More than I hoped for

Rating: 10/10 (14 October 2018)

First I must say I REALLY dislike love/romance movies. Second, Ive never seen the previous versions of this movie.
I was really on the fence about spending $50 to go see this movie (admission/snacks).
On the one hand I adore Lady Gaga. I had no doubt in her acting ability after seeing her in AHS season 5. Everything she touches turns to gold. On the other hand I like Cooper depending on the role he plays and the look for that role. So its very hit and miss for me as far as he is concerned.
This was a spectacular movie!
Coopers character was scruffy, rough around the edges, relatable. (The hottest Ive ever seen him look in my opinion because I prefer the more "everyday Joe" look over polished perfection. His hair was longer, which I also prefer)
Gaga's character was played perfectly. She had me in tears the first time she took the stage. Her ability to bring you into what her character is feeling was superb.
While both did a great job playing their characters Gaga seemed to bring more depth to her character than Cooper. Or perhaps it was simply written to be that way.
Cooper did an amazing job directing.
I was sobbing at the end (ladies, skip the mascara and eye liner, seriously). I dont know how the previous versions of the movie ended, the final seconds, but the last few seconds could not have been chosen any better. When the screen went black we all just sat there. Normally when a movie ends people immediately get up, grab their stuff and start for the exit. Not this movie. About 50 of us there. We all just sat there. We sat there so long I wished I had timed it because it was so unusual. I want to say it was 2-3 min before the first person even stirred. I know that doesnt sound long but next time you go to a movie watch how fast people leave.
Definitely a movie to see! I look forward to seeing Gaga on screen more and hope Cooper makes great directing and acting choices moving forward.