A Star is Born (2018)

Rating: 8/10 (24 January 2019)

Whilst my review is very late to the party (almost three months since it's opening) I am nonetheless excited to say the hype and build up was worth it. A Star is Born is emotional, hefty, warming and ultimately triumphant.
Bradley Cooper feels like an assured director and his snub from the Academy Awards is quite frankly a disgrace considering how expertly he directed himself and his co stars. I fell completely in love with Jackson Maine and this was all due to Cooper's gut wrenching and emotional performance.
I have to admit I was left feeling underwhelmed with Lady Gaga's performance, yes she was great and completely deserving of her accolades but I couldn't help feel (especially in the more grief stricken scenes) she could've perhaps produced more. Maybe that's me being picky but nonetheless she is still a star and worthy of the recognition she is getting for her surprisingly at times subdued performance.
Sam Elliot, Dave Chappelle and Anthony Ramos provide strong back up from the co leads with Elliot being considerably on top form worthy of an Oscar win, he brought gravitas and a steely heart to the picture.
The cinematography was just gorgeous, as was the editing. Both played with one another creating a documentary like feel whilst immersing you into the world of Jackson Maine.
The themes, references to the modern day music business and emotional beats were all brilliant, one particular scene had me genuinely gasping between Cooper and Gaga.
I don't really have much more to say which is odd considering how long some of my other reviews have been. This was a considerable effort by Cooper and he was heavily snubbed by the Academy, one gripe I might add is that I felt maybe the first twenty minutes didn't feel earned, the meeting of Ally and Jackson felt a little TOO Hollywood but this feeling soon went away.
Overall, an emotional, stunningly shot, impeccably performed remake that has something genuine to say, which is a rarity in modern day cinema.