Amazing songs and performances - one disappointment

Rating: 9/10 (19 October 2018)

This is Cooper's Magnum Opus. What he was able to achieve in his directorial debut is spectacular and enormous. Actor, singer, songwriter (GREAT songs), producer, AND director? That's intense for anybody. And he pulled it off. His acting is Oscar-winning-worthy. His voice is an exceptional talent, in my humble opinion. And he's writing songs that people have been asking to hear for a long time with something like "Black Eyes". I believe he will come home with minimum 5 Oscars, unless something else can stand in his way in the next 3 months. I can see him winning one or several Grammies as well. I don't know if he can quality for best new artist but he's certainly the best new one I've heard recently.
Similar can be said for Gaga, who's film debut was convincing and captivating. I believe she will also win an Oscar for best actress. But also her musical contribution to the movie was superb. Watching her open up her voice in "Shallow" with that vulnerability on her face, almost with a shock of what she's doing, continues to move me every day I hear it (daily since I've seen the movie). That moment still brings chills to me I'm not sure will ever stop.
Where I feel the movie fell short was the 3rd act. The story arch fell a bit on its face. Emotional, yes. But it lacked a resolution and a true triumph of Gaga. Many of the scenes were full of real shock and despair (the Grammy's scene, the apology scene in the rehab center)... but the movie lacked a certain satisfaction for me. It did not seem Ally learned anything. Sad, yes. A hero... not really.
I enjoyed the story and did find it touching throughout the movie. However, the reason I rated it so highly is the music, the performances, and the accomplishments. My wife and I are still talking about this movie and the accomplishment of it by Cooper/Gaga, weeks later. I highly recommend everyone see it. Let the music move you.