Happy Saturday, movie lovers!
I just got back from an early morning showing of A STAR IS BORN and I am absolutely blown away. It was even better than I expected and seeing it in Dolby (thanks, AMC) made it even more incredible.
In case you were unaware of the plot:
SYNOPSIS: A musician helps a young singer and actress find fame, even as age and alcoholism send his own career into a downward spiral.
Let me start by saying that I listened to the soundtrack for A STAR IS BORN yesterday while I was at work and was pleasantly surprised by the vocals on Bradley Cooper! The music itself was fantastic, but his vocals really proved how versatile and talented he truly is. The tracks with him and Lady Gaga made me want a full album of just them singing with each other. It was really that good! With that being said, here is my warning for those of you that decide to listen to the soundtrack before watching the movie:
YOU WILL KNOW THE ENDING.
Between each track is a dialogue track pulled straight from the movie. As I was listening to each track, I could almost feel the tone of their relationship changing. Once it got to the last three tracks, I called my co-worker and asked if the soundtrack just ruined the ending of the movie for me lol. Update: It did. However, with that being said, nothing could prepare you for the incredible performances given by Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in this movie.
Consider the fact that this was her first (major) acting role and this was his first time actually singing and “becoming” a musician. They were both kind of walking in the other’s shoes and did so perfectly. I’m convinced that Bradley Cooper, not only as an actor/performer, but as a filmmaker is an absolute genius. This was his directorial debut and he nailed it, in my opinion. The shots were beautiful & there were moments where there was no dialogue, but you knew exactly what they were saying just by looking at each other. The trust between him and Lady Gaga as actors was evident throughout the whole thing. You felt what the characters were feeling. You were invested in their relationship and you rooted for them to succeed. Even the performances by the supporting cast was great. Ally’s friend Ramon (Anthony Ramos) didn’t get much air time, but played a pivotal role in her life and the relationship with Jack. Bobby (Sam Elliott) was great as Jack’s brother and really played a part in breaking my heart throughout the movie.
I love movies and I love music, so any time that they can be combined into one incredible piece of art — I’m there for it. There was no exception here and I am highly recommending it to anyone reading this review. It’s gritty, it’s important, it’s beautiful, it’s tragic. Bradley Cooper allowed the movie to breathe without us feeling like they were shoving dialogue and a fake story down our throats. It felt real and I might need convincing that there isn’t an actual Jack Maine & Ally out there on tour together right now lol. Side Note: Can Sam Elliott lend his voice to a meditating app or something? Let’s make that happen, people!
The only “complaint” I can muster is that there are a few scenes in the trailer (see below) that don’t appear in the movie and I wish they had, but here’s to hoping for an extended version once it’s released on Blu-ray.
So go out and see it now that it’s in theaters! Let me know your thoughts when you do. Do you think this will be Oscar-nominated? I actually think it could be and it honestly couldn’t be more deserving. Great job by all!
In theaters now!
A STAR IS BORN | Official Channels
Universal Pictures’ has released a new trailer at New York Comic Con of their upcoming epic adventure, MORTAL ENGINES.
According to Kristin 