It’s a film that I’ve been looking forward to seeing for a while, A Star is Born stars four-time Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper (“American Sniper,” “American Hustle,” “Silver Linings Playbook“) and multiple award-winning, Oscar-nominated music superstar Lady Gaga, in her first leading role in a major motion picture.
It’s Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut and boy does he do a great job with this emotional rollercoaster of a movie, A Star is Born is a new take on the tragic love story, Cooper plays seasoned musician Jackson Maine, who discovers-and falls in love with struggling artist Ally (Lady Gaga). She has just about given up on her dream to make it big as a singer… until Jack coaxes her into the spotlight. But even as Ally’s career takes off, the personal side of their relationship is breaking down, as Jack fights an ongoing battle with his own internal demons.
A Star is Born was such a pleasant surprise to watch, right from the very start of the movie with Bradley Cooper performing on stage in front of thousands of people, you know that this movie is going to be one that is going to have you glued right to the very end. Cooper has done a superb job with his directorial debut, A Star is Born not only looks good but it also sounds good, the music throughout the movie is superb and if you get to the movie in a cinema with great sound, then you are in for a treat.
The live performances sound almost as if you are there with the crowd, with the music masterfully mixed to a high quality, with you being able to hear the music how it should be heard, suffice to say the soundtrack, which is out on the 5th October, is certainly going to be one that you will want after seeing the movie, I know I do.
Bradley Cooper plays Jackson Maine with a true passion, with his worn out look and gravelly voice work very well for his character who meets Ally for the first time at a gay bar while he is looking for somewhere to have a drink, alcohol and drugs have hit him hard in his career and Ally brings a meaning to live back to his life.
Lady Gaga looks very different from how we’ve seen her in her music career, she’s down to earth and she even jokes about her looks to Cooper during the film, Gaga and Cooper have such a wonderful on-screen presence together and they bring A Star is Born to life, you believe in the romance, anger and other emotions that the two share on the big screen.
A Star is Born sees Ally’s career going one way and Jackson’s going the opposite direction and in turn Ally’s growing fame sends Jackson further into a downward spiral with devastating consequences.
This is a film that had me on such a ride of ups and downs, giving my emotions a run for their money, I found myself laughing out loud at several occasions and then feeling the pain that Jackson was going through, I was even moved to tears rolling down my cheeks, not what I was expecting from movie, which only goes to show how stunning the performances are from the Gaga, Cooper and the rest of the cast.
There is a moving moment, that started we welling up, with Jackson opening his heart to Bobby (Sam Elliott), as Bobby drives away the tears in his eyes were being held back, very much like my own.
It was great to see Andrew Dice Clay as Lorenzo with a performance that was very different from his role in Dice and The Adventures of Ford Fairlane.
A Star is Born has to be one of my favourite movies of 2018 (so far), it has powerful performances, amazing music, great cinematography and a story that grabs your emotions and gives them a damn good shake, my recommendation is to see the movie, but make sure you take a packet of tissues with you.
A Star is Born is on Digital Download January 28 and 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray & DVD February 11. Fancy getting your hands on an Official Merchandise Prize Pack? Then check out our competition to win one.
“A Star Is Born” recently received five Golden Globe nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Drama; Best Director – Motion Picture, Bradley Cooper; Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama, Lady Gaga; Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama, Bradley Cooper; and Best Original Song in a Motion Picture, “Shallow.” The film also received three awards from the National Board of Review, including Best Director Bradley Cooper, Best Actress Lady Gaga, and Best Supporting Actor Sam Elliott, as well as four Grammy Award nominations for “Shallow” for Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, and Best Song Written For Visual Media.
Lady Gaga and Bradley Shine in A Star is Born
Movie title: A Star is Born
Movie description: A musician helps a young singer and actress find fame, even as age and alcoholism send his own career into a downward spiral.
Date published: September 28, 2018
Director(s): Bradley Cooper
Actor(s): Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, Andrew Dice Clay, Sam Elliott
Genre: Drama, Music, Musical
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Gaga and Cooper shine
Summary
A Star is Born is a film that has a great cast, music and story that grabs at your heartstrings and tests the strengths of your emotions.
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
