Cooper and Gaga shine in their respective debuts of filmmaking finnesse

Rating: 9/10 (24 January 2019)

A STAR IS BORN (2018) *** 1/2 Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, Sam Elliott, Andrew Dice Clay, Rafi Gavron, Anthony Ramos, Dave Chappelle, Alec Baldwin, Ron Rifkin, Greg Grunberg, Drena De Niro, Eddie Griffin. Impressive remake of the several times remade classic tale of rags-to-riches showbiz story this time with alcoholic singer Cooper (who also makes his big-screen directorial debut in a big way) meeting an equally talented singer/songwriter (Gaga in her film debut equally in a big way) with fireworks and roller-coaster whirlwind romance in full bloom. Cooper has a natural effect helming his first big film with surprising ease - as well as an here-to-unknown knack for music (singing/guitar playing and writing the film's songs) and coaxes a strong turn for his leading lady and a memorable supporting role of Elliott as his older brother (and a shoo-in for an Oscar).