Why so many 1 star reviews?

Rating: 10/10 (28 June 2017)

I'm baffled by all of the negativity I'm seeing from reviewers on here. I can guarantee you that this film deserves all of the credit bestowed and to watch it will not be a waste of your time.
I have grown to love this musical the more I that I watch it. The characters are charming and Ryan and Emma once again put their chemistry to good use. The reasons I feel that there has been backlash from the users are as follows:
1. The lack of skill from the stars to perform above par during the singing and dancing numbers. I feel the need to mention that I, too am a musical person, as I've read from many reviewers that compare La La Land to the classics such as An American In Paris and West Side Story. This is not that kind of musical. Do not expect the leads to be within the same spectrum as Gene Kelley or Judy Garland or you will be sorely disappointed. Go in with an open mind, know that the pair did their best, and that the musical numbers are charming and the music is catchy.
2. The plot is drawn out, has been done before, and has no meaning. I disagree with those opinions. The story is spread out, yes, but I believe each scene is essential to understand the characters relationships with each other, why they're doing what they're doing, and how they ended up right where they should be upon their conclusion. There are plenty of scenes that cover the spectrum of emotions I hoped to feel, moments of joy, laughter, music, romance, sympathy, and sadness. There were no dull moments for me.
3. This was supposed to be a feel good movie and I left feeling depressed. This is true. While the film overall lifted my spirits, the ending may not be what most viewers had hoped for. The director himself said it was his intention to finish with a realistic ending, as in the leads, whom the whole story is focused upon, do not end up together. Because of their careers leading them in different places they decide to see what happens if they focus on what they really want. Maybe it's just me (I do have a tendency to appreciate movies with emotional endings) but I think that can be refreshing and true to how real life can be sometimes. This is not meant to be a realistic film how ever the true story line is about our dreams, and how our drive can get us to places we never thought possible. Sometimes the final outcome means we take chances or make sacrifices in our personal lives. You never know what you'll miss if you settle or don't go after what you truly want in life.
4. This movie is like L.A. boasting about itself. As some people have stated, this is a love letter to LA. I have very fond memories of the city, as I have always lived in California and so I have had many opportunities to visit and explore all it has to offer. My mother had dated a man for a long time who lived in Santa Monica, and he had always taken us to the most unique places and introduced me to its culture. I love LA, the good and the bad. La La Land was almost nostalgic for me to watch, the unreal sunsets at Griffith Park, a brief moment at the Château Marmount, seeing the mountains behind the Warner Brothers Lot, and the Manhattan Beach pier all shot so beautifully reminded me of why I love that city so much. I can't relate to the auditions or all of those clichés depicted of the business, but I'm sure those scenarios came from someone's true experiences.
I don't always listen to critics. I like what I like and no persons written words will influence me to the point that I would be raving about a terrible film. I am not, as some of the reviewers will refer to me as, part of the herd and will not Bah bah bah at you like sheep. Nor am I a professional critic or a person who has studied film extensively. I am, however, a movie lover and a musical lover. I haven't enjoyed watching a film this much for a long time, and it has been awhile since a movie has touched me as this one has. The songs are beautiful and get stuck in your head as well, so be warned. All I ask is that before you listen to the critics, or the reviewers on here, that you at least give this gorgeous film a chance and go with an open mind.