Review: A Star is Born (2018)

Directed by Bradley Cooper

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga

The plot follows a hard-drinking musician who discovers and falls in love with a young singer.

I am still a few movies behind before I finish up my top 10 films of 2018. So for this weekend, I decided to watch and review the hit film A Star is Born. This is the directorial debut for Bradley Cooper, and I have to say it was quite good, but not as good as other's say it is.

The plot has been told 3 times before (with this being the fourth remake of the film). It's just the same usual standard cliched plot of how two fall in love through a deep connection they both have in common (basically every other romantic film ever). I have to say that I don't quite like romantic films, but I had to check this one out due to it's reception and recognition. I liked the first act, as we got to know both characters in detail, but the rest doesn't live up (plot wise) to it's hype. The pacing felt really off after the first act, and was slow and uninteresting at times. However it isn't that bad, that you won't enjoy the film, the film is actually pretty enjoyable if you ignore these gripes. Bradley Cooper was great in his role, and Lady Gaga was fantastic in hers (a contender for Best Actress at the Academy Awards). Their chemistry was phenomenal, and every scene they have together, you can just feel the scene, and their emotions towards each other, it's simply beautiful. Sam Elliot was really good, and I feel he has a great chance winning Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards as well.

The visuals and cinematography are good, not that good or special to deserve a Best Cinematography nomination though (at least in my opinion it isn't). The music is 100% the best thing about this film. As I mentioned, Bradley Cooper's and Lady Gaga's chemistry is phenomenal, and this doesn't stem just from the emotional acting scenes, but the singing/performing scenes as well. Shallow by Lady Gaga was brilliant and performed perfectly by both Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, and will most certainly pick up the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

While the plot feels cliched and predicable at most, the film shows a lot of emotion and heart, and this was quite a great directorial debut for Bradley Cooper overall, with multiple Academy Award nominations including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress. I totally understand how some will like this film more than others.

In conclusion, while it wasn't as great as I hoped it would be, I still recommend seeing it for it's beautiful and emotional moments backed by Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga's powerful chemistry. If you are like me and don't usually like romantic films, you will enjoy this one to an extent. If you are someone who loves romantic films, you will definitely enjoy this one.

My rating: 7.5/10

#FilmReview #2018