"A Star Is Born"

I have to admit my failings as a film fan with regard to this new release in that I thought that this was the second remake. I naturally knew of both the Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand starring movies, but I was not aware that these too were both remakes and that the original film came out way back in 1937.

There has been a lot of talk about this movie. There is much gushing from the Critics about every aspect of the film, and the audiences also are flocking to see the film in high numbers.
It sees the Directorial debut of lead Actor Bradley Cooper, and although not her first time on the big screen, I guess you could say that this is the first major starring role for lead actress Lady Gaga.

Looking at the time line, it would seem that "A Star is Born" is revisted every 20 to 30 years, and this time round we have Bradley Cooper as Jackson Maine, a Country & Western star, still popular and regularly on tour, and all this despite a great love for alcohol, and definitely too much of it. Coming off stage and in serious need of a drink, he finds himself in a Drag bar, and whilst whetting his whistle, on stage comes Ally, a young woman, popular with the clientele, and as she performs, it lights a spark in Jackson.
They start spending time together, and there is a real chemistry between them. During one of his concerts, she has a Backstage pass, and despite her belief that she is not talented, he manages to get her to come on stage with him, and perform one of her own songs. Terrified, she overcomes her insecurities, and gives a blinding performance in a duet with Jackson.
And that is where everything changes.

Given the technological World we live in, it is only natural that someone films her performance with their mobile and said video ends up on YouTube.
Naturally record Producers coming knocking at her door.
For want of a better phrase, it is the old rags to riches story, where the performing veteran takes a back seat as this young and very talented lady becomes a really huge star. Her Career and his drinking lead to a truly embarrassing moment, and one does wonder if her time in the limelight has come crashing to an end.

Yes, it is as good as people say, me included.
A story that has been done many times, but given new blood with great performances especially from the two leads, but also amazing songs, performed again by the two main leads.
Bradley Cooper is great as the whisky drinking Jackson Maine. But the real star, probably quite aptly is Lady Gaga who just truly shines as Ally. Whether acting or performing her own songs, she really is exceptional, and it will be interesting to see if she is shortlisted for an Academy Award come January.
Bradley Cooper does however excel in the Directors Chair, he directs the film with a look and style that gives the impression that he has been directing for years. He is a natural. One wonders whether he has been picking up tips from some of the greats that he has been directed by, style wise most notably Clint Eastwood.

One definitely to watch.......9 out of 10