1st review. Keeping it simple. I watch a TON of movies and grew up on musicals including theater.

I just can't give this a big thumbs up.

I WANTED to love it. I really did. I'd love to see a modern version of the old school musicals I learned (yes, learned) to love. It's not "Singing in the Rain" and such.

I love Gosling as far as his talent. I wanted it to work. Truly. I did not come in being critical.

It just never clicked for me. The singing was blah (I get the concept of being "regular" folks"). The story, well I just kept waiting for it to be a big splash.

Instead it seemed to end quickly and simply bland.

I really did want to love it and understand the love for it.

Sorry it's my first review but I've seriously watched a ton of quality movies from IMAX to my home theater and this is the first time I felt I HAD TO SAY MY QUALMS.

It's a fine movie for what it is. However, throw in the hype, and it just let me down.

Sure, I could get more specific and such but I am just throwing it out there that it was a fail for me overall. I WANTED to love it. It just never go going for me.

Do a good old school musical where it's the norm characters as they make them out to be then BOOM- suddenly it rocks (no, not the genre of music). I just think they let it drop where they could have taken it to another level.

Love the actors. I am sure I will see tons of great works to come. This just did not take it to the level I had hoped. Perhaps too much hype?