An achievement in directing

Rating: 8/10 (11 February 2017)

Not quite sure about script, which felt very familiar and by-the- numbers.
But the artistry was there. The opening was dazzling and energetic. (Being that I do live in Los Angeles, saw the failings in such as one line of cars was facing the wrong way with a concrete barrier in between. Also, despite being a traffic jam, the surrounding freeways were very clear, which is not typical other than early morning on the weekend.)
The subsequent numbers were also enjoyable and colorful. The music solid (although I should have watched it with earphones).
The performances were very good but would come short of saying they were Oscar worthy. There wasn't a range of emotions with Stone to warrant it. Although Gosling ends up being effective and a great screen presence, I generally find his actual performances somewhat cold. But kudos to him learning the piano for the role. It was an effective element.
But, in the end, the story was very textbook. Traditional love story between two who were at first opposites. It did try to break the mold with them not being together in the end, but fell short and provoked more questions than satisfaction. Then the "alternate ending" (which I more thought was a "what if" from the Gosling character) was colorful.