Enjoyable and compelling, the movie A Star is Born fills the screen with song and story. It’s like being in the front row of a concert, but with the feel you are part of the drama and romance as well. It’s a kick-off to the Oscars and the Golden Globes and those films before and later to be released will have an uphill climb to surpass what you’ll see in this film. If you can find a movie theater in your city that has Dolby Cinema (Dolby Atmos) you will not regret the up-charge for the special feeling you will get from A Star is Born. Bring tissues as it’s both inspiring and heartbreaking.
The romance begins late night after a concert with singer Jackson “Jack” Maine (Bradley Cooper) walking into a drag bar to buy a bottle of booze. There he sees Ally (Lady Gaga) and he’s mesmerized by her voice. Loved by the drag entertainers, she’s the only female aloud to pretend in complete drag make-up as she belts out her rendition of “La Vie En Rose”. He invites her to a concert and without notice has her sing back-up. From there the story of her being accepted by the crowds at concerts, the substance abuse by Jack, their rocky marriage and her climb to fame are a captivating rollercoaster ride.
A Star is Born marks the first time in Bradley Cooper’s career with a credit in the Director column. However, you would think from the quality, visualization and staging of the film, that Cooper has been doing this job all his life, it’s that good. With impeccable precision he appears in concerts using his film crews to record the movie as they sing live so it can be as real as possible. He also co-wrote the screenplay that tugs at your heartstrings, punctuates the problems within their lives and packs a punch to the gut. It’s an all-around win, win for Cooper and one he deserves.
As for Bradley Cooper the actor, he delivers Jack to his audience, a man who has been filled with the hurt of a troubled past. He’s been entertaining audiences “forever” and his drug and alcohol habit has a strong hold on him making him think his time on the stage is fading. Teaming up with Ally, gives the singer a chance to come out of the downward spiral and make his concerts winners again. Teaming up with Ally turns to love and from there on out Jack keeps Ally in the eye of the public. That is until famed manager Rez (Rafi Gavron) gets Ally to sign a contract with him. It’s been a long way since The Hangover and he’s had some excellent films along the way like The Place Beyond the Pines, Silver Lining Playbook, American Hustle and American Sniper that were big hits. But the time is now for Bradley Cooper and I’m rooting for him all the way to the Oscars.
Beyond his acting ability Cooper also performs all his songs in the film and none of it was prerecorded in a recording studio. Using Roger Love as his voice coach he brings forth vocals that resonate and feel good. In the film he appears live in front of crowds and other scenes belting out “Black Eyes”, “Maybe it’s Time”, “Out of Time”, “Alibi”, “Music to My Eyes” with Lady Gaga, “I Don’t Know What Love Is” with Lady Gaga and “Diggin My Grave” with Lady Gaga.
Speaking of Lady Gaga it’s a WOW. In her first full feature film she nails the role of Ally, an unknown aspiring singer who meets rock star Jack. In awe of him, she falls for his charm and onstage persona. Then when he gives her a chance she starts to get confidence on stage and the rest is a road to romance and fate. In every moment she’s on film she commands the screen. Her voice and acting performance are perfect for the role and it makes her a winner. Combined with her amazing career that has already accumulated recognition from an Oscar nomination and winner of a Golden Globe, to her 2 wins of the 9 Grammy nominations are just the beginning. Lady Gaga pulls off an acting tour de force here that could easily bring her back for repeat honors in 2019.
In the film Lady Gaga sings and co-wrote the following original songs, in addition to the ones she duo’s with Cooper; “The Shallow”, “Always Remember Us This Way”, “Look What I Found”, “Heal Me”, “Is that Allright?”, “Why Did You Do That”, “Hair Body Face”, “Before I Cry”, and “I’ll Never Love Again”. She’s an amazing talent and seeing her performance in Dolby Cinema or standard is worth the price of admission for the astonishing experience.
What’s up next for the two performers? How about “A Star is Born” on Broadway!
A Star is Born has been rated R by the MPAA for language throughout, some sexuality/nudity and substance abuse. You can tell from the tone of my review that I really enjoyed the motion picture. My only question is the comment Lady Gaga makes about her nose. It gave me a strange feeling that she was comparing herself with Barbra Streisand who performed the role of the 1976 movie version A Star is Born. Do you think?
FINAL ANALYSIS: Experience it at the theater in Dolby Cinema. (5 out of 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Sam Elliott, Andrew Dice Clay, Rafi Gavron, Anthony Ramos, Dave Chappelle, Rebecca Field, Michael Harney, Shangela Laquifa Wadley, William Belli,
Directed and co-written by: Bradley Cooper
Genre: Drama, Music, Romance
MPAA Rating: R for language throughout, some sexuality/nudity and substance abuse
Running Time: 2 hrs. 15 min.
Opening Date: October 5, 2018
Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures
Released in: Dolby Atmos/Dolby Cinema, Standard
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
