Shooting Star

Rating: 9/10 (21 January 2019)

As pure feel-good cinema nothing this year equaled for me the first hour of this movie. Propelled by Lady Gaga's endearing and naturalistic performance (even more impressive when considered in light of the character portrayed in 'Gaga - Five Foot Two') the wish fulfillment fantasy of being plucked from obscurity to hopping on private jets was a joy to watch. The early climax of 'Shallow', just one of many memorable, yet plot driving tunes, is the clear stand out scene. And while other critics have engaged with the films gender politics, and it's problematic second half, the escapism offered here is irresistible. As the film shifts gears to its downward spiral 2nd half, confusing unhappiness with the films direction with poor directorial orchestration becomes hard to do - an awards show is painful to watch but no less powerful for that. In short - the high water-mark for the omnipresent remake.