“La La Land” Gets Mixed Reviews from Dimond Students

“La La Land” was directed by Damien Chazelle and released on December 9, 2016

Featuring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone as Sebastian and Mia, respectively, “La La Land” tells the story of two creatives as they strive to make it big in Los Angeles, facing the struggles that affront them along the way.

The film won six awards at the Golden Globes on January 8th, including Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy, Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy, Best Musical or Comedy Motion Picture, Best Director of a Motion Picture, Best Original Score and Best Screenplay of a Motion Picture.

The film has received a 93 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, and a 8.8/10 on the Internet Movie Database (IMDb).

Junior Myah Precie said, “[My sister] had told me it was really good, and we’d been listening to the soundtrack. The reviews had been really good, too. I haven’t seen many musicals besides Rent, but the balance was good between regular dialogue and music.”

The “La La Land” soundtrack reached the top of the iTunes charts and has amassed over 30 million plays on Spotify.

One of its most notable songs, “City of Stars,” has captured the attention of many listeners, even some who are yet to see the film. Actress Sabrina Carpenter posted a breathtaking cover of the song on her Twitter account.

“I knew both the actors worked well together from watching ‘Crazy, Stupid Love’,” said junior Trevor Forrester.

“I really liked the storyline, it was all really well developed and put together,” Forrester said.

“Damien Chazelle’s paean to Los Angeles is funny, romantic and utterly charming, with captivating performances from its two stars,” said Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian.

Forrester also really enjoyed the musical aspect of the film.

“I love musicals, it made the movie so much better. I feel like it wouldn’t have been as good if the musical factor wasn’t there,” he said.

However, not all opinions on the film were positive.

Junior Brynn Boeckmann said, “I wasn’t a fan of the movie. I didn’t like it because Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling were not very good singers, especially Gosling. I thought that it lacked the whole pizzazz of a musical and the ending was [sub-par].

“Also, the dancing was awkward between the two actors, but I read that Ryan Gosling actually did learn to play the piano for the role though, and I appreciate the commitment that that must have taken for the role.”

Personally, I enjoyed the film. The storyline was interesting, with its display of the entertainment industry that was less flashy and bright, and really conveyed the difficult time many artists have while trying to form their careers.

However, I would say that I can see how it would not be for everybody. The “starving artist” concept is not one that many find to be something that they can relate to, or find enjoyable to watch.

Its bright colors and energetic musical displays were a lot to take in, but that could definitely been my fault as I forgot to bring my glasses.

Overall, I would say that I’d recommend the film to anyone who genuinely enjoys musicals, but not to set your expectations too high in terms of watching an emotionally moving film.