Painful to Watch

Rating: 3/10 (9 January 2017)

La La Land is certainly the most "hyped" film of the year. Maybe it's a film for people who don't like musicals, or have never seen a really great musical film. As much as I like both Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, neither of them can sing or dance well enough to star in a musical. It's mind boggling to think of all of the talented men and women on Broadway who could have really nailed these roles.
The opening musical sequence is embarrassing. And way too long - kept looking down to avoid watching the screen. Also, much of the plot is a rehash of another crummy musical, New York, New York (1977) At least that one had Liza Minnelli to sort of save the day whenever she started singing. The ending, especially, is the same downer. It doesn't work.
So catch this on a rental if you're curious, but it was not enjoyable. Will probably win all kinds of Academy Awards, knowing Hollywood - it's that bad.