A Star Is Born
Last weekend was extremely rainy, and the city was all but shut-down for the Chicago Marathon. What better to do than go see a movie. The buzz for Bradley Cooper's take on A Star is Born has been extremely high; making it an early contender for Academy Award nominations. I make it a goal every year to see all of the Best Picture nominees, and I believe the newest installation (4th all time) on A Star is Born will earn a place.
The film is a true love story following a famous rock star (Cooper) and his discovery of a new talent (Gaga). The chemistry between the two is magnificent, and serves as the base for the movie. You follow their journey as Cooper battles demons of alcoholism and depression, and Gaga rises to levels of stardom she could have never imagined. It's beautiful to watch them support each other through their successes, passions, and falls. If you weren't planning on it, bring the tissues.
Top to bottom the acting is superior. Lady Gaga's acting debut is a hit and proves she really can do it all. She demonstrates superior skill, providing raw emotion, amazing singing, and a performance that makes you cheer for her every scene. It was so good, I decided I MUST see her next time she goes on tour. Bradley Cooper is one of my favorite actors. He is a chameleon, and nails his directing debut. In every sense of the way his character LOOKS like Bradley Cooper. But, in every sense of the way he is NOT. By changing his voice (deeper and southern), adjusting his demeanor, and learning how to sing you would not know it was him if you closed your eyes. I know what you're thinking... yes Patrick, they call that acting. No matter what, it was extremely impressive. Also, the supporting cast did not skip a beat. From Sam Elliot (plays Cooper's Brother) to Dave Chapelle (Cooper's friend), they were all tremendous. Providing strong performances, and helping maintain the films rhythm.
The score of the A Star is Born is awesome. Even cooler, majority of the music was written and sang by Cooper and Gaga. Ranging from rock-a-billy to soul/R&B to pop it is diverse and a good listen. In fact, Annie and I decided to listen to it while we cleaned our apartment after we saw the movie :) I want to make it clear this film is not a musical. I know that can sometimes steer people away (aka me), so I wanted to mention.
My complaints of the film are few. Number one, the cinematography is not my favorite. It is very personal and places you right there with the character. Not in the way of the Blair Witch Project, (aka motion sickness) but still very zoomed in. In the beginning it seemed awkward to me, but by the end I felt my eyes straining. Which brings me to number two, the length. It is a 2hr and 15min piece. I felt some of the scenes dragged, and could've been cut shorter. I think 2hrs flat would've been a better time.
Overall, A Star is Born is a great film. Actually, the best one I've seen this year. The acting, music, and emotion it exudes earns this honor. That being said, I have not seen many good movies this year (mostly comedies and action) and I wouldn't necessarily place this in my top 10 of all time. STILL, go see it. You won't regret it. And remember.... BRING TISSUES!
The film is a true love story following a famous rock star (Cooper) and his discovery of a new talent (Gaga). The chemistry between the two is magnificent, and serves as the base for the movie. You follow their journey as Cooper battles demons of alcoholism and depression, and Gaga rises to levels of stardom she could have never imagined. It's beautiful to watch them support each other through their successes, passions, and falls. If you weren't planning on it, bring the tissues.
Top to bottom the acting is superior. Lady Gaga's acting debut is a hit and proves she really can do it all. She demonstrates superior skill, providing raw emotion, amazing singing, and a performance that makes you cheer for her every scene. It was so good, I decided I MUST see her next time she goes on tour. Bradley Cooper is one of my favorite actors. He is a chameleon, and nails his directing debut. In every sense of the way his character LOOKS like Bradley Cooper. But, in every sense of the way he is NOT. By changing his voice (deeper and southern), adjusting his demeanor, and learning how to sing you would not know it was him if you closed your eyes. I know what you're thinking... yes Patrick, they call that acting. No matter what, it was extremely impressive. Also, the supporting cast did not skip a beat. From Sam Elliot (plays Cooper's Brother) to Dave Chapelle (Cooper's friend), they were all tremendous. Providing strong performances, and helping maintain the films rhythm.
The score of the A Star is Born is awesome. Even cooler, majority of the music was written and sang by Cooper and Gaga. Ranging from rock-a-billy to soul/R&B to pop it is diverse and a good listen. In fact, Annie and I decided to listen to it while we cleaned our apartment after we saw the movie :) I want to make it clear this film is not a musical. I know that can sometimes steer people away (aka me), so I wanted to mention.
My complaints of the film are few. Number one, the cinematography is not my favorite. It is very personal and places you right there with the character. Not in the way of the Blair Witch Project, (aka motion sickness) but still very zoomed in. In the beginning it seemed awkward to me, but by the end I felt my eyes straining. Which brings me to number two, the length. It is a 2hr and 15min piece. I felt some of the scenes dragged, and could've been cut shorter. I think 2hrs flat would've been a better time.
Overall, A Star is Born is a great film. Actually, the best one I've seen this year. The acting, music, and emotion it exudes earns this honor. That being said, I have not seen many good movies this year (mostly comedies and action) and I wouldn't necessarily place this in my top 10 of all time. STILL, go see it. You won't regret it. And remember.... BRING TISSUES!
Photo Credit: Warner Brothers Studios
Review: 4/5
Movie Details:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1517451/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Movie Details:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1517451/?ref_=nv_sr_1
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