How many of you knew that the new musical drama A Star is Born starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper is a remake? I assume that the majority, if not all of you, already knew that. A Star Is Born (1976) starred Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson, with Evergreen, sung by Streisand, winning an Oscar for best original song. While being well known, the 1976 version did not sit well with most critics. Going back even further, a 1954 version starring the talented Judy Garland was nominated for six Oscars and is currently sitting at 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. Now even further back into obscurity is the original version that started it all. Yes, that makes three remakes (including this latest one), that have spawned from the 1937 classic starring Janet Gaynor and Fredric March, which is at a whooping 100%. Now it’s time to see if this one is a classic reborn or just another remake.
Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) is a talented country singer with a voice that’ll bring people to their feet whenever he sings. For Jackson, who has all of the success in the world, he still struggles with inner demons that usually include some form of hard liquor. Being an alcoholic has started to take a toll on this great performer. While out on one of his binge drinking excursions, Jackson happens upon one of the most beautiful voices that he’s ever heard. Ally (Lady Gaga) performs for fun and has no idea where her life is about to go. Through a chance encounter, the pair find one another and begin to see greatness in their future. Unfortunately success will come a high price that may not be worth it in the end. Still though, the ride to the top will be something special to witness.
A Star is Born stars Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Sam Elliott, Anthony Ramos, Andrew Dice Clay and Dave Chappelle. There are many other actors that help bring this movie together. Thank goodness for IMDb. Every detail was carefully examined when it came to casting these fine actors. Audiences are in for a very special treat as they watch a very motivated cast look to win them over.
Lady Gaga may be short on her bodies of work in regards to acting in feature films, but you wouldn’t know it when you experience her moving performance. The title, A Star is Born, quite literally could also be describing her acting career right now. I don’t think mainstream America will be ready for what this starlet will bring to the table. Her character is brought to life by the energy, passion and swagger that Lady Gaga brings with her. Fans will instantly fall in love with her character as she grows with each passing moment.
Bradley Cooper has outdone himself from an acting perspective. The way that he transformed himself to fully commit to the role Jackson Maine is nothing short of amazing. Starting with his voice, just WOW. And I’m not even talking about his singing (we’ll get to that in a moment). If you close your eyes and just listen, it would be practically impossible to tell Cooper’s voice apart from his on-screen brother played by Sam Elliott. It gives you chills.
Then we jump to the musical side of things. Again, Cooper goes in full tilt by dedicating six months of his time to hone the art of singing, playing the piano and playing the guitar. Fans will appreciate his full dedication to his craft. And in addition to all of this excellence in artistry, he has to manage everyone else’s performances as the director. Bradley Cooper deserves every single penny and accolade that comes his way for A Star is Born.
Even though this movie deals with a lot of heavy subject matter such as alcohol and drug abuse, along with strong language and adult subject matter, A Star is Born still refreshing and fun to watch. With amazing lead performances, a very strong supporting cast, music that will rock your soul and a story that is completely captivating, this is definitely one of the best experiences you’ll have in theaters this year. At two and a half hours long, you’ll still come away wanting more by the time all is said and done. This is an experience that I can fully recommend without hesitation to just about everyone. Watch it now so it’s one less movie you’ll need to “catch up on” once Oscar season comes around.
