La La Land - 5 Stars

This musical masterpiece is exactly what the world needs.

A jazz pianist falls for an aspiring actress in Los Angeles.

There’s been an incredible amount of hype surrounding this film. In fact, just last night it won a ton of Critics Choice Awards and received a huge amount of Golden Globe Nominations. Unlike 99% of hyped films this one actually deserves it. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling have incredible chemistry and both are superb actors. Stone is a better dancer than Gosling, but his charm overpowers his lack of dancing ability. Gosling’s piano solos are also incredible. The singing is good, but the music itself is superb.

In many ways stylistically it is reminiscent of a Woody Allen film, the colour scheme and the Jazz music seem identical to Allen’s early work. This certainly works in the film’s favour, as director Damien Chazelle also pays clear homage to the musicals of the 50s.

Overall this is one not to miss, great music, performers and a wonderful story.

5 Stars

Review by Benjamin Maio Mackay

Screening courtesy of eOne Entertainment