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Original poster

La-la Land

164 replies

echt · 26/12/2016 03:31

Well, I saw this today. It was very good, and I was brought up on the weekly "Hollywood Musical" on BBC, so came equipped with the musical checklist.

I struggled at first as in my head I wanted to hear (and see) the old timey stuff instead of the contemporary re-imagining that is done in this film. Once I relaxed into it, I loved it and will watch it again. I liked the way the actors' feet were included in dancing shots. I had not imagined either Gosling or Stone as singers or dancers, nor are they perfect, but it hardly matters. The dance with that shot in is lovely.

OP posts:
RemusLupinsChristmasMovie · 18/01/2017 19:55

80s cover band was the best bit.

acornsandnuts · 18/01/2017 22:14

I loved it. It really hadnt been on my radar so had no preconceptions.

The ending is so sad which I wasn't expecting.

purplepaisley · 19/01/2017 08:48

I loved it and had tears running down my cheeks in the sequence at the end.

I wasn't too sure about the opening scene, it was a bit try hard and over the top and I'm relieved the rest wasn't liked that. It was a bit slow to get going, but once the main characters met properly at the 80s party I was hooked.

I went not knowing anything much about the film or the plot, other than it was an award winning musical set in Hollywood, and hadn't read any reviews, so maybe that helped.

I found it charming, engaging and a lovely change to see a film with a simple story and no sex, violence or stupid action scenes. I sound like a real prude there, but I'm not, honest!

VeryBitchyRestingFace · 19/01/2017 12:01

I was extremely 'meh' about this. Didn't think ES could sing until the last solo in front of audition panel (and then she did!)

I'm in the "it's overhyped but not horrible" camp.

bruffin · 19/01/2017 13:00

Me and Dd really enjoyed it(both huge musical buffs)
Also helped we went to all those places in LA in September. It was my holiday all over again

yearofthehorse · 19/01/2017 18:05

Loved it as did teen DS's. Loved it so much that they came home and watched Whiplash and it turned into quite a late night. We're now debating which film we love more.

Onawheel · 20/01/2017 07:33

I'm not a musical person at all but went along because t sounded interesting. I absolutely loved it. I loved the simple but true to life love story - you don't always get what your think you want.

I loved the fact they weren't the best singers or dancers but no La La land exec edited that or dubbed over it.

As for that hand holding scene in the cinema. I'm still thinking about how they portrayed that feeling of the first touch with someone you're falling for.

Also thought the ending was much better than the usual chick flick shit we used to get fed as kids.

I loved it despite myself.

RubyWinterstorm · 20/01/2017 07:41

I loved it.

It made me smile throughout, and it almost made me cry at the end.

Something a bit different.

Interesting that it is from the director if Whiplash, which had simikar themes but was much darker.

The opening sequence did nothing for me, other than worry me, but after that I loved every single moment

May even need to see it again

ninnypoo · 20/01/2017 07:46

I loved it BECAUSE of the not perfect perfomances. I loved the metaphor of the dancing and the special melody connecting them as representing a connection and aspects of the relationship. I assumed the film's objective was to show two ordinary people falling in love and doing their own 'dance'- and therefore if the story had picked two other people we would also see them dancing around in their own way and ability. I thought it was sweet and a bit humanising.

MirandaWest · 20/01/2017 07:51

DD and I are going to see it together tomorrow. Both for our second time but first together.

DeviTheGaelet · 20/01/2017 07:59

I loved it too but was heartbroken at the end. Think the argument over the meal was the most true to life I have seen. Totally amazing that Ryan Gosling learned piano for the role.
I have had city of stars as an ear worm ever since

WhatchaMaCalllit · 20/01/2017 08:16

I saw it last weekend with my DH and DD. Surprised that DH wanted to go see a musical but hey ho, off we went.

I love musicals but was left feeling a bit flat after seeing this. I can't put my finger on exactly why.

I didn't like that Emma Stone had to dance in brogue/flat tap shoes that really didn't go with the rest of her costumes at the time. I know she isn't known for being a dancer but she made a bit of 'thing' about the rehearsals when she was on the GN show and how they had been rehearsing for nearly 3 months before they began filming. I did think that Ryan Gosling was a more natural mover.
They were both quite weak in the singing department.
Thought the storyline was a bit 'light' but there have been movies made with less than that as a story.
I guess I was expecting to be WOWed by it but I really wasn't. It was pleasant but nothing to write home about (imo).
The most recent other big blockbuster musical would be Moulin Rouge and this is no Moulin Rouge. People weren't sure what to expect from Nicole Kidman as a singer at the time but she wipes the floor with Emma Stone.

tooclosetocall · 20/01/2017 20:41

Two viewing this week.
Absolutely loved it. The leads were great and the soundtrack wonderful. I have fond memories growing up with old Hollywood films thanks to my amazing grandparents.

I thought it gentle but powerful and not like any of the musical crap they can spew out (yes I'm side-eyeing you, Mama Mia) bleugh.

Heading to La La Land this July.
Can. Not. Wait.

tooclosetocall · 20/01/2017 20:46

Dancergirl I'm going back and taking two girls (10 & 11yo) next weekend.

Dunlurking · 20/01/2017 20:58

I'm saving my second visit for my birthday in a week. Dd's going to come. I've bought the sound track for myself as an early present.

tumpymummy · 21/01/2017 00:06

Would be interested to know if those who go and see it a second time love it as much second time round? I think I would enjoy the songs even more (because I have been playing them nonstop!) but wonder if knowing the ending will spoil it at all.

LotsoNumbers · 21/01/2017 00:19

What an absolute pile of crap this film is. The over the top opening number pretty much did it for me, I absolutely couldn't wait for it to be over. I bloody love good musicals, and this is not a good musical. Emma stone is a terrible singer as well, there's no power in her voice... and I normally really like her. Her acting in the dinner argument scene was the only bit I actually liked!

OhMrsQ · 21/01/2017 00:39

I loved, loved this. Seen it three times so far.
I much prefer a film, shot beautifully, to have less than perfect singers and dancers than the musicals that are so polished they have all the life sucked out of them.
The ending was sad but perfect.
I just thought the whole thing was perfect. Best film I've seen in years. Perhaps I'm a bit biased as I bear an uncanny resemblance to Ms Stone, and I wont hear a bad word against her :)
Last film that got me like this was Intouchables. Beautiful also.

Raaaaaah · 21/01/2017 00:57

I loved it. I thought that they had a lovely chemistry. Really poignant. I thought she sang beautifully but then polished voices just sound a bit soulless to me.

Raaaaaah · 21/01/2017 00:59

Didn't read your post first ohmrs. Have just read back and realised that I have written pretty much exactly the same. Except I look nothing like Emma stone, mores the pity Grin.

antimatter · 21/01/2017 01:00

I loved it for original and strong story.
Singing wasn't great but who cares if the film was done so well. I hope it will be first of many new films where music is part of the story.

Whatthefoxgoingon · 21/01/2017 02:48

Good acting, poor singing, poor dancing.

Stone and gosling have lost their chemistry completely. The feel good factor was lost by the end, though the ending was the bit I liked.

Whiplash is a much better movie by the same director. Moulin rouge, les miserables and Chicago are all better modern musicals. Singing in the rain, west side story, on the town etc are all better classic musicals. There is a better love story in a dozen other movies.

This was mediocre on all fronts. I can't recall a single song either.

Narcissistic Hollywood will give it all the awards.

tooclosetocall · 21/01/2017 08:30

tumpymummy knowing the ending doesn't detract from enjoying the movie a second or third time at all. Not for me anyway.

Excited to watch it again and I know there will be a fourth and fifth viewing too.
Cannot fault it at all, it was perfect in every way for me. I can't remember the last time I saw the same movie twice in one week just because it was so beautifully made. The cinematography and use of colour throughout was stunning.
And yes! Refreshing to not have a boring, predictable ending.
All imho of course.

tooclosetocall · 21/01/2017 08:33

I've ordered the soundtrack too Smile

FreddoFrog · 21/01/2017 14:34

OP, I'd heard that Australia gets movies earlier than the UK as it's used as a test audience.

Saw La La land last night and really enjoyed it. Think i will get the soundtrack too, some of the songs were so lovely. Love Ryan Gosling.

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