Great movie for those that love good acting and a good story (and music)

Rating: 9/10 (20 October 2018)

Wow! I can't remember the last time I saw a movie at the cinema that I greatly enjoyed. Most of the time I feel that Hollywood movies nowadays are very "Meh". (To the lay person, this means so-so).
This movie moved me. Bradley Cooper was amazing. He should win Oscars for his performance and for directing. Never have I seen a better example of "showing the audience and not telling them." The plot was great. The editing was sharp and well done. The dialog was realistic and endearing. The characters were flawed and beautiful and engaging. The music was amazing as well!
Lady Gaga also deserves a mention. I don't know much about her acting chops but I've seen her in a few little things here and there (mainly American Horror Story) so I wasn't sure what to expect. She exceeded expectations. I could feel the audience fall in love with her.
There was a theme running through the movie about how the industry can ruin lives - drinking, drugs, changing who you are to succeed and make money. In a way, this movie is a cautionary tale.
I could almost give this movie a 10/10.
I feel like Lady Gagas' character didn't really have a satisfying arc. I've seen other reviews that imply it's because Bradley Cooper focused his directorial powers at his own character. But I don't think it is that. Without giving anything away, her character was trying to maintain her integrity but ended up compromising to succeed. This wasn't fully realised by Gaga and therefore not resolved. So it felt a little unfinished.
Still a great movie! Very entertaining.