Born This Way

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By Tom Pacak

I haven’t seen the three “A Star is Born” movies but what I can tell you is that the 4th remake starring and directed by Bradley Cooper is one of the year’s best films. Cooper and Lady Gaga are truly magnificent in this tale as old as time story about a star being made and a star fading. This is one of those movies that could have failed in many ways. It’s not the first remake (which is never a good sign), the story about a fading drug addict star has been told a million times, and it’s directed by an actor (which is always a gamble). The film brilliantly captures the feel of an old Hollywood movie but with a touch of the 21st century, Cooper and Gaga help make it feel brand new. And the Oscar season has officially begun!

Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) is an alcoholic but popular musician. He performs at sold out concerts under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Nobody in the public seems to notice this, which is a good thing for Jackson. His older brother, Bobby Maine (Sam Elliott) takes care of him even though he’s jealous of Jackson’s voice. The two have a rough relationship. Jackson gets mad that Bobby sold their dad’s land and Bobby calls him out for being too drunk to remember it.

One night after a concert, Jackson goes to a drag bar to get some drinks. While there, he comes across Ally (Lady Gaga), a waitress who’s looking for her big break. Singing, “La Vie en rose” in front of everyone, not only does Jackson fall in love with Ally’s talent, but so does the audience.  Jackson immediately sees potential in Ally’s talent and wants to make her big. He later takes Ally through a stroll downtown where the two discuss music and life. You can easily tell by the chemistry of Cooper and Gaga that the two deeply respect each other’s talent, not their fame or looks.

Being encouraged by her father Lorenzo (Andrew Dice Clay), Ally decides to chase after her career. She quits her job and hits the road with Jackson. Along the way, we hear beautiful songs performed at sold out concerts. My favorite was the “Shallow” which I predict gets nominated and probably wins the Oscar for Best Original Song. The two also fall in love with each other despite Jackson’s addiction issues. One thing that is clear in this film is how compassionate it is for those struggling with addiction issues. Ally cares about advancing her career but also cares about Jackson’s addiction. She has empathy even when figures in the industry don’t. I’ve always been a fan of Lady Gaga’s music and even her appearance in “American Horror Story” was pretty solid but nothing prepared me for her great work in “A Star is Born.” Bradley Cooper gives her multiple times to sing her songs which she rocks all of them! Gaga is in top form in this Meta role that is very similar to her career as a singer.

The real star of this movie is actor and now director, Bradley Cooper. He truly does the impossible here by adapting a story told a million times but adding a heart of gold to it. Cooper knows how to handle these two characters that we care about throughout the film. He knows that they’re human and will make mistakes that will cost them their life or career. It’s the empathy we have watched one star being made and one fading that makes this movie work. Watch “A Star is Born” to watch two stars (Cooper and Gaga) become acting giants. 

Note: Now Playing in Theaters

Rating: 4 stars out of 4 stars


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