What is this thing that's so extraordinary about this movie that everbody sees it but I don't?
I've seen this movie 3 times now and have a ticket purchased for Wednesday night again in the Dome. I LOVE IT. Favorite movie of the year and well on it's way to one of my faves of all time. The music wonderful, the cinematography is gorgeous, the script is hilarious and everything just keeps moving. I love every single scene. I think it has the chance to be the fourth movie ever to win Best Picture, Director, Screenplay, Actress and Actor. Man, is this amazing!!!! See immediately then buy the soundtrack!!!!
UPDATE: Saw it for the 6th time yesterday at the Chinese Theater in IMAX. I. Still. Love. This. Movie. !!!!!!
UPDATE: Took my fam to see it the other night for #7. Still great!
UPDATE: Saw this last night at the Hollywood Bowl, making it my 8th time on the big screen. And I gotta say, my friend and I had an epic epic nightmare of a battle making it to the show and we were 20 minutes into movie when we got there but this movie is so special and spectacular it got us out of our funk instantly. Love it! Then I went home and watched it on blu-ray to hear the commentary man oh man I love this movie. Okay done with updates now that it's on home vid.
This is probably the most overrated movie from last year… I was really disappointed. The acting was regular and not especially glorious, the story was somehow weird but not that bad. The changes between scenes were so abrupt, that I could not enjoy the story… The soundtrack is amazing but that's about all of the movie that really is good – except for some pictures/scenes that look great (playing with the sunsets, etc.). Altogether I'm really surprised that this movie won so many awards…
"People love what other people are passionate about."
It is just incredible how just watching a movie can improve my mood 100 times. The soundtrack is phenomenal and seeing it with the dances makes it so much better. The ending is still very emotional even on a fourth viewing.
I just don't like it. Maybe because I don't like jazz. Maybe because the songs are forgettable. Maybe because Gosling's acting was okay at best. Maybe because the romance is based on an affair (I don't think cheating is romantic). Maybe it's because the singing was just plain bad. I just did not enjoy it at all.
Someone needs to explain to Chazelle that the pursuit of success is not a monopoly in a person's life, that you can organize a hierarchy to have it all and make an agreement with your partner to keep it all in balance; work, love, family, because it's all important and because there's a time for each one, so you don't have these "what could've been between you and me" fantasy endings because you sacrificed x for y, because you didn't want to wait for z or because it was just too hard, even though you're content with the outcome. If you're going to create a love story with real life difficulties and the difficulties that arise when two individuals decide to join their lifes together, you can also make an ideal out of your characters, an ideal of organized values and unbreakable commitment between two people because it is possible.
I'm not arguing for a happy ending for the sake of happy endings, I'm arguing because that "fantasy" ending was possible; it was possible to give a realistic and fulfilled ending to the story of a couple who wanted and could have achieved everything they dreamed of together.
It definitely was a good movie with good songs, but it wasn't a life-changing experience like people make it out to be.
ryan gosling you can murder my v anytime you want
I've been avoiding spoilers for this movie so I could watch this with my own expectation.. and it was worth it. It's really fresh and its plot complexity is well-excecuted. As much as I love musical movies, I didn't expect that the plot would be this neat and well-arranged. Well done, Chazelle. Instantly in love with this, oh, and the soundtracks too.
The cinematography,the acting,the music,the chemistry are all great that make it a good romance movie until the ending come BAM,this probably the best ending of romance movie ever.Yea,mark my word,the best ever.
It has been a while for me. I love this film. I love good musicals at least where the music is not only beautiful but makes sense for the scene and has a part to play in the telling of the story. I love when the music moves us emotionally forward in the character's development and their story. In this magical, whimsical, dreamy, nostalgic, hopeful and heartbreaking film the music does. I was not completely sold on the chemistry between these to two although I have seen them in 'Crazy, Stupid, Love' in which they were perfect. This one took some time for me. I think it is because he taught her how to dream wholeheartedly again. So for a while he was a teacher and though that can cause a connection if felt like the opposite. It felt like it caused distance. I may have to watch this again to get it. There are some scenes though that made me melt. The "where is my car" scene at the end and the "VERY last scene in the movie with both of them" . That filled my heart and broke it all over again. This movie addresses so many things including the fact that you love who you love and you love what you love. When it is right you just know and it takes a strong heart and a bit of courage to follow through. I wish I had that courage to say what I truly felt when it comes to the heart. Maybe one day I will learn but in the mean time I appreciate everyone who made this beautiful film. OK...gonna watch it again.
Utter dross! What on earth was the fuss about this rubbish?
Such a beautiful film! The cinematography is simply amazing!
I liked how the ending was primarily from Mia's perspective. Had it worked out, Sebastian could not have lived his dream. He would have had a great life, playing in a jazz band in Paris and having kids with her, but it wasn't his ultimate dream.
And that's what this film does so well - it's about two people who fall in love and help each other reach their dreams...They just don't end up together.
very nice,i love this movie
Visually stunning, musically charming, emotionally disarming. I could watch this over and over again.
I had high hopes for this movie, but I don't like it. Sometimes the musical numbers were very underwhelming, and there was no grand finale. The ending, which I'm guessing was supposed to be very emotional, just fell kinda flat for me and I just kind of viewed it as a lot of build up with no payoff.
God, I love that movie.
The reviews were generally good on this film. The music was ok - that's probably what kept this film from being a classic. I am throwing out the playbook and giving it a rating based completely on the following:
The ending
I smiled the whole way through
https://IHateBadMovies.com
As built up as this show was going into the 2017 Oscars and a huge fan of musicals, I was a bit disappointed in this movie. Visually, it was a lot of fun, but the story between the two main characters felt a bit weak to me.
If Gosling wasn't in this movie I would have stopped watching it past the first half hour....the fact that he can't really sing does not help though....
Not my cup of tea but I did find it enjoyable for the most part. Visually it is very good and the 2 leads have great chemistry. If musicals are your thing then I guarentee you will love this movie.
I think Damien Chazelle has clearly succeeded in bringing a musical comedy film to a wider audience. And on top of that, I'd say he's succeeded in bringing a new version to the genre. Some people see musicals as having no real plot, just a bunch of guys singing. But here, the characters have a story and they want to tell it (or rather sing it).
Mia and Sebastian have a beautiful and sad story. But it's still a very realistic one. It's far from a clichéd fairy tale.
The ending, surprising though it may be, is still realistic, despite the fact that this is a rather magical and colourful film.
It clearly deserves its success and I don't know if another musical this good will come along any time soon.
I hate musicals but I love Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling so this is a win-loss situation. Despite the former, I was mostly on board for this ride. A masterclass in choreography and timing. Beautiful cinematography, memorable sets, great score/soundtrack, impressive camerawork, so colorful and exceptionnal acting. Stone and Gosling are like magic together. I'm still bothered by the fact that musicals use lipsync in every scene but the singing and dancing numbers were all excellent nevertheless. I was really enjoying the first half but it started to lose me in the second half, I just got disinterested and thought it was overlong. More of a me situation I think cause otherwise this was a good watch.
Day 9 of Ryan Gosling Binge
"No Jamal you be trippin"
Right Person at the Wrong Time
Perfectly encapsulating the bittersweet essence of the cinematic beauty that is "La La Land," Damien Chazelle's masterful direction delivers a romance masterpiece. Coupled with eye-dazzling visuals, enchanting music, and dance sequences accompanied by Justin Hurwitz's beautiful score, the film follows Mia, a passionate actor, and Sebastian, a passionate jazz musician. Portrayed by Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, the duo provides one of the best on-screen chemistries ever seen. Through its dazzling visuals and captivating performances, Chazelle seamlessly grabs the viewer's attention and never lets go. While the storytelling can be slightly shaky at times, the depth of the characters and emotional resonance elevate the movie beyond its limits. The vibrant cinematography grandly compliments the film along with the score. An emotionally stirring experience from the beginning, however, "La La Land" is not without its flaws. The storyline may not be the movie's strong suit, and it can feel a bit disjointed at times. The pacing may meander occasionally, and at the end, I was left feeling somewhat underwhelmed by the movie as a whole.
La La Land- 8.0/10
Ryan Gosling- 7.5/10
The film was such an interesting take on a romance story. Not because the plot was original (far from it) but because of the story was portrayed in such a lyrical form. As if the very film itself was further romanticized and dreamed up, set apart from reality.
This film made me understand what it’s like to be having a beautiful dream. And we should all keep dreaming such beautiful dreams.
An astonishingly gorgeous movie, perhaps the most beautiful I've ever seen. The set designs, the lighting, just everything about the visual vibe of this movie is immaculate. Gosling & Stone are perfect as the main characters. I read that these roles were originally supposed to be played by Miles Teller & Emma Watson, and whilst I'm sure they'd have been good, I truly feel Gosling & Stone were perfect for this movie. Stone in particular puts in an incredible performance, of which she deservedly won an Oscar for. The soundtrack is delightful, with both the jazz tracks and the slower-paced musical songs fitting the vibe of the movie perfectly. That being said, the musical sections of this movie hurt the flow of this movie in some places. I'm not a musical guy, but I think in this movie, it would have been benefitted by either more or less musical segments, instead finding a weird spot in the middle that just feels a tad disjointed to me. I also had some issues with the pacing in the last hour, as it felt like the story took major jumps, with events I would've been interested in more of. Those are my only flaws with this, which will keep it from a perfect 10, but it's one of the most gorgeous movies I've seen with incredible acting performances and a fun story, worth watching even if skeptical of the musical concept.
it’s over when Mia say it’s over
This is a perfect movie. It has everything, great music, an amazing plot, and believable characters. One of the best performances ever from both leads. It was perfect, absolutely perfect. Down to the last minute detail.
bad, boring, definitely not good. 2/10
La La Land is a charming musical about the magic of LA and chasing dreams. The story follows an aspiring actress and a struggling jazz musician who fall in love. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling both give extraordinary performance and have great chemistry together. And the comedy is really well-done, and has a subtle and clever humor to it. Also, the musical numbers are quite good and are integrated in a very natural way; particularly the choreography, which is incredibly creative. However, the film kind of gets tripped up on the ending, and on whether one should sacrifice love for dreams. It’s not without some flaws, but overall La La Land is a touching and beautiful film.
Undeniably well put together, and entertaining, even if it certainly chooses style over substance.
'La La Land' is an absolutely gorgeous-looking film, from the costumes to the cinematography to the choreography. The musical numbers are pleasant too. It is a little light on story, not that it isn't entertaining - it is. They were, evidently to me, going for an artsy film and they nailed that. I just personally wanted more depth to the plot, rather than a song every few minutes.
Ryan Gosling is probably one of my favourite actors around right now, in the argument at least, and he is very good here. So is Emma Stone, who is arguably the film's standout. I wanted to watch more of Stone's work even before this, so I knew - along with Gosling - I was going to enjoy the cast. They work excellently as a duo. Elsewhere, John Legend's role is a tad out of place, even if it's good to see him.
8*. It might make for lame viewing if you absolutely do not like musicals, but otherwise it's 100% worth a watch - even for someone with a mild taste for musicals, like me.
So, seeing this years later. My thoughts, overall 7/10. Is it groundbreaking? No. But it has its redeeming qualities. Music is well composed, but wish the casting included stars with better singing and dancing talent (It is a musical after all). Cinematography was great. Plot was predictable mostly but also redeems itself at the end. Would not watch again, but was decent overall.
"I guess I'll see you in the movies".
"La La Land" follows Mia (Emma Stone), an aspiring actress, and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), a dedicated jazz musician, struggling to make ends meet while pursuing their dreams in a city known for destroying hopes and breaking hearts. With modern day Los Angeles as the backdrop, this musical about everyday life explores what is more important: a once-in-a-lifetime love or the spotlight.
Back in 2014, there was a film called "Whiplash" that blew everyone away, including me. It was my 2nd favorite movie of that year and I had my eye out for the director next project. Wasn't very long until Damien Chazelle next film in was in post-production and was already a serious Oscar contender. I think "La La Land" and "Silence" was my most anticipated movies of 2016/17. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
"La La Land" is one of the best musicals I've seen since "Sweeney Todd" and "Singing in the Rain". It's a movie that lifts your spirit up and leaves you smiling though out. Even with today's generation of loud politics, four years of Trump, celebrities dying, and endless amount of pointless controversy. But then comes a musical about two people who are dreamers, that deal with inn conflict and show how dreams can lead to success. By making the impossible possible while living in a place where dreams come to die.
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone were both dynamite in this movie. The relationship was sweet and relatable that I actually cared for what was going on. Even with the singing and dancing use as a tool that the characters express their happiness, sadness or disappointment was terrific. This is the best I've seen from Stone and Gosling. Both of them sparkle in this musical.
Damien Chazelle, what can I say about this guy. Chazelle as a film making is both amazing and inspirational. He's on a roll recently and if he's next two movies are brilliant, then he is the best living director today. In "La La Land", he follows a similar theme in his previous movie "Whiplash" about fighting for a dream and jazz, but this movie goes for more a light tone than a dark one. For the dramatic elements of the movie, I really like how he lets it go on for awhile as an emotional effect. He also got an eye for spectacle, because LA never looked so beautiful and fairy tale-like. What else is there to say, but Chazelle nailed it.
Without spoiling anything, but the last shot of this movie was so beautiful and yet sad at the same time. Chazelle sure knows how to end his movies and that's with a powerful punch.
My only complaint I have with the movie is that a few scenes could've been trimmed a bit, as it dragged for me. And while the homages to old musicals were fitting, but some was a bit down your throat. I wouldn't say repetitive (because it's not), but more of a "alright, I get it" kind of complaint. That's really it for flaws.
Overall rating: "La La Land" is simply wonderful. It's a firework of joy and excitement that it's really hard not to fall in love with it. I'm already looking forward to "First Man".
I started watching this with a prejudice as I don’t like musical movies but oh boy I was wrong. I was pretty entertained by the great performances by Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling and also the really good soundtrack. However, I don’t understand why people make this film a big deal its good and everything but kind of overrated in my opinion
If I could give this 0 stars, I would. Worst movie I've ever been forced to sit through. There was just nothing happening, and yet it wouldn't end.
He vuelto a ver #LaLaLand y me sigue transmitiendo tantos sentimientos... No soy muy fan de los musicales, pero esta película es pura magia.
I guess I'll see you in the movies
I don't think one viewing of this film does it enough justice. After one viewing of this a few months back, I thought it was okay at best and was not a fan of the ending or certain events in the narrative.
However, this film is now among my favourites. La La Land is a gigantic metaphor for Hollywood and how everyone strives to succeed but it's unlikely they'll ever do this, as one move could change everything. The lines of the songs are put together in such detail that you understand what the characters are going through and their passion for what they do (whether it's Jazz or becoming an actress etc).
Pretty much all the negatives I had with the film are completely flipped. Both the actors portray the performances with such detail that it throws you into the world and what life is really like for them. The musical scenes are also put together with a ridiculous amount of accuracy - the "Another Day of Sun" scene stands out from the rest.
It does not matter if you like La La Land or not but if you wanted to know why people wish to leave for Hollywood, pursue their dreams and ambitions or even want to feel special, this is your answer.
As somebody who fast forwarded their way through Les Miserables, I'm clearly not a big fan of movie musicals. By all rights then, this film earned about a 5 rating before I sat down to watch it. However, with the critical acclaim it garnered, and the fact that its directed by the genius behind Whiplash, I was willing to give it a go. I'm glad I did. While the story followed traditional beats, the imagination put into the film escalated it into a higher realm. With decent music and a pairing of Hollywood's finest, this is a million miles above the dross that is Mamma Mia and Walking on Sunshine.
Ok, this is going into list of all time favorite romantic movies. I loved it! They had me at that first solo he played and she watched. That melody is so captivatingly beautiful I would have stopped and stared too.
This definetly felt different, every scene was with meaning, nothing was just because. Just lovely. Romantic.
And the ending! I was in tears (who wasn't?). Well it spoke to me very deeply, because I am that fool who goes after her dreams (and I love it), but sometimes I wonder if there is price to pay for that..
It wasn't awful, but, I think I must be the only person in the world who didn't think it was great. There were times when breaking out into song mid-conversation without some sort of elaborate set-change didn't make sense, The 2 leads weren't exactly talented singers or dancers -- no wow numbers. The sets improved by the time the final number rolled around, but the singing and dancing remained an afterthought.
This movie was such a big suprise, I knew it would be good, but it exceeded my expectations.
An in the end the "What if" moment, was great and on point. It happens in real life and lots of movies do not show that part of life.
This is definitely not a movie that I would have chosen to watch all by myself which perhaps explain why I thought it was just surprisingly okay to watch. However my girlfriend absolutely wanted to watch it so I got it. As it turned out my girlfriend had only gone by the number of Oscars and not really looked up what kind of movie it actually was so in the end I was enjoying the movie a lot more than she did.
This movie is pretty much a quite classical Hollywood musical with a non too original story, nice music and dancing. In addition the cinematography is simply excellent. This is the strong point of this movie. The rest of the movie is of lesser interest to me but the cinematography is really, really good. The scene, pictured on the movie poster, were Mia and Sebastian dances and everything in the scene are dark blue tones except Mia’s bright yellow dress is so simple and yet so beautiful.
Everything else about this movie is…okay. Okay acting, okay story etc. As I wrote before this is really not my kind of movie so forgive me for not being overly enthusiastic. I am sure those into these kind of movies cannot understand how anyone can give it less than a full set of stars but hey, different tastes and all that.
I cannot make up my mind about ending. On one hand I am a sucker for happy endings which this one falls a wee bit short on. On the other hand I have to commend the writer/director for not taking the path of least resistance and instead putting together something a wee bit different.
I did feel that a part of the movie was missing though. I would have liked to see the parts where Mia and Sebastian actually fulfilled their respective dreams. Jumping fast forward to the ending like the movie did felt a bit like they either ran out of money or they manage to misplace half the story!
Anyway, I enjoyed the movie more than I thought I would.
Back in 2014, there was a film called "Whiplash" that blew everyone away, including me. It was my 2nd favorite movie of that year and I had my eye out for the director next project. Wasn't very long until Damien Chazelle next film in was in post-production and was already a serious Oscar contender. I think "La La Land" and "Silence" was my most anticipated movies of 2016/17. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
"La La Land" is one of the best musicals I've seen since "Sweeney Todd" and "Singing in the Rain". It's a movie that lifts your spirit up and leaves you smiling though out. Even with today's generation of loud politics, four years of Trump, celebrities dying, and endless amount of pointless controversy. But then comes a musical about two people who are dreamers, that deal with inn conflict and show how dreams can lead to success. By making the impossible possible while living in a place where dreams come to die.
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone were both dynamite in this movie. The relationship was sweet and relatable that I actually cared for what was going on. Even with the singing and dancing use as a tool that the characters express their happiness, sadness or disappointment was terrific. This is the best I've seen from Stone and Gosling. Both of them sparkle in this musical.
Damien Chazelle, what can I say about this guy. Chazelle as a film making is both amazing and inspirational. He's on a roll recently and if he's next two movies are brilliant, then he is the best living director today. In "La La Land", he follows a similar theme in his previous movie "Whiplash" about fighting for a dream and jazz, but this movie goes for more a light tone than a dark one. For the dramatic elements of the movie, I really like how he lets it go on for awhile as an emotional effect. He also got an eye for spectacle, because LA never looked so beautiful and fairy tale-like. What else is there to say, but Chazelle nailed it.
Without spoiling anything, but the last shot of this movie was so beautiful and yet sad at the same time. Chazelle sure knows how to end his movies and that's with a powerful punch.
My only complaint I have with the movie is that a few scenes could've been trimmed a bit, as it dragged for me. And while the homages to old musicals were fitting, but some was a bit down your throat. I wouldn't say repetitive (because it's not), but more of a "alright, I get it" kind of complaint. That's really it for flaws.
Overall rating: "La La Land" is simply wonderful. It's a firework of joy and excitement that it's really hard not to fall in love with it. I'm already looking forward to "First Man".
I loved this movie from start to finish, it is absolutely one of my favourite films ever. I loved the Old Hollywood feel of it, the music was beautiful and the dance sequences breathtaking. It is rare to have such a beautiful film these days that transports you to a different place like this one did. I found it totally enchanting.
As i'm watching this for a third time my attention goes to the use of color in this movie. The three primary colors, red, blue and yellow. How blue is for Mia, red is for Sebastian and yellow is for change. The use of purple for the skyline show how well the two blend together. Green for how Mia changes and orange for how Sebastian changes. This a spectacular movie that Damien Chazelle directs perfectly and I cannot wait to see his next. The soundtrack is great and I still listen to it. 10/10 and one of my all time favorites.
[7.6/10] Art about artists is dicey. Any film or book or television show about people making art can present the earnest passions of their creators laid bare but can just as easily turn into a navel-gazing, insular, head-up-own-ass celebration of self. La La Land, somehow, manages to be both.
On the one hand, the film presents a startlingly conventional romance. There are meetcutes, angry sparks that turn to passion, fading luster, and argument-fueled betrayals and redemptions. It also presents a startlingly conventional artists’ narrative. There are young people struggling to make it, feeling their purity stifled by cold rejection, unkind odds, and the needs of commerce; there are breaks big and small and accusations of selling out; and affirmations of passion and truth and taking those chances that scare you. It’s all very familiar.
But on the other, it reveals those passions and talents of writer-director Damien Chazelle. After his previous film, Whiplash it’s no shock that he’s passionate about music (especially jazz) and movies (especially old movies). La La Land is a love letter to the art of old, lionizing Casablanca and Thelonious Monk and their ilk in equal measure, reducing them to clichés and stereotypes in the process. It is a throwback, to movie musicals, romances, and the accompaniments of years past, and in that, it can perhaps be forgiven for some amount of its conventionality.
And yet, in Chazelle’s clear affection for film, for jazz, and for art in general, he offers every stock rumination in the book. While La La Land is half-dirge, lamenting the imagined death of jazz and the closing of a theater that plays classic films, it’s also half-late night freshman year gab session. There are traditional back and forths about whether certain modes of art must be updated to preserve their viability, or whether that taints their purity, which should be preserved regardless of commercial appeal. There are lengthy diatribes about following your dreams, putting them off for a steady paycheck, and what is required of a person to not only “make it,” but to make something great in the current climate.
That last thought, also the focal point of Whiplash offers the only real depth in the piece. While it is trite, false, and perhaps even pernicious to suggest that greatness requires breaking off equally passionate connections with loved ones (paging the Jedi), La La Land captures the notion that creating beauty comes at a price. There is a piercing wistfulness in the film’s final act, one that gives into whimsy and pure delight, but which does so in service of the idea that this is something lost, as out of reach and irrevocable as those old films and records. If art requires great sacrifice, as Chazelle seems to posit, then the best thing to recommend La La Land’s presentation is that it takes the time to mourn that sacrifice, in sparkling tones.
Despite the rest of the film’s inability to match that small bit of transcendence, Chazelle and La La Land find their greatest successes when veering away from the paint-by-numbers story and verbal accounts of what it is to love, to make art, and to be an artist, and instead try to capture those sentiments, those feelings, visually. The film captures the delight of spontaneous romance in the fantastical terms of a visit to an old shooting location gone intergalactic. Chazelle and Director of Photography Linus Sandgren use lighting and editing to encapsulate the transfixing qualities of a beautiful piece of music or a stunning performance, to where the rest of the world melts away. The kinetic but smooth movements of the camera as it swirls around a traffic jam turned affirmation of aspirations demonstrate a virtuosity in the visual and technical craftsmanship that the script simply cannot match.
To that end, La La Land is at its best when it remembers that it’s a musical. The lavish song and dance numbers communicate the mood and energy of the film in sterling fashion. The choreography of Mandy Moore (no, not that one) is, in turn, playful, bombastic, and restrained. Particularly in the early going, the film is awash in bright primary colors, conveying the simple hopes in the beginning, before slowly giving way to more and more dusky hues.
The music of the film is not quite outstanding, but it’s serviceable. More pastiche than step forward, La La Land offers on the nose lyrics, but tunes that are catchy enough to fuel the film’s most imaginative sequences. Leads Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling sing like movie stars, not singers (though Stone gets much the better of the exchange), which lends a certain authenticity to the proceedings but prevents the songs from truly soaring at times.
But the pair make the hoary tropes of the film’s romance, and the triteness of its statements on art, not merely bearable, but enjoyable through their collective talents and charms. Stone in particular is electric, driving home the ways in which Mia, an aspiring young actress, is dejected, energized, hopefully, crestfallen, soothed by the personal when the professional falters. Gosling commits to his character’s seeming fatalistic commitment to his art, and the slow erosion when he himself gives into compromise because he believes it’s what his life with Mia requires. There is a charisma to the film’s leads, which carries La La Land when other elements of the film stumble.
That is the frustrating contradiction of La La Land. At times, it is so creative, so confident, so making the most of its stars and its genre, and at others, it neglects the splendor and charm in favor of dull, drawn out clichés and rote ruminations. There is much to recommend it, from the talents of its performers, to the outstanding song-and-dance numbers, to the cinematographic excellence all around. But it’s also a film with little to say about love or art, or at least, little of any interest or novelty. It is a largely enjoyable film, intermittently engaging and overly pat, such that it feels like an elegantly constructed trifle, where the time spent is pleasant enough, but it ultimately leaves you empty.
I was speechless as I was sitting in the theatre watching the credits roll. This movie is spectacular! From music, acting, score, cinematography to the heart wrenching ending. Mind blown. Easily my favourite movie of the year.
Everything I hate about musicals done so utterly brilliantly that I came out the cinema wishing I had tap shoes and a trilby. And those pretty pictures...my eyes will never stop being grateful.
whistles City of Stars to fade
I needed few days to think about my impression about this magical masterpiece! It was for me the best movie in a long time, although Spotlight could enter easily in this ranking. I purely enjoyed this movie on the big screen (which is the best way to watch it) - it made me lough, smile, tiptoeing with the wonderful characters! Sebastian and Mia were easy to identify with, to follow their way through success and failure. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling deserve all the awards and praise for their acting and vocal skills. They had the best chemistry I ever seen and they should do more movies together. I can say the same about the supporting actors who did too an amazing job.
I must also applaud the amazing directing, writing and operating jobs! The way that I was transported into the world of old-fashion modern musical was pure joy. And the music is phenomenal! The best music since Lion King and Beauty and The Beast (which for me are one of the greatest in the world). Music equaling the works of Hans Zimmer and other masterful composers! I have still City of Stars stuck in my head! Amazing!
The ending makes you think how choices, good or bad, can reflect on your way and destiny in this world! True wisdom!
I hugely recommend to everyone to watch this movie because it's once in while these days that we will have opportunity to watch this kind of magic! That was the cinema in pure content of it!
The opening song sequence was fantastic. After that for me the film took a downhill, songs didn't not make sense nor they were good placed. The auto tune on both their voices was really noticeable and i didn't like Gosling singing, it felt really out of place. The story is very simple with no high places. All this was making a movie rated at 5. But here comes the final part "Winter" that was frikking fantastic! it really change the movie for me and make it awesome thus the 7 rating. Nevertheless it is a nice movie just be patient and you will be rewarded.
edit: after listening to the soundtrack a few times i decided to change my rating to 8
What?
I love musicals and this one's great, leave me alone.
La La Land shifts between musical and movie without warning without taking full advantage of both formats. The film is a feat of cinematography and directing, but anything more is the power of rose colored nostalgia.
Oh lord. I was not expecting all that... The musical stuff is off-putting to many, but don't let that make you miss this great love story. I myself was not thrilled with a lot of it, but I can't deny Stone and Gosling have electrifying chemistry. Didn't even realize I was pulled right into their story thanks to it. And that ending... Whoo boy! What a kick in the heart. Jeez!
Should haved stayed at home
What a wonderful and magical experience that was. For someone who isn't a fan of musicals, if anything they're my least favorite genre of film, I found myself to fall in love with this film. The dance and song sequences never came off as too cheesy or forced in to have that 'musical' moment, they felt like they deserved to be there and were all just fantastic to watch.
The chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone will most likely go down in film history, every line they delivered was done so well and I hope they both win an Oscar for their performances.
You wouldn't think a film like this would exist in 2017, but I'm glad it does. Whiplash was my favorite film of 2014 and I can safely say this is my favorite of 2016. I can't wait to see what Damien Chazelle brings to us next.
La La Land - 10/10
The differential character in "La La Land" in fact is not based in the psychological counterpart of an affair. Neither in a prominent proscenium filled with mouth-opening musical presentations and performances. Instead, we're taken to a whole new ambient where the choice is to master the simplicity instead of eliminating it. And this is the real magic. La La Land doesn't give up or present alternatives to anything that it isn't supposed to portray — and fully embracing a concept in this dimensionality is what makes a body of work rise above the rest. It is what makes them unique.
I sincerely never consider rewatching a movie, but if you ask me about this one, the answer might just be a simple, direct, plainspoken: yes. I do want to go to through the same menu and ask for the same item for the experience of having tasted it. Again.
well i liked the Soundtrack that's for sure, Ryan and Emma chemistry and dance moves just amazing. love when they work together, they bring light to the screen. i didn't like the ending one bit kinda made me sad and i think that ending that left an impact on people and which made the movie to what it is today. loved the movie! very enjoyable and musical i guess lol.
It's a good movie for the courage it took to execute its vision without compromise. There's not a lot of movies today which know exactly what they are and don't try to please everyone even if only a little bit. La La Land does what it does and probably better than any movie in recent memory. Even though there's not much to the story itself there is plenty that make this movie stand out. Cinematography is gorgeous. Can't remember if I have ever seen a movie that looked this beautiful. Acting and chemistry between Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling is perfect. Music is mesmerizing and the melody of City of Stars will still be with you long after you have left the movie theatre. The last 15 minutes when Mia sits in the bar, hears the melody and dreams of what could have been make this movie special. Make no mistake it deserves all the accolades and it's good before that but it's those 15 final minutes and the way they look at each other - happy for each other that each of them accomplished their dreams, regretful that they couldn't do it together - that moment sealed the deal.
I liked it, girlfriend hated it. I thought it would be the opposite. Refreshingly different would be my main opinion on it. Now I'm off to question my sexuality.
Different from all that I've ever seen this movie is a masterpiece. All the music and the mix of colours involved are the main highlights on a unique experience.
Amazing and unique, one words can only portary this movie: "Masterpiece"
9.3/10 trully a musical masterpiece and a must watch film for every movie fan who respects himself!
Sorry not to be a crazy fan of this movie. I think it has all the things to be award winner movie, that is obvious but is good to tell a lovely story that has the guts to end differently. I really appreciate Gosling's playing skills (I read that he studied piano and practiced a lot) but not his voice that much. In that part I think Emma sings better. All performances all good but not oscar-worthy. I think it's a beautiful movie but not that impressive.
Saw this in theaters tonight. Was pleasantly surprised how good and entertaining it was. Great music and story. A must see for 2016.
Im already listening to the soundtrack, i feel like when i really watch the movie, premieres in Portugal on 26 of January, i'll already feel familiar with it! I have ever been so excited about a movie like this before!
I love musicals, i myself wanna be a musical film director and (judging by the trailer of course) seeing a musical so classic but at the same time so modern makes me happy!
Liked this movie cos it hit pretty close to home
The acting was good but the color grading and cinematography were very good.
Liked the songs
The best(or worst idk) part was when they showed how different and good their life could've been
I guess the lesson from this movie is accept your fate
No matter how good your life is always prepare for the worst
Also the long shots were awesome
"I'll always love you.”
Me: Hoping that the movie doesn't end with this "dream over love" shit. Seen way too many movies lately where they break up for no reason then meet again after a few years and act sad as if they didn't leave each other for no reason. And the audience is supposed to get all emotional over it lol. REALLY hope this one doesn't end like that.
The movie: Ends EXACTLY like that.
Was thinking about giving it a 9 (maybe a 10 even) until that scene. I liked almost everything apart from the ending. Ryan and Emma were great, cinematography and direction was beautiful, soundtrack was great (dancing in general is hella cringe but it was bearable here lmao).
A great musical, for people who like musical.
A thoughtless mashup of styles. This movie has zero clue what genre it wants to be and feels like it was directed by someone who hates storytelling.
A love letter for movies, music and dreams. A love story with an amazing ending. Everything that could have happened and wasn't but without which what happened, and was good, could have not been. There were minutes I thought we could have missed, but overall it is a good movie amazingly directed. There are sequences that are totally wonderful.
it was great. you could feel the passion in the music and yes, " people love what other people are pensionate about".
everyone has a dream ,but what is the price for that?
A beautiful boring movie. At times, you were really into the story, characters and the beauty of this movie. At other times, it was just plain boring and I was really thinking to myself, why was this such a huge hig back when it came out? At the end, I knew why. I do not listen to an album after a movie quite a lot, but this one I really wanted to listen to it. The music is amazing in this movie and although I do not really like Ryan Goslings singing, Emma Stone is amazing. Ryan is amazing at other things though.
I. HATE. MUSICALS. PERIOD.
yetttt this one took me by surprise. Honestly this and Greatest Showman are probably my favorite musicals of all time. The art of this movie and the emotion are incredible. I initially thought the singing parts were kinda random but it adds a different twist to the movie. very sad ending tho.
Highly recommend watching (it literally has ryan gosling, what more do you need)
I watch this movie once a year and it just gets better every time. Everything from the pacing, cinematography, writing, and set design is so good. The colors are so vibrant. It’s such a beautiful film.
The two leads, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone are at the height of their abilities and have great chemistry.
Can’t wait to watch it again next year.
I personally am not a fan of musicals, but this movie doesn't really have too many break-out songs, to be honest. I also think the overall story of this movie is very touching, and the musical choices only enhance that.
City of stars... are you shining just for meeeeee
10/10 I love this movie
Good movie, visually its absolutely masterful. The colour, the framing, the camera movement, the visual storytelling and character development; it’s incredible. The music and songs are very well composed and performed, I like that they maintained the imperfections of the actors. It does have that over the top, corny vibe you’d expect out of a musical, which is my biggest complaint and probably a selling point for others. Nevertheless, it also maintains a real sense of melancholy. The story sets itself up as a predictable love story, which is a formula it mostly sticks to for the first two acts, but then it drums up a really interesting ending that comments intelligently on artistic ambition and selling out. So it’s not just feel-good fluff, this is a lot more ambitious. The acting and dialogue are very good, but occasionally there are scenes where it feels a little too exaggerated. For example, I don’t buy how this movie portrays casting directors, even when keeping the whimsical, heightened tone of the movie in mind it feels disingenuous to me. All in all, this is about as tasteful as you could possibly make a movie like this. It’s not entirely my thing (I’m more of a Whiplash person), but it’s still a really good watch.
7/10
I guess I have a thing for romantic movies and I really really enjoyed this one, The pacing was good, the story has realism in it which I enjoy. I am not heartbroken or anything because of the ending because I think it made a lot of sense and if they're both happy in what they're doing then what's the problem lol? Initially I had a few complaints about Sebastian's character due to his desperation or "Yes Man" thing but as we got along I think he became really likeable and it was good. Mia's character was good as well and the story was good as well. This was like feel good movie for me overall and I could watch it again without feeling miserable in the beginning knowing what's gonna happen because I loved the ending.
La La Land is filmmaking at its finest. I did not expect to love this film, but I absolutely did. Beautiful and intelligent cinema!
Upon watching the film today, I am inclined to assert that it is a stunning musical. The relationship type portrayed in the film, akin to that of "right person, wrong time," struck a chord with me, as throughout the duration of the film, our protagonists grapple with a sense of self-identity, constantly influencing and affecting one another. While I found certain scenes to be incredibly fanciful, with the world seemingly revolving around our duo, such a portrayal is fitting for the musical genre, though it may appear humorous within the context of the screenplay. Nevertheless, I found the film to be quite enjoyable overall.
lowk wanted to turn it off multiple times & ngl the only parts i liked about it were aboout 45 min in? an hour? when their relationship started to get all fucked up. but the idea of what could be will never fail to get me emotional so it left me feeling good about the movie
La La Land is a musical masterpiece that combines the nostalgia of classic musicals with a modern-day setting. Despite initial concerns, the musical elements of the film are seamlessly integrated into the story, allowing it to develop organically. Damien Chazelle's direction is masterful, evoking memories of the past while maintaining a modern feel. The lead actors, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, have undeniable chemistry, and their performances are both effortless and captivating. The film is a feast for the eyes, with Chazelle's use of color and camera movement adding to the overall beauty of the film. The story is engaging and serves as a more captivating watch than the routines. Despite some simplistic elements, the film is a triumph, celebrating all that was great before and wrapping it up in a modern-day bow. Magnificent.
La La Land es una obra maestra musical que combina la nostalgia de los musicales clásicos con un ambiente moderno. A pesar de las preocupaciones iniciales, los elementos musicales de la película se integran a la perfección en la historia, lo que le permite desarrollarse orgánicamente. La dirección de Damien Chazelle es magistral, evocando recuerdos del pasado manteniendo un toque moderno. Los actores principales, Ryan Gosling y Emma Stone, tienen una química innegable y sus actuaciones son cautivadoras y sin esfuerzo. La película es un festín para los ojos, con el uso del color y el movimiento de cámara de Chazelle que se suman a la belleza general de la película. La historia es atractiva y sirve como un reloj más cautivador que las rutinas. A pesar de algunos elementos simplistas, la película es un triunfo, celebra todo lo que fue genial antes y lo envuelve en una reverencia moderna. Magnífico.
I DEFINITELY should've watch this movie before. Easily in my top 5
Somehow I dodged this one when it was all over the internet. My movie club prompted me to watch it this week, and I am happy I finally had an excuse to do so. It is very clue. The cinematography is impressive. The soundtrack is rock solid. Admittedly, I’m not the target audience though. If I want a romantic musical, I would prefer something like A Star is Born, but this is still very good and a recommendable one to all!
Rating: 3.5/5 - 8/10 - Would Recommend
The whole movie was a musical ride.Just love,dance and move on...
This is one of very few movies that I give full points to in every category. Emma Stone has been my favorite actress for a long time, and I think this movie perfectly showcases her talents. She rightfully won best actress for this, and I do wish this had won best picture. I go back and rewatch this every once and a while and it just gets better every time imo. I'm honestly in awe of how gorgeous this movie is, but I don't envy the filmmakers needing to film so many scenes in the sunset "magic hour" to get that gorgeous deep blue sky silhouette look. If you haven't seen this in 4K HDR, you're missing a huge chunk of the visual experience. Also, can we talk about how Ryan Gosling learned how to play piano for the movie? Because holy crap, he does it so flawlessly for someone who just learned.
I actually find it fascinating that Mia and Seb's story here echoes so closely to Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield's story. So passionately in love, but their careers kept them apart too much. Both needed to be apart from each other in order to grow into the hugely successful artists they are today. Both of them so clearly still love each other, but have had to move on, and now Emma is married with a kid as well. The ending was already a bittersweet moment, but knowing Emma's real story makes it even more powerful to me. You know that Mia and Seb (and Emma and Andrew) are in a good place and happy with where they are in their lives, but you can't help wonder about the "what if".
La La Land is a celebration of dreams, love, and everything in between. Characters are stripped down to their core ambitions and transported to a magical world full of ecstatic musical numbers, gorgeous color palette, masterful cinematography, and some lovely singing, topped off with occasional love letters to Hollywood. A movie that left me happy and sad when its final shot faded away old 'reel' style.
I'm not a fan of musicals, at all, so I was sceptical to say the least. That said, I think I mostly enjoyed because it was so far from my tastes and 'comfort zone' in movies. Not very fond to catchy singings, random dances or that poetic aesthetics, but it kinda worked and it was quite enjoyable even for me. Best part: the ending, for sure.
I love this movie.
Is it the incredible performances?
The incredible score?
The incredible story about love and music?
The story about finding a place where you can be happy?
Is it the direction?
The musical numbers?
Or just that ryan gosling is in it?
I dont know, but probably ryan gosling
The soundtrack, amazing. The storyline lacks of something I don't know how to describe.
Anyways, great movie, great musical.
Wow, the ending absolutely left me speechless. Great movie, great cast!
Just for sake of music? What heck is this movie!.. Ending was waste not linked at all?.. as if director got tired..
Mamma Mia! is better. :p
Paco Cinema: image and sound 4,5 / 5. Visually it is very good, and it's fine, better than I expected, but it's not the wonder they said. The oscar are justified.
Up to 10 views now. This movie is still absolutely perfect. Not a damn thing wrong with it. I love love love this film. Perfect.
As a fool who dream myself, I live this movie. Amazing! Absolutely recommend!
It is a mostly cute romantic comedy that relies heavily on nostalgic references and has unfortunately little else to offer. Even as far as the romance goes, there are no sigh-worthy moments and I found both characters hard to like. It bothered me that I felt like I got to know Sebastian way better than Mia, even though Stone is billed as a main exactly like Gosling, but I think both of them delivered their characters really really well, even if I did dislike them. The scenarios, the costumes and the music were very beautiful, but the lyrics were not up to the same standard, and the dialogue was so predictable, it was easy to speak lines before the characters did! It also felt too long by at least 20 minutes, the editing could surely have been smarter.
Still, I have a feeling this is a title that might age well. All those little Old Hollywood easter eggs in a such a pretty production will surely be worth something in time, at least more than it is now to me.
I would rate that as 15/10 if that was possible.
modern version of Casablanca. imho
Review by SerenaBlockedParent2016-12-26T19:25:35Z
I don't think I have ever been in love with a movie, like I'm in love with La La Land. From the first few seconds, till the very end. This movie had me and didn't let go. My english vocabulary is not good enough to express my love, heck, my dutch vocabulary is not good enough to express it. This movie is everything.
It is beautiful, happy, magical, romantic and I could go on for a little while longer but I won't. I wasn't expecting it to be this musical-y, but I mean, I love musicals so I'm not complaining. I think this is a great "musical" because there isn't non stop singing, so people who don't like musicals might like this one because it's more "subtle". I can only imagine how much practice went into all those dance routines and don't get me started on the impressive piano skills Ryan Gosling showed us.
Something that really impressed me as well was the way they filmed everything. It's a very creative and different way, which I really enjoyed and think makes this movie a great inspiration for those who love film and camerawork themselves. The build up and flashbacks and stuff were really cool as well. Yea I really enjoyed that. Also, the storyline, which does so much for a movie, was so great.
This is normally the part were I talk about the actors, but seeing that there were mainly only two actors and they were both amazing (I do think tho, that Ryan Gosling his character wasn't a very challenging one for him because we have seen him in roles like these before. Mixing it up with all the dancing, singing en piano playing though, you got something quite different and I loved it), I'm going to skip this part and say that you should watch this movie, do nothing more, just watch it, enjoyed it and love it.