Student Film Reviews

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1. Elizabeth Crocker 04.26.18 / 11am

   Loved this movie and your review! I have to agree that this movie did a great job of keeping the audience on its toes the entire time, not knowing what would happen next. La La Land did an amazing job capturing the LA life but also being real about the struggles of living in the ‘city of stars’. The ending of the movie was not what I expected but that is what made it so believable! Again great job on your review, it really captured what viewers will see when they watch it.
2. Dylan Taylor 04.27.18 / 10pm

   Cyrus’s review is short but to the point and explains exactly why he found La La Land to be deserving of all the awards it had received. I however have to disagree with Cyrus’s overall analysis of the film. Where he found Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone to be a ‘dynamic duo’ breathing life into these two characters I couldn’t help but think throughout the entire film that they could’ve casted actors who could actually sing and dance and play the piano. It was extremely disappointing that they settled on mediocre singers/dancers in order to have big named actors to promote this supposedly ‘iconic’ Hollywood film. Cyrus claims the film had ‘you on the edge of your seat the whole movie’ but in my opinion this was just another love story with a rather boring, cliche storyline simply jazzed up for a new generation. There was nothing incredibly original about the film and didn’t stand out for me.
3. Lise Andersson 06.07.18 / 2am

   I loved your review and how well and accurate you described this lovely film. I absolutely agree with you on the mise-en-scene which you described as “magnificent”, it really felt like the old was mixed with the new which gave the entire film some sort of magic feeling. I believe that the design of the movie and the verisimilitude was a huge, important focus of the movie that made it so unique. I also agree with you and think that it was very captivating how you as a viewer got to see both sides of the Hollywood that is so well-known in the world – the good and the bad. The not-so-glamorous battles that Emma went through trying to achieve her dreams and then the fancy “Hollywood” life that she eventually got to live was portrayed very well in this film.
4. carson 06.08.18 / 10pm

   I thoroughly enjoyed this review and learning about another perspective on the film. I have watched this film and most certainly agreed when stated that it was a masterpiece. Every movie has a specific niche that helps it bring to life. And I love your response on the wardrobe in the film. It indeed was stunning and magnificent. The colors and detail made this film really fabulous. This is one of the reasons as to why this film is an award-winning picture. Characters as well are essential and the statement of them being a “dynamic duo” is more than correct. They captivated the hearts of many with their powerful performance.
5. Carla Chavez21 06.09.18 / 4pm

   Great review! I agree La la land is such an amazing musical drama, the music was my favorite, the way some scenes had minimal dialogue but the music took you on an emotional journey. I do have to disagree about this movie having you on the edge of your seat, although it is such a great movie, a lot of it is cliche of classical Hollywood films. The mise-en-scene was spectacular, made it feel like we were always watching a number in a play with the sound, props, and lights. Overall look and sound was vintage which I loved!
6. daniela jimenez 06.10.18 / 1pm

   LA LA LAND is a beautiful movie. I love musicals and this movie was not the exception. As you mention the costumes of Emma and Ryan are an important factor that stands out in this movie. I think everything in this movie makes a perfect Mise-en-scene because everything fits in a “magical” way. Undoubtedly music is key in this film because I think that is what gives that “romanticism” to the movie. I like reading your review. You mention different elements that I find important and also interesting to take into account and imprison in this great movie.
7. Laura Haemaelaeinen 06.22.18 / 11pm

   I liked your review. I had to agree with you that the mise-en-scene was well made especially the clothing part. It really felt that we went back in time to the colourful 1950’s. There was a playful atmosphere, which was fitting to the musical genre. The story itself presents well the what if’s, without forgetting to show the hardness of reality. It is like a dream that comes true but in the end they can not have everything, each other. The film showed two sides of the coin for the “fabulous” LA life.
8. Julia Trites 07.19.18 / 1pm

   I love this concise review! It hits all of the major points of the mise-en-scene especially the color, which is what was most prevalent for me as well. Living in the LA area, it was nice to see familiar and nostaglic landmarks. Incorporating these bright colors was also able to bring a new life to these very landmarks which seem to be a little rundown or overlooked by the locals. Additionally, I most definitely agree that the casting of Emma and Ryan together was impeccable and I think they really complimented each other.
9. Paige Ramirez 07.21.18 / 3pm

   I love your review on La La Land. The way this film grabs the audience is by the genuine and emotional roller coaster romance between Mia and Sebastian. The mies-en-scene of the retro, bright, and vintage costumes make the film very visually pleasing. The lingering of the classic sense of Los Angeles captures the magic of talented hopefuls searching for a place in the world. With the powerful songs, whimsical dance numbers, and beautiful backgrounds, the romantic lives of Mia and Sebastian are enhances greatly by the beauty of the whole production. This film has captured the attention of those who enjoy authenticity in their musical experience.
10. Wannan Qin 07.21.18 / 11pm

    As you said, La La Land is a successful music drama. It is a classical Hollywood narrative’s film. It fits to what classical Hollywood narrative asked for the heterosexual romance of the private goal and all public goals. Moreover, music drama is a kind of film that uses music to present all emotion, and audiences can understand and be attracted by the music, so does La La Land is. Therefore, I agree with your all opinions, this movie has a strong empathy that will make audiences has illusion. The director played the ultimate in lens scheduling and character scheduling, to make the movie being famous in all place.
11. Leah Beguin 10.09.18 / 4pm

    This movie, arguable one of the most iconic and talked about movies of my college days, I was excited to read your review on this film that I have seen multiple times. But sadly, your review didn’t go much in depth and lacked the importance of the films background and plot. The way this post started off, almost made me want to choose a different review to read due to the boring and monotonous sentence. But while the beginning was lacking excitement, you made it up for your usage of film words and helping me understand the idea of the mise-en-scene that I didn’t understand before taking the Film Studies 101 class. I also liked how you talked about the history of LA and the importance it played into this movie. Having seen this movie numerous times, I never thought about how LA was centered in this movie. I definitely have a better appreciation for Los Angeles than I did before.
12. Veronica Morones 10.10.18 / 11am

    I love musical films and LA LA Land did not disappoint me. First, I was fascinated by the costumes and colors that filled each scene. I agree that these colors brought the feel of 1950s LA. I also agree that Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling did a phenomenal job in playing their characters. They make the audience feel each emotion with them through singing and acting. Emma Stone does a great job at displaying the feelings of hope and heartbreak that come with being an aspiring actress. The mise-en-scene of this film perfectly compliments the story line and brings it all together.
13. Ana Sharon Martinez Rios 10.19.18 / 6pm

    Although short, this film review was able to express the important points and aspect of the movie that the writer found valuable about La La Land. I have to agree that the costuming of the film, which works to help set the mood and time period in which the film takes place, was a key element in establishing character in relationship to time. Musicals became popular in the 1930’s, it was a significant genre and became extremely popular within the film industry in Hollywood. They were known for long and continuous takes to shoot all of the dance numbers. I feel that this was a magical time in film history because there was so much happening within the film, and because of the massive sets. Bringing back musicals into the Hollywood scene makes La La Land special because it it did a beautiful job bringing modernism and the old Hollywood style to create a new modern type of musical genre.
14. Sydney Aguirre 03.08.19 / 11pm

    This review is so thoughtful and completely dissects the film in a pithy manner. I thought I had a good understanding of the stylistic elements at work in the film La La Land, but this review really illuminated the profound cinematography at work such as the characters interactions with the modern while retro mise en scene or the bright wardrobe choices that reflect the characters dispositions. My favorite aspect of this particular film, is the subtle parallel between La La Land and Casablanca, which is most apparent at the film’s end. As the characters come back together, with new partners and new ventures at work, they reflect on their past together and lament what could have been, while ultimately accepting that they were not meant to be. Again, excellent review of an excellent film.
15. Elisa Poeyry 06.10.19 / 2am

    I just watched La La Land few weeks ago since everyone told me for a long time that I really have to see it and finally I did. I really liked the idea of the film but I have to admit that all the musical scenes made it seem really unrealistic to me. I can, though, agree with your review that it is an excellent film and I really liked the idea you pointed out about the colors that the two main characters are wearing. I did not notice that before but now that you mentioned it, it really makes sense. Also the view about the vintage style and the way of showing LA and the history of it was really great in this review since I did not pay attention to those parts myself while watching the film.
16. Sofia Morales 10.15.19 / 9pm

    La La Land is a film that I have watched many times at this point, each time bringing me the same exhilarating feeling that I felt the first time I watched it. Maybe it’s because I’m a theatre kid and a musical fanatic, but I can definitely say that La La Land is one of the best movies of the past few years. Not only was the film score incredible and used in the most fitting fashion throughout the film, but the cinematography itself made viewers feel like we were watching every performance on a stage from the audience. The camera would pan and keep up with each and every character as they moved through various different settings in one take even. I really enjoyed the retro/modern stylistic aspects of the mise-en-scene as well, I felt that it was very fitting for the type of music that was being presented as well. I think this film has fulfilled every expectation of both a great movie and a great musical, with the talented actors portraying the main characters, the talented performers/dancers in every song break, the incredible instrumentation, and the seamless cinematography.
17. Minh Tran 10.15.20 / 11pm

    I really enjoyed reading this review. I’ve seen La La Land more than 5 times and it’s still my favorite film of all time. From the opening sequence, this film captivates the audience through the dancing and singing bringing to life the essence of the film in a couple of minutes. A broadway musical on the screen makes you feel as if you are watching this performance live, it really connects to the audience as it’s full of energy and passion. I also agree about the use of color in this film. The combination and balance of color makes this movie so appealing.
18. Quin Richards 02.23.21 / 3pm

    I totally agree with you that La La Land was one of the best films in 2016. Period. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone are an AMAZING pair for this film. Sure, they’re amazing actors who can do any role, but in this film, they both played their characters to a tee. The angsty jazz musician and the wanna be actress who works as a barista. The mise-en-scene in this film is amazing as well. The music complements the narrative in so many ways, and the fact that this is a musical is phenominal.
19. Olivia Weiner 03.07.21 / 10pm

    When I say I don’t cry at movies, I really do mean. Something about this film really resinated with me and I absolutely sobbed. I love how you said it reminds you of a musical made in the 50s because it being set in the present was almost surprising. It felt so nostalgic and old even though it wasn’t, it was the soundtrack and the acting that did that the most. I do love musicals but I am definitely picky and to be honest I one time tried to watch this movie but didn’t get through it, but when I gave it a second chance it completely changed my mind on how I felt about this movie. I loved the different colors being in the film was also beautifully done.
20. Vianey Perez 06.12.21 / 9pm

    The first time I watched this film back in 2016, I was absolutely enchanted with all the different elements and details put into it. This review does a very good job of capturing that feeling summed up in a few sentences, and I was happy to read that I wasn’t the only person who felt the same way after this film. Something I agree with the most in this review is the mention of the mise-en-scène being magnificent. I especially thought that the use of lighting in some of the scenes was absolutely breathtaking. The ending, however, made me feel many emotions, good ones and not so good ones. Despite this, I always appreciate this film when I watch it, admiring its ability to apply itself realistically to the world and those who need it.
21. Jaqueline Naranjo 07.05.21 / 3pm

    Great review and I totally agree with you that La La Land was one of the best films in 2016. I have watched La La Land plenty of times and I still get emotional every time I watch it. Ryan and Emma are amazing actors and I liked their acting in Crazy Stupid Love. This is one of my favorite films, I loved everything about it and how it captivates the audience with the dancing, music, and singing. In each scene, whether it was Sebastian on the piano or Mia acting to get a role the camera would focus on them while the lights would dim when he would play the piano and a close-up will go to Mia.
22. Jaqueline Naranjo 07.05.21 / 5pm

    I totally agree with you that La La Land was the best movie in 2016. This is one of my favorite movies. The actors Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone did an amazing job. The first time I saw them both in a movie was in Crazy Stupid Love. What I think caught the audience’s attention was the costumes, colors, and music. In the movie, I noticed when Emma who plays Mia walks into the restaurant where Ryan who plays Sebastian is playing the piano. We see that when Mia walks in and sees Sebastian the lights dim and focus on both of them in different angles. The director gave this movie an indie feel.
23. Tulah Keplinger 02.08.22 / 10pm

    I absolutely agree with this review. The chemistry felt between Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling is impossibly marvelous. They both completely create the tone of the movie, going from subtle humor to intense, captivating gazes, ultimately making an enchanting view for the audience. I love how you talked about how the film binds old Hollywood and modern film making together. I do believe it’s one of the only movies I’ve ever seen that so seamlessly connects the two, making the audience forget what time period they’re in.
24. Mychal Montoya 03.01.22 / 7pm

    Great review. I agree that the film’s mise-en-scene was able to unify modern day Los Angeles and 1950’s Los Angeles without having one trump the other. As the review stated, the wardrobe played a key roll in driving the classical feeling of the film, as well as the lack of modern technology being present that would pull the viewer out of the classical aura that was created. Damien Chazelle successfully pulled off a modern day musical that appealed to an wider audience than most musicals would be able to in present day. It is both impressive and bold, executed flawlessly and was able to engulf the viewer in a heartfelt relationship, as well as a world of music that drove the storyline.
25. Carlos Rodriguez 03.10.22 / 5pm

    I had never been a huge fan of musicals as a form of entertainment but i agree with this review completely. The chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone was phenomenal and made it really feel like the two were in love. I do really enjoy rom-com films and this has to be my favorite one. The cinematography and the way the camera moved and followed their characters in every scene especially the singing scene made the film feel very smooth and like there were small music videos throughout the movie. The outfits worn by the actors and actresses in the film also add to the film’s character, the films worn by Gosling and Stone compliment each other in every scene and give you the feeling that they are not two separate people but one unit. Not only was the cinematography great but the story was just as great, instead of giving the film a happy ever ending they instead chose to take the film a different direction making the film feel way more realistic.
26. Julia Ambrosini 06.04.22 / 1pm

    La La Land is one of my favorite movies and I think it was done beautifully. I love the music numbers and as well, the actors worked great together and painted the perfect love story. The costuming was amazing, the producers did an amazing job fitting moods and personality into the wardrobes as well as bringing in influence from 1950’s showtunes and dancing. You forget when watching the film that the actors are just actors, and even found myself crying at the end because I got so emotionally involved with the story.
27. Brianna Flanagan 03.14.23 / 1pm

    I watched La La Land for the first time in 2017 on Christmas eve, and it changed my life. Film had opened up my perspective to what art, film, and music could do. I agree with this review and how it was masterfully made, with its directing, acting, and all the mise en scene aspects that come together to unify into a masterpiece of a film. The film uses song and dance to enhance the film, a skill that is essential to story and plot and illustrates how these normal people feel inside. The 1950’s aesthetic of costume and dance perfectly fits into the movie’s theme and impact on the audience. By not making the characters too flashy or trendy, it creates an atmosphere where these characters feel relatable and understandable while never losing the impact of their acting performance or importance of their role.
28. Nafisah Fathima 03.25.23 / 11pm

    La La Land is one of my favorite films to watch because of the character development and the amazing surprise ending. I think the ending is special because it’s not what is expected of a musical romantic comedy. We’re expecting a happy ending where both characters end up together, but are shown a more realistic conclusion that is heartbreaking but honest. The use of clothing and colors throughout the film is really powerful and tells us so much about the characters and how they’re feeling. I think it’s really interesting how although the film is set in modern-day LA, the costumes, hair, and makeup remind me of an older time period of Hollywood. I think this contrast creates an almost timeless environment. To further illustrate the classic-Hollywood inspiration, the director emphasizes a vibrant color palette throughout this film that influences the overall tone. Aspects such as acting, lighting, cohesive color palettes, costumes, hair and makeup, and more all work together to create a timeless-feeling film.
29. Natalie Ruiz 03.03.24 / 9pm

    This film honestly exceeded my expectations. I went into the film not liking musicals but this movie made me completely change my mind. As you mentioned the actors did a great job at bringing the characters to life and they seemed to have great chemistry on screen. I love how the movie also showed us the life of people trying to make it in the film and music business in Los Angeles.
30. Gabi Turnbull 03.10.24 / 8pm

    This is a great review- it summarizes the film well while touching on all the amazing parts in production. I agree that the mise-en-scene really creates an environment which seems so modern but could play off as straight from the 50’s. I think it does a good job of reflecting how LA, despite modernizing so much, can never really escape its roots (after all the talent industry never truly changes). I also find the wardrobe convicting, but to me the soundtrack makes the movie (with instrumentals almost being more effective in character development than vocal songs). Finally, I think that Emma Stone and Ryan Reynolds portray their characters perfectly, and the film would not be the same without them.
31. Maddy Gonzales 03.27.24 / 2pm

    Hello Cyrus,
    I really enjoyed your review and interpretation of the film. I think that through your review you were able to encapsulate the beauty and imagery that “La La Land” holds. I also liked where you mentioned the impact of color throughout the film, as that was one of the first things I pointed out as well. Through bright colors, jazz, and modern day imagery, the film encapsulates the beauty and world during the 50s but puts a modern twist on it. I agree that the mise-en-scene created a situation where the 50s were combined with modern day LA, creating connections and powerful emotions between the characters and the viewers. Overall I think the film was much more than just a love story, it was an impactful and moving film, with a mix of music driving the storyline creating a connection between jazz and a story of love and Hollywood.
32. Sofia Paez 06.18.24 / 12pm

    I thoroughly enjoyed this review and entirely agree that this movie was a turning point in 2016 and even today for future movies. This movie truly brought in a new aspect of musicals to the big screens in a lighthearted and playful way. Your key point stating the power of wardrobe was very crucial for this movie since it made it much more vibrant and whimsical tying in with the music choices in every scene. Whether that was background instrumentals or a full song. These two actors completely embodied their roles wonderfully helping to create this masterpiece of a movie into what we know of it today.

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