Wonderful, Amazing, Engaging, Genuine

Rating: 10/10 (14 February 2017)

Saw La La Land on Valentine's Day with my wife. Didn't know what to expect. Was thinking "chick flick". I was totally surprised. That's one word. I was expecting a boring, slow beginning, and it immediately started off with the freeway overpass song and dance scene. It surprised me. Here's another word: it ENGAGED me. Think "WOW". Don't know what the bad reviews are all about. Maybe a lot of unhappy people out there. Maybe I'm a hick (though I drive through LA on occasion). I, for one, haven't been to a movie that impressed me as much as this one in many, many years. It wasn't a war movie, an action movie, horror, spy, suspense, boring drama etc. It is an UNEXPECTED movie. Here's another word: GENUINE. I have to admit, the singing wasn't super strong, but it was on key, sincere and genuine. The dancing wasn't the most complex, but the timing was awesome, very emotional and it flowed perfectly with the story. Beautiful timing. Gosling and Stone were so genuine, that I was intrigued and engaged even through he slow parts of the movie because of the good character development. Emma Stone isn't the most beautiful actress, but there is something so real and fresh about her performance. There's just a hint (or maybe more of a hint) of awkwardness. She just nailed it though, IMHO. Right on the edge, but nothing embarrassing. Just engaging. Gosling is great too, but hey, I'm a guy. He does obviously play the piano pretty well too. They had REAL musicians in this film as well. Like John Legend for one. And the reoccurring theme song was good. The segues weren't perfect, and the ending was a little in-congruent, but with the time allotted, they had to end it and bring you back down to earth somehow. I'm a skeptic, and not easily impressed, but this film impressed me. I love that they started out not liking each other, but then bonded with the song and dance routines. Haven't had a film impress me like this in YEARS.