La La Land

Do I like musicals? Not really... but damn, 'La La Land' is a nostalgic, colourful, joyful marvel!

Damien Chazelle gained international acclaim and recognition from his masterful drama 'Whiplash', what were the chances that he could pull off similar success two times in the row? Well, if 'La La Land' is anything to go by, then I'd say he did the job. With just three films under his belt as of 2016, Chazelle is slowly becoming the next big thing this movie industry has seen. His passion for classic movies and musicals is evident as he references and pulls influence from films like 'Singin' in the Rain', 'The Umbrellas of Cherborg' and even 'Rebel Without a Cause', the latter of which is one of my favourite films so seeing the nod to it was something I was pleased about.

The chemistry between Gosling and Stone is strong to say the least, after two previous collaborations, their already-strong bond helped them become one of modern-day cinema's finest couples. The music is bouncy and toe-tapping catchy, the cinematography is utterly stunning with gorgeous colours and impressive long takes, and the locations sum up the American dream and the passion the characters hold for Los Angeles. 'La La Land' is by far one of the finest cinema experiences I have had in the past 5-10 years, and although this isn't a film I would typically enjoy (genre-wise), Chazelle has instead crafted one of my favourite films of this decade. A film I would recommend everyone see in the cinema to truly witness the CinemaScope magic.

A nostalgic, joyful, and oh-so realistic portrayal of chasing your dreams and living in the "la la land" that is Los Angeles, "La La Land" is a different kind of masterpiece, as it pays tribute to the musical films of the 40s and 50s, the Astaire and Rogers, MGM kind of musicals, while also bringing something new to the genre, specifically the modern and original elements.

Damien Chazelle was already a promising newcomer when he made 2014's "Whiplash", also an Oscar-winning film. "La La Land", however, sets the record straight that this young writer-director is a true talent and possibly one of the greatest of our time. One of the most important elements within Chazelle's script and directing is, in one word, passion. Pure passion for cinema is what it takes to make a great film, and Chazelle sure does know that.

Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone sparkle as the film's leading stars on screen, like Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall and Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn once did in the golden age. In the film, Stone and Gosling's characters share the same goal: to make their dreams in both acting and jazz, respectively, come true. What comes out when you put these two acting talents together in a film is pure enjoyment and an onscreen chemistry that seems impossible to break.

Overall, "La La Land" is one hell of a film to watch, as it may go down in cinematic history as one of the finest films made.

AHHHH the most fun. Ive never (and I mean never) had more fun watching a flick. Toe tapping, head shaking, thumb clicking realness baby. shake. shake. shake. Damien Chazelle. agh.

The last time, I felt like this, in a cinema, I was six years old and I was watching Star Wars. I never imagined, I would ever find that feeling again in a cinema. That sense of being transported to another world.

The opening sequence took my breath away and I never got it back. Not even at the end - which left my head spinning. It is a beautiful film with soul, wit, charm, style and love. It is simply outrageous! Bold and fantastic and fantastical.

I am a straight man but my love for Ryan Gosling could change all that. He's a melancholy genius and Emma Stone is our muse.

This film defies genre. It is a masterpiece. I urge you to see it. I was lucky enough to see it at the BFI London Film Festvial.

It has been five days since I saw La La Land and I am still thinking about it and singing the haunting refrain that plays with your soul. I mean it gets in there - that music - the music of the firmament. Flying still, dreaming still... thank you Damien.

The vibrant colors and use of musical scores to set the mood for scenes transported myself back in time. This movie feels not only like a beautifully nostalgic nod to Hollywood of yesteryear, but also that of a timeless love story. Gosling and Stone have a charm to their chemistry on screen during the musical and dance numbers. All these aspects lead to a raw portrayal of love that many experience in life, with still providing a sense of hope and wonder to the viewers. I was entranced from the opening scene until the final note played by Goslings piano. I absolutely recommend this film to any and everyone!