Surely not as bad as (some) people are saying...

Rating: 8/10 (18 April 2017)

I think people expect too much of this film, thanks to the slew of Oscars it has won. I see it as a well-made and expertly-shot musical with great songs and many, many references to films of a prior age. Emma Stone is a much better singer than Ryan Gosling and his dancing is somewhat stiff, but they are actors not professional musicians - I wasn't expecting perfection from the man (or a Fred Astaire impersonation). And to his credit, he nails the piano (not so easy - I know from experience). If you want a good and very colourful film with excellent music and reasonable dancing, this is it - if you want an OK film with some REALLY excellent music and dancing, watch Chicago.