Exceptional acting and remarkable cinematography, but despite some complex writing, the film doesn't really have anything coherent to say. I do think the film is at its strongest when it’s discussing the film industry and critical analysis with relation to issues such as race, although it’s clear during these moments that director Sam Levinson is speaking through his actors; nonetheless, the message in what he’s trying to say resonates. However, when the dialogue mixes in relationship drama and discussions on…

Damien Chazelle and Justin Hurwitz understand that some feelings are just so big they have to be sung and danced.

La La Land is a riveting, magical musical feature that pays constant tribute to a century of musicals and Hollywood films about Hollywood, without ever succumbing to cliché.

Chazelle’s deep and spacious romanticism includes the city and its dreamers and music and movies and love itself. The storyline is deceptively simple, but the specificity of the detail, depth of understanding,…