La La Land

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⭐ 10.0/10

(Originally written by Joseph)

This was a rewatch, and certainly won't be the last time I watch this movie. This movie has a ton of significance for me. It was a big time romantic movie Jess and I watched when we first started dating, and it has that LA connection. This movie played a large part in choosing LA for our honeymoon and I'll never forget playing this soundtrack as we drove around at night.


But the movie is really good too! It's my favorite romantic movie ever, and maybe also my favorite musical. Every time I watch I recommit myself to listening to more jazz, though it's never actually happened. I love every song here, and I love every scene. I really feel this movie is near flawless. I adore both Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, and I think the choice to have two leads not be incredible singers was the right one as I find them relatable and endearing. Despite how quick this movie runs along, I feel like they hit all the right beats in the relationship which really has a very full arc. I think the wholesomeness of their relationships is key as it never feels cheap or contrived.


And then there is the final scene which might be the most heart wrenching scene I've ever witnessed. It is 10 minutes of cinematic perfection for me. Even after a few times seeing this movie, I felt one single year welling up. I feel like this movie is to me what Casablanca was to previous generations. A masterpiece!

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