La La Land

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⭐ 10.0/10

(Originally written by Tim)

I'd like to credit Joe's review inspiring me to rewatch this, but it might have just been Netflix's targeted ads. Regardless, his review is a good summary of how I feel about this one. Can't really give this an unbiased review, since every time I watch it I am instantly transported back to the first time I watched it. I even remember seeing the trailer for the first time and telling Jess, the guy who made Whiplash is making a musical in LA staring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone and it just might be our favourite movie ever.

The hype was high that first time, it delivered, and it still delivers. The songs are catchy and easy to love, and the visuals are also really distinct with tons of solid primary colours, making it feel like you are actually watching an old musical that is taking advantage of colour for the first time. The ending is heart-breaking and perfect, and every time I watch this I think, heck, if Ryan Gosling can become an amazing piano player, why can't I?!

Speaking of this duo, their chemistry is really incredible, and they are both quirky enough to make their ticks charming instead of annoying. A guy that is obsessed with jazz, thinking its the ultimate form of music and all other forms suck? Should be pretentious, Gosling makes him passionate and understandable. An actress/barista who can't get a job so she makes a one-woman stage show? Talk about conceited, but Stone makes you root for her. I could go on and on.

Will probably be a movie I revisit very often throughout my life. Even just thinking of some of the songs brings tears to my eyes and transports me back to my wedding day, when Jess walked down the aisle to this soundtrack. Perfect 10, Damien Chazelle needs to make more movies.

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