La La Land is a glorious throwback to classic Hollywood

Rating: 10/10 (3 April 2017)

Why do we even go to movies anymore? Damian Chazelle's latest movie La La Land is a perfect answer to that question. The sensational and intoxicating movie musical is one of the year's best.
La La Land stars Emma Stone and Ryan Gossling and tells the story of a struggling actress in Hollywood trying to make it big and a struggling Jazz musician who dreams of one day opening up his own Jazz club. As fate would have it, they meet and begin to date.
There was a time where musicals ruled the film industry. Starting in the 50s and going through the 60s. musicals dominated Hollywood. Soon, the genre began to fizzle out and since then, we've only had a number of musicals a year, if any. While the quantity and quality of musicals have dropped significantly, be assured, that La La Land is without a doubt a return to form for the genre and is the best movie musical since Singin' in the Rain. Whether or not you are a fan of musicals, it will pierce your soul and put a smile on your face.
From the incredible opening number to the very end, La La Land is an absolute masterful and euphoric experience. It's the kind of movie that audiences deserve to see every time they step into the theatre. Just by watching the trailer, you can get a sense of the wonder and joy the movie brings. It's heartwarming, beautiful and sensational. It's a delight from beginning to end.
The opening number is a beautiful and jaw dropping one-shot dance sequence directed perfectly by Damian Chazelle. Chazelle is the main reason this movie works so well. Nearly every song and dance sequence is filmed in beautiful long-takes that really showcase the choreography. It's jaw-dropping at times.
Emma Stone gives the best performance of her entire career. She is absolutely perfect in this movie. Her performance is so real and so raw. Performances like hers are a rare find and there is something just so heartfelt about it. Her chemistry with Ryan Gossling is perfect. Ryan Gossling is also very good in the movie and gives one of his best performances.
The musical score and dance numbers are dazzling and beautiful to behold. There is one scene near the middle of the movie that takes place in a observatory and the entire sequence is absolutely breathtaking. The choreography and metaphoric visuals are beautiful.
La La Land is a rare movie that begs to be seen. Movies like this just aren't made anymore. It's a love letter to Los Angeles, to Hollywood, to film, to musicals. If you love movies, don't miss out on this one. La La Land one of the best movies of the year. If you only see one movie this year, this is the one to watch.