A Star Is Born
Country music sensation Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) is a much loved force of nature. But, raised by his much older brother, Bobby (Same Elliot), Jackson is also a very troubled and tortured artist. Regardless, when a chance encounter with Ally (Lady Gaga), a bar room singer and waitress catches Jackson’s ear and eye, it could be just the break the two were looking for; for Ally, musical fame, for Jackson, love and a place to call home. But, trouble in paradise seems afoot, especially when Ally’s producer, Ramon (Anthony Ramos) gets in the mix, will their story be like so many other tinsel town romances, a flash in the pan, or will they have the power to endure as a star is born?
With Screenplay by Eric Roth, Bradley Cooper, and Will Fetters based on the story by William A. Wellman and Robert Carson and Directed by Bradley Cooper, this tried and true story strikes a chord once again landing as a solid drama with a carefully crafted script backed with several quality songs. And, proving her talents as a triple threat, Lady Gaga’s performance nails a compelling ark whilst Cooper’s sunset appears to be fading in perfect concert. Additional performances from Andrew Dice Clay and Dave Chappelle add extra flavor in unlikely ways. Interesting cinematography choices work further to carry the story forward, although some questionable editing of the “concert footage” does seem a bit forced. Still for Cooper, as a Directorial debut, this engine is clearly firing on all eight cylinders. Bottom line, audiences are in store for a rockin’ two hours and fifteen minutes and an inspiration to pick up that dusty guitar sitting in the back corner of their closet. Worth your time, A Star is Born is rated R.