La La Land, 3 Stars

I enjoyed this movie and think it will win this year's Oscar but it is Hollywood being (consistently) narcissistic (both the film and the Academy voting). (Yeah, yeah, it's tough making it in movies but those aren't the only topics that deserve the spotlight...)

Having said that, it's a good story. It drags in places and, as I exited the theatre, I wasn't sure I liked it. But it was memorable and stayed with me for days.

Some of the scenes are exceptional, especially the opening and, of course, the dancing. Ryan Gosling (Ides of March) continues to develop and show his acting 'chops', and his performance is superb. I really like Emma Stone (EasyA) and she is very good, but I wonder if her acting range and development have stalled? The two do dominate the screen throughout.

I think I'll see this again but...