A very wide gulf of opinion

Rating: 5/10 (13 February 2017)

Wow. I have rarely seen such disparity in viewers' opinion about a 'critically acclaimed' movie. I scrolled through the first 50 reviews on this site and noted the scores (out of 10) given by reviewers. Next to the score is the number of reviews from the 50 - 10 (8),9 (3) 8 (0) 7 (0) 6 (5) 5 (2) 4 (0) 3 (4) 2 (7) 1 (21). For the most part, it seems that people either love "La La Land" or dislike it, many intensely! Note, out of the first 50 reviews the film has been given a rating of 1 on 21 occasions. This is not a bad movie by any means. For the main part, it is a very well made production - editing, lighting and direction are very good. Emma Stone gives a great performance and Ryan Gosling, if not equal to her in this department, surely deserves huge accolades for his faultless mastery of a number of keyboard instruments.
The problem with this film is, that as a musical, it lacks zing in the dance routines and vocal renditions. Both Emma and Ryan sing in tune which at least is passable but they are not vocal performers. Emma's singing is so brittle - understanding lyrics was difficult at times. Neither lead actor, thankfully, was vocally challenged in any way at all.The dance routines are really pale imitations of the greats of Hollywood's past. Most obvious to me was the absence of any memorable tunes. "City of Stars" is the best of a very bland selection although I must admit that if any song could possibly have success as an energetic, well performed number it would have to be "Start a Fire". John Legend's rendition was the musical highlight of the entire film.
While I was not inclined, like some other reviewers, to walk out of the film, it was most disappointing, especially after have read rave reviews in the press. Surely, it could not win best film Oscar, For fans of the two lead actors, you will at least be rewarded. Emma is terrific whilst a more subdued Ryan Gosling will really impress you with his musical talent.