Jack Logan’s review published on Letterboxd:
Alright, I'll admit it. I'm a sucker for musicals. This year, my school performed its first musical in a decade, and ever since I've been enthralled by this magical genre that doesn't always get it right on screen. Outside of the House of Mouse, decent musicals have been few and far between in recent years. In 'La La Land', however, Damien Chazelle hits the nail on the head, from the gorgeous CinemaScope opening to the bittersweet ending.
After their previous pairings on 'Crazy, Stupid, Love' (2011) and 'Gangster Squad' (2013), Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling are once again a natural couple as aspiring actress Mia and jazz pianist Seb, and their chemistry as two dreamers hoping to 'make it' drives the film. After the intensity of 'Whiplash' (2014) and psychological uncertainty of '10 Cloverfield Lane' (2016), Chazelle tugs on the hope and heartstrings of audiences. It's the little things that really makes one engage with the characters: Mia's car getting towed away here, Seb burning dinner after a heated argument there.
And at the heart of the film, Chazelle reaffirms his musical genius with numbers that are abundant but never forced, from a colourful, soulful song-and-dance on a highway to open the film to a melancholic tribute in an audition room.
Damien Chazelle's 'La La Land' is a triumph that proves musicals can be done perfectly on screen as well as on stage, and is a must-see.
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