Exquisitely acted and directed

Rating: 9/10 (12 October 2018)

Yes, we all know the story. Yes, it's been done many times before under many names. However, none are as expertly and emotionally performed and directed as this one. Bradley Cooper manages to pull everything the cast has to give out of each and every scene. The actors blend into the characters so seamlessly that you actually begin to wonder if they aren't just playing themselves. Obviously they are not, which is what makes the performances so astounding. It slows down a little in the final third, but I enjoy a movie that isn't afraid to let the story breathe a little. That doesn't feel the need to rush headlong into the inevitable conclusion. While far from a perfect movie, it is the touching an emotional performances from Cooper and Lady Gaga that make the film, and watching him doing an amazing Sam Elliot impression in scenes with Sam Elliot is just glorious. Good thing they play brothers in the film. Add in the excellent music and you have while not the best movie ever, certainly the best of this breed, and a movie that far surpasses any of its predecessors. Way to go Mr. Cooper.