4600th Review!!! A Star is Born (2018)

“Look, talent comes everywhere, but having something to say and a way to say it so that people listen to it, that’s a whole other bag. And unless you get out and you try to do it, you’ll never know. That’s just the truth. And there’s one reason we’re supposed to be here is to say something so people want to hear. So you got to grab it, and you don’t apologize, and you don’t worry about why they’re listening, or how long they’re going to be listening for, you just tell them what you want to say. Don’t you understand what I’m trying to tell you?” – Jackson

Number of Times Seen – 1 (20 Oct 2018)

Brief Synopsis – A popular rock star sees a young singer perform in a nightclub and decides that she has the talent to go all the way to the top.

My Take on it – Having now watched the latest version of this story (and subsequently all 4 versions within a 24 hour period), it helps give me another view on the story and the effect it has on the themes it presents and the face of fame.

There is no question in my mind that this is the very best version of this story that remains timeless but is presented superbly here by Bradley Cooper in his directorial debut.

This is a passion project for him and it is easy to see by all that he does here.

Having known the story, I knew going in the direction of things, but some of the choices made here are done deliberately to show that this might be a refurbished story but it still can have its own surprises and tweaks that make it unique and even better than the previous versions.

Cooper is amazing n the lead and Lady Gaga who is not known for her acting abilities is perfect as the female ead

The two of them have extraordinary chemistry together and is so enjoyable to watch because of the realistic feeling they give the audience.

The music is great to listen to largely due to the fact that each of the leads have great vocals that enhance the songs while also giving the audience stronger feelings for everything that is going on.

This film has had so much hype lately and is being touted as the film to beat at most Awards ceremonies including the Oscars especially since this is done superbly form numerous perspectives.

Cooper has made his vision a reality and very few first time director could pull off what he has accomplished here.

The supporting cast is also great and the two standouts are Andrew Dice Clay and Sam Elliott.

Clay is almost unrecognizable here because he plays a character no on would ever suspect him of taking.

Elliott, on the other hand has always been a strong supporting actor and this may actually be his very finest performance of them all.

I really hope he at least gets some nominations for this role in the upcoming Awards season.

This is definitely one of the best films of the year so far and I wonder if any other film will be able to eclipse it over the next two months.

Bottom Line – Excellent version of the story that is even better than every other one put to film over the last 80 years. Cooper and Gaga are both superb in these roles and their onscreen chemistry is so enjoyable to watch because it seems so realistic. The music is amazing to listen to and both of the leads have great voices so that enhances the songs and the audiences feelings for everything going on here.  There is so much hype about this film right now, and I have to agree that this film is superbly done from numerous perspectives.  Cooper has made his vision a reality and this film is right now being seen by many as the film to beat at the various upcoming awards ceremonies including the Oscars.  Supporting cast is also great and I loved seeing Clay in a role so very different from what we expect from him.  Elliott gives one of his finest performances here too and I really hope he gets some recognition for his wok here when they start announcing nominations.  Definitely one of the best films of the years so far and might very well stay on top.  Highly Recommended!

MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia – Bradley Cooper had to fight hard to convince Warner Bros to cast Lady Gaga as Ally. In his pitch, he showed an iPhone recording of both Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper singing a duet of Midnight Special – Creedence Clearwater Revival recorded in Lady Gaga’s home. (From IMDB)

Rating – Oscar Worthy (9/10)

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