannot be serious!… Expand

16 of 31 users found this helpful1615

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3

sonderFeb 20, 2017

I feel like I'm taking CRAZY PILLS! La La Land wins the award for most overrated movie of year, perhaps decade. Does anyone remember Crash? The patronizing L.A. movie that trots out endless, unoriginal "gee it makes you think" race tropes.I feel like I'm taking CRAZY PILLS! La La Land wins the award for most overrated movie of year, perhaps decade. Does anyone remember Crash? The patronizing L.A. movie that trots out endless, unoriginal "gee it makes you think" race tropes. Crash, the Movie that beat Crouching Tiger in the Oscars, and then no one ever watched it or thought about it again? That's how overrated La La Land is. La La Land is a little bit different from the stereotypical musical, and wants the viewer to celebrate these tiny progressions as something artistic and revolutionary. There's no art here. There's no deeper truth. This is a sugar-coated musical that mechanically a little bit of conflict, a little bit of drama, a smattering of bittersweet notes in an attempt to seem real and genuine. But La La Land fails, the script is a **** formula out of a community college drama writing course. It's as fake and self-congratulatory as the Hollywood film industry, pretending to be brave, when it's really a cookie cutter drama. The sad thing is that, like Crash, the critics fell for it. The academy will probably fall for La La Land too. This movie will probably take attention and awards away from movies that deserve attention.… Expand

5 of 12 users found this helpful57

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3

GadlajkAug 24, 2017

This movie is so overrated that I had to run on my PC just to give it a rating it deserves. People are full of **** movie is pretty bland with terrible ending.

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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3

DaddyO3Feb 14, 2018

Neither I, my wife, or our kids got into this. We turned it off about half way through.

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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3

NickTheCritickAug 9, 2022

I found this movie to be an insult to jazz. The script is trivial, the actors are not the best suited for a musical. I liked none of Chazelle's three films but I found this one to be his worst.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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2

phildogApr 26, 2017

A terrible musical with horrific singing. I mean really, this musical makes GLEE sound good. I mean, dear god. Just Ugh. The main sins of this film include:

1. The obnoxious and distracting camera work. They try and look clever with allA terrible musical with horrific singing. I mean really, this musical makes GLEE sound good. I mean, dear god. Just Ugh. The main sins of this film include:

1. The obnoxious and distracting camera work. They try and look clever with all these contentious shots. The issue is that ruins the pacing of each scene since it leaves no room for properly edited cuts.

2. The music, the singing and sound mixing are all atrocious. "Another Day of Sun" is possibly one of the single worst opening numbers I've witnessed. And I say witnessed, not heard, because you can't hear a damn thing. The music sounds like what you'd hear in an elevator. Competent but boring. The singing is the same, but none of the few decent singers this movie has can harmonise properly. It's hard to notice that problem though, when you can't hear them over the damn music. 3. Yeah... The "white guy trying to save Jazz" is problematic as hell. It's like how in RENT all the white people are being gentrified out of their neighbourhood by a black guy... Like, are you freaking kidding me? It doesn't bother me that much, but it's an issue.

Look, if you like this. Hey, that's great and.. No, I can't do this. Like, if you enjoyed this, I genuinely feel sorry you haven't been exposed to better musicals. I mean go look up Hairspray's opening on youtube. That's a song about Baltimore, yet it sounds more inviting than LA. Or go watch "Singing in the Rain". Sit down and listen to some of the musical numbers from Wicked or Hamilton or The Book of Mormon. Hell, if you're rich enough go see them while you still can.

There is a world of far, far, faaaaaaaar superior musicals out there for you to enjoy. La La Land is an insult to them all.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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2

subseqJan 14, 2017

My wife and I went to see this on a date night last Saturday, and was wowed by the opening scene, the wild and fun dance number on the overpass. Wonderful! Then the movie went right into the crapper. The instant the Emma Stone characterMy wife and I went to see this on a date night last Saturday, and was wowed by the opening scene, the wild and fun dance number on the overpass. Wonderful! Then the movie went right into the crapper. The instant the Emma Stone character flipped off the Ryan Gosling character from her car it was done. The rest of the movie was just as awful. And the next day this film went on to set a record for most Golden Globe awards. Who are these people who think this dreck is anything? It is another in a long line of pathetically pointless postmodern films, it has no direction, no depth, no dramatic tension, nothing to draw you into the story or the characters. Ryan Gosling's an okay actor (I liked him in Lars and the Real Girl and The Big Short) and Emma Stone's a poor one - she's just trying too hard and it was difficult to watch. What was this movie trying to be? A musical? A fantasy? A love story, comedy, drama??? Today's reigning postmodernism allows filmmakers to feel they can string a bunch of vacuous scenes together that appear to have some artistic novelty and think it's quality work. What is most scary is that Millennials eat this up. "Oh that part is so unique and special and it personally speaks to me because I myself have no direction or meaning in my life!" I see it in young adults' eyes everywhere. "There is no truth, I can make my own world, nobody can tell me what to do. And we can dance and sing to it!" Neither Gosling or Stone did those things very well, and the music was dreadful. It was agony to sit through this narcissistic adulation of nothingness. It got two Metacritic rating points here simply because of the first number.… Expand

7 of 20 users found this helpful713

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La La Land

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