Did not enjoy

Rating: 5/10 (7 October 2018)

I was initially going to avoid watching this film since the trailer didn't appeal to me, but given all the buzz I decided to give it a chance. This movie is definitely the most over hyped and overrated film to come out this year (that I can think of).
Most of the songs were slickly produced, but really simple lyrically. While there are some good character moments that feel genuine, everything pertaining to the story felt hollow. The direction was over all competent, but a fair share of it struck me as amateurish. There's an overabundance of lens flare and a lot of unnecessary camera movement, for instance.
The overwhelming fantasy of the story gradually annoyed me more and more as it went on, I guess mostly because of how serious it's presenting itself, building to a climax that doesn't feel entirely earned, and somewhat inconsistent. I feel like the only way you can buy into everything that happens is because we expect the things that happen to happen, if that makes sense. Like, for example, we only buy they're falling in love with each other because that's what two characters in love stories do, despite the blatant contrivances. On top of everything, the dialogue is laughably bad in a few spots. I've seen other people point out the pacing is off, and in retrospect I'd agree, but it didn't stick out to me when I watched it. It just all felt long.
The supporting cast is on point, except for the manager. Andrew Dice Clay and Sam Elliot in particular were highlights. Lady Gaga was fine playing herself with some subtle hints of subtlety, and Bradley Cooper did the best he could. Gaga has more to work with and does more with her role, but Cooper's is very one note, and is getting by on charisma alone. I will say that when it goes for being embarrassing and uncomfortable it mostly hits its mark.
Anyway, this movie was prestige Oscar bait that felt twice as long as it was. I have not seen the other versions to compare it to, so maybe that colors my perception. If you're a Gaga superfan, you'll get a lot more out of it than I did.