La La Land (2016)

The critic calls it cinema to make you swoon, lauding the leads' chemistry and the film's embrace of romance, whimsy and life's disappointments. It pays tribute to classic musicals while updating the genre with modern sensibility.

The critic finds the film an irresistible, joyful throwback to classic musicals that feels fresh and new thanks to its staging, wit, and the chemistry between its leads. It is a film made with love about love that leaves viewers on a high.

The critic calls the film a triumphant and delightful follow-up to Whiplash that continues cinema's love affair with musicals through its magical, bittersweet story of love and dreams in Los Angeles. They single out the note-perfect performances of Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, along with the fluid cinematography and vibrant colors, for particular praise.

The critic calls it the feelgood movie of the year with brilliant stars, catchy tunes and a beautiful romance, praising its bravura opening number and kinetic filmmaking that makes it feel completely new. It is highly enjoyable and set to sweep up at the Oscars.

The critic praises Chazelle's sincere revival of the Hollywood musical genre, noting its blend of nostalgia and contemporary sensibility in a story of love versus creative ambition. The leads' chemistry and the bittersweet coda are highlighted as key strengths.

The critic praises the film as a delightful, fresh modern homage to classic Hollywood musicals with jaw-dropping numbers, strong chemistry between Stone and Gosling, and a bittersweet edge about dreams and compromises. It is stylishly directed and will leave viewers grinning.

The review describes the film as starry-eyed and saturated with pure romance, praising its love for Los Angeles, classic musicals and the leads' charisma. It notes the energetic ambition and delicate reverie despite a slight story.

The critic finds La La Land a slender, charming nostalgia trip that balances retro and modern elements through strong lead performances by Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, infectious songs, and dance sequences. However, the resolution feels too deliberately laid out to be authentically poignant, resulting in an adolescent fantasy with a bittersweet edge rather than deeper emotional resonance.

Chazelle has assembled a vibrant pastiche that is one of the loveliest films of the year, thanks to the incandescent performances of Stone and Gosling.

The critic finds Damien Chazelle's follow-up to Whiplash a daring and beautiful modern musical that revitalizes classic conventions with skill and charm. He singles out the exuberant opening freeway sequence and the appealing chemistry and performances of leads Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone for particular praise.

The film succeeds as both a fizzy fantasy and a hard-headed fable, wrapping intense emotions in cinematic bliss through its structure and final sequence.

Chazelle stages a lavish song-and-dance musical that is ardent and full of feeling, leading to moments of old-movie exaltation despite not being a masterpiece.

The critic calls La La Land sheer perfection as a romantic musical dramedy, praising its full embrace of the musical genre from the opening number onward and Chazelle's skillful blend of comedy, romance, and drama. Stone and Gosling deliver standout performances, with the film ultimately celebrating dreams, fate, and unforgettable musical storytelling.

Chazelle delivers an enchanting romantic musical that serves as a love letter to classic Hollywood without feeling like mere pastiche. The film is profoundly joyful yet tinged with a deep, lingering sadness.

Chazelle delivers a gorgeous, original romantic musical that blends homage to classic screen musicals with contemporary appeal. The leads' performances, especially Stone's, and the memorable songs and choreography stand out as highlights.

Chazelle's old-fashioned musical sparkles thanks to Gosling and Stone's chemistry and joyful yet bittersweet musical sequences. It captures the push-pull between romantic fancy and reality in contemporary Los Angeles.

Chazelle creates a vibrant, dreamlike Los Angeles musical that celebrates nostalgia while acknowledging life's messier realities. The chemistry between Gosling and Stone, along with inventive musical numbers, provides consistent enjoyment.

Chazelle crafts a technically slick, well-acted proper musical with ear-friendly tunes and strong chemistry between leads. The film balances big emotions and nostalgia with a disconsolate undercurrent that comments on its own romanticism.

The critic finds the film a delicate delight with stunning visuals and a divine third act, praising the chemistry of Gosling and Stone and the emotional conclusion, though noting some stumbles in the first act.

The critic sees it as charming but cynical, effective in its theme of bittersweet industry change but too nostalgic, vague characters, and reliant on borrowed style; praises the stars' light touch but notes the film is a bit shabby.