A Star Is Born review by Ali Plumb – Radio 1's Screen Time

Synopsis:

Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in A Star is Born. Copyright: Warner Bros.

In this remake of a remake (1976) of a remake (1954) of a timeless original (1937), Bradley Cooper (who writes, directs and acts) plays successful rock star Jackson Maine, who discovers – and falls in love with – struggling part-time cabaret singer Ally (Lady Gaga). On the verge of giving up her dream of making it big as a professional performer, Ally’s life changes forever when Jackson coaxes her into the spotlight and on to fame and fortune. But even as Ally's career takes off, the personal side of their relationship starts to break down as Jackson fights an ongoing battle with his own internal demons.

Pros:

Lady Gaga is a revelation: affecting, real, superb. Bradley Cooper is also very impressive, not just in his acting performance, but with his direction and writing too. Together, they are electric, their chemistry jolting off the screen and making you feel what they’re feeling in a gorgeously old-fashioned, the whole-cinema’s-weeping way. The physical affection between the stars alone, all hair-twiddling and cheek-stroking, will be enough to pull you in. But be warned: they will most likely make you cry. On the surface, this is a well-worn story – ageing star helps struggling ingénue, their relationship soars then falters, with the newcomer on top and the haggard veteran near-forgotten – but’s not that, it’s quite a lot more. There’s a depth and earnestness to this film that’s hard to deny, of artists trying to make art, trying to overcome their imperfections, trying to have a relationship when so many other factors get in the way.
The music is far better than it has any right to be. The songs performed by both Gaga and Cooper are not only great in of themselves, but delivered so well you’ll be considering buying the soundtrack on the way home. That Lady Gaga can sing beautifully is no surprise, but Bradley Cooper’s transformation into a Neil Young-meets-Eddie Vedder grizzled guitar-slinger type is a joy. You really buy into their lyrics, the hooks, the backstage parties, their whole relationship, in no small part because of their visceral, raw, devastating singing. Lady Gaga’s Ally on stage for the first time, singing her heart out while covering her eyes with her hands… it’s genuine, unaffected, sincere stuff.
It’s been a while since we’ve had a properly believable big screen romance, and the same can be said for old-fashioned Hollywood weepies. This is both. A Star Is Born just delivers: it’s somehow both fresh and exciting whilst also retro and comforting. It’s cheesy at times, it’s pleasingly original elsewhere, but as a whole, it just works.

Cons:

Despite all I’ve said, your appetite for big screen romances and old-fashioned Hollywood weepies might be a little thin on the ground. What makes me well up may well be what makes you throw up, so if the sound of something slushy and full of singers singing doesn’t ring your bell, well… you know which film not to watch this weekend. It’s not for everyone, but for those ready for it, it’s a big ol’ hit.
There are parts of the movie that feel like they happen a little too quickly to land the way Cooper seems to want them to. To explain in detail would be to give too much away, but the final act seems a little rushed: big decisions happen quickly, and without much groundwork – a line here, a look there – and it can feel slightly… unexpected and odd at times. Ideally, you’re too invested to care about that, wiping away the tears instead of assessing the pace, but for some it’ll rankle.
There’s not enough Sam Elliott in this movie. There’s not enough Sam Elliott in any movie for that matter, but the point still stands.