La La Land (2016): A Land Invented by Chazelle

Rating: 7/10 (16 January 2017)

Quintessencial 7/10 (not to be confused with 7/7, please)) Maybe, you'll be surprised but I think the best part of the movie is its ending which has the very meaning of the film. Sebastian realized his dream by creating his own jazz club, not continued a career in the band, whereas Mia, on the contrary, became an actress in poppy movies, not in solo plays as she wanted. Separately, I would like to mention the performances by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone – great chemistry between them! Also good music, songs, dances, visuals. Nevertheless, we have probably a cute pastiche, no more no less (and only downers may not like this movie at all), but this is a second The Artist, not Singin' in the Rain. La La Land will hardly revive the fashion and love for musicals, like The Artist has not done so with silent movies. Yes, a nice movie indeed but sorry, hardcore Damien Chazelle's fans, for him personally (especially after Whiplash), it's rather a step down to more mainstream movies and entertainment. He wants to please everyone and this is his vulnerable feature. Incidentally, interesting how it rhymes with the film's ending: the director is on the Sebastian's side, but he himself is Mia! )