Following 2014’s Whiplash,  writer/ director Damien Chazelle had to truly go a way before topping his 2014 hit, but he accomplished that with La La Land. Proving he not only knows his way around a film focused on music, but now has crafted a remarkable musical film, one that will undoubtedly become a classic in the future. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone again prove that they have some of the best chemistry in Hollywood, playing well with and off one another and giving some of their best performances of their career, at times conveying so much emotion without the use of dialogue. Both having their own aspirations, crossing paths on many occasions and eventually falling in love, chronicling their love and personal events, touching heavily on the perseverance it takes to pursue one dream and the sacrifices that one may need to make to achieve those dreams. Acting as a sort of throwback to classic 50’s era musical/ clothing styles at times, and later, showing very modern things (tablet, Prius), it is left very ambiguous as to when this movie takes place, leaving plenty of freedom for the director and viewer alike. The soundtrack, focused largely on jazz, and composed and performed by Justin Hurwitz, and original songs performed by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone is just as big a standout for this film as the performances. Regardless of how you feel about jazz, come the movies credits, you will at the least, be open to the idea of it if not a fan. There really isn’t anything in this movie that wasn’t handled with care, from the costumes, to the sometimes  choreographically large set pieces and performances. Easily one of the best films on 2017, my personal favorite musical, this movie deserves all the attention it is receiving and will certainly be taking home an Oscar on two come time. Whether or not musicals are your thing, this movie is worth a watch and functions as more than that. Functioning as a drama/ comedy, and musical at its core, having something for everyone, La La Land is not to be missed.

9 out of 10.