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John McCann says ‘A Star is Born’ is a triumphant modern retelling of a classic Hollywood tale…
I’m not sure why Bradley Cooper chose a second retelling of a famous Hollwood tale as the subject of his directorial debut, but when the final credits rolled at the end of A Star is Born at Tralee Omniplex this week, I was sure glad that he did.
In Cooper’s new take on this tragic love story, he plays musician Jackson Maine, who discovers (and subsequently falls in love with) struggling artist Ally (Gaga) who has just about given up on her dream to make it big as a singer until Jack coaxes her into the spotlight.
But as Ally’s career is taking flight, the personal side of their relationship is breaking down, as Jack fights an ongoing battle with his own internal demons.
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There is lots to admire in Bradley Cooper’s big budget feature that masquerades as an indie film, but for me, three key factors will make this movie stand out and unsurprisingly has had the critics glowing since first viewing.
Firstly, the first time director proves that he may have a long successful career behind, as well as in front, of the camera ahead of him as he avoids a lot of mawkish and forced cliches and more importantly gives his co-star the scope and support to showcase her considerable talent.
Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in ‘A Star Is Born’.
Secondly, Lady Gaga delivers not only as good a performance as you will see from a acting debutant, but also one that is up there with the best seen in cinemas this year.
Her powerful and goosebump-inducing voice is also worth mentioning as her singing simply fills up the theater and is a chief reason why this feature simply has to experienced on the the big screen.
And finally, with two incredible performances (as well as a host of strong supporting ones) and a catalogue of superb songs performed throughout (written by Copper and Lady Gaga), A Star is Born may just be the first film I’ve seen this year that will feature strongly come awards season, if not in the acting and directing categories then most definitely for it’s incredible soundtrack.
Overall, this modernised remake of a traditional tale delivers on every level as is well worthy of the high praise that all concerned have been receiving and comes highly recommended!
4/5
• For more of John McCann’s movie reviews, check out his Facebook page here and website here
