Over the past decade, Hollywood’s largest studios have become trapped in a cycle of reboots, sequels, and prequels, driven by the mistaken belief that familiar intellectual property guarantees profit. Now, as Hollywood faces the creative consequences of a potential Warner Bros-Paramount Mega Merger, Elijah Segal analyzes what led to this creative stagnation and elucidates steps studios can take to bring Hollywood back to life.

La La Land is the film for the yearners, with Mia (Emma Stone) and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) being the epitome for “right person wrong time.” La La Land is captivating in its lively dance scenes and nostalgic usage of technicolor. However, Nicole Au calls into question if this film effectively portrays a deep, painful, love story or if the stunning cinematography is just the shell of meaningless, forgettable plot.