A Star Is Born

— This may be the film industry’s “tale as old as time.” It says something about a story that it holds up even when retold for each generation, for it’s quite a feat to make it feel fresh time and time again. Somehow actor and first-time director Bradley Cooper manages to do just that and quite a bit more. Lady Gaga, whose musical talent is already legendary but whose acting depth had yet to be fully challenged, is amazing. Cooper, as the alt-Country superstar who's reached the height of his career, is perfect. They both do their jobs well, one star about to fall while the other is ready for her meteoric rise, but it is the overall tone, the amount of restraint as the story builds, and the believable chemistry between the actors that makes everything work. This version, in a nod to gender relationship changes over recent decades, eliminates the resentment felt by the male leads in previous versions and instead the point of conflict comes from Gaga’s character making it as a pop star instead of remaining true to herself. The first half of the film is almost perfect and, although the second half has a few problems, by then we’re in the palms of their hands, ready to believe and feel the fairy tale. If you like this kind of film, you'll like it.

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[2018. 135 min. Directed by Bradley Cooper. Starring Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, Sam Elliott, and Andrew Dice Clay.]
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/a-star-is-born-2018