A Star is Born
(2018)Bradley Cooper makes his directorial debut with this remake of the classic 1937 musical, starring alongside Lady Gaga. As alcoholism and age slowly sink his own career, movie star musician Jackson Maine (Cooper) helps a younger actor-singer (Lady Gaga) jump-start her own path to fame.... More
This is the third remake of William A. Wellman's Oscar winner, the first being the 1954 Judy Garland version and the second starred Barbra Streisand in Frank Pierson's 1976 take.Hide
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Directed by Bradley Cooper (feature debut)
Starring Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, Sam Elliott, Dave Chappelle, Anthony Ramos, Bonnie Somerville, Andrew Dice Clay, Michael Harney
Written by Bradley Cooper, Will Fetters, Eric Roth (based on the 1937 film of the same name)
Flicks Review
BY Aaron Yap Flicks Writer
When A Star is Born hits its best notes, it has the wide, irresistible allure of a pop song that’s survived several generations, and will continue to do so as long as there’s someone there to sing it. Even if you’re not acquainted with the story’s previous cinematic iterations—the oldest of which dates back to 1937—you’ll instantly recognise the hooks.... More
Bradley Cooper, in his first time out both acting and directing, front-loads the film with the most exuberant of these, sweeping us up into the whirlwind romance between his whiskey-soaked country-rocker Jackson Maine, and Lady Gaga’s aspiring, rawly talented chanteuse Ally. From their initial chance encounter at a drag bar to Ally’s show-stopping butterfly transformation at Maine’s gig, it’s a stratospheric, disarmingly calibrated meet-cute, with the pair oozing charisma and chemistry that’ll seize your heart immediately.
It’s a shame then that A Star is Born doesn’t quite sustain this opening live wire act. The bulky back half is less assured, unevenly maneuvering the billowing storm of a disintegrating relationship and Maine’s battle with alcoholism, while finding time to scoff at the image-obsessed demands of the pop industry via a weaselly, opportunistic producer.
Cooper surrounds himself with sturdy support: Sam Elliott brings an earthy ruefulness to Maine’s older brother Bobby, Andrew Dice Clay charms as Ally’s affable father Lorenzo whenever he’s on-screen. I will add to the chorus of praise for Gaga. She’s the film’s real MVP—a natural actor of surprising depth and soul. Sure, she has to belt out some corny shit, but that lump you feel in your throat? It’s not nothing.Hide
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A Star is Born
BY adamatdramatrain superstar
Drawing most closely on the 1976 version, this new cover of an old hit is saved from being so much schmaltz-laden, sentimental heart-string tugging romantic tosh by knockout... More performances, most notably from Lady G as Ally, a nightclub singer discovered by Cooper’s Jackson Maine, a famed singer with an addiction to alcohol with a career on the rocks that takes a dive as Ally’s rises.
The supporting cast are top notch, with Sam Elliott as Jackson’s older bro and manager, Dave Chapelle as Jackson’s friend, Andrew Dice Clay as Ally’s dad, Anthony Ramos as her friend, and some neat guest appearances by the likes of Marlon Williams, Alec Baldwin and Brandi Carlile. But make no mistake, this is Gaga’s show and she owns it. As director, Cooper proves a fine hand at the helm, delivering a rock-solid musical romance with all the emotional ups and heavy downs required by the tragic story arc.
Good looking, talented, a fine director, actor and Cooper can sing – I know, I hate him too! Cooper and Gaga make a great duo, and the sparks fly from the off. Fans of the likes of modern musical romance LA LA LAND rejoice – there’s a new musical in town that’s proud to wear its sentimentality on its glittery, sequined sleeve.
Some may not enjoy the second half of the movie as much as the first, finding it all a bit too generic, but to be fair this is A STAR IS BORN – a remake of a remake of a cover of a cover, yet far from feeling trite and old hat it comes off fresh and full of promise, thanks to superb performances in a film happy to embrace the schmaltz and run with it.Hide
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The Press Reviews
A remake that captures the tone and spirit of prior films, A Star Is Born still blazes its own heartfelt, authentic path. Full Review
This is a durable tale of romance, heady fame and crushing tragedy, retold for a new generation with heart and grit. Full Review
Outrageously watchable and colossally enjoyable... supercharged with dilithium crystals of pure melodrama. Full Review
"A Star Is Born" is that thing we always yearn for but so rarely get to see: a transcendent Hollywood movie. Full Review
Calling the new A Star Is Born a "valentine" from its star, Lady Gaga, to her fans sounds a bit coy and delicate, so let's call it what it really is: a hot French kiss (with full-on tongue), filled with passion, tears and a staggering amount of chutzpah. Full Review
Gaga is appealing, open and down-to-earth in her first major role. Full Review
What keeps the film from feeling like a mere rehash is the gut-level romanticism of it all. Full Review
Gaga is a revelation, Cooper's on-screen presence matched by the restraint and tenderness of his storytelling as director. Full Review
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