A very predictable yet joyless film

Rating: 4/10 (7 February 2019)

I watched A Star is Born on iTunes rental.
The movie received 8 nominations for the 2019 Oscars so I was curious to see what the fuss is about. I am disappointed to find the movie to be very predictable and despite it being touted as a "romantic" movie, it is devoid of joy and there is little romance to speak of. The movie's pacing, acting and sets are all akin to art-house style movies.
The two leads starred by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper meet and hit it off almost immediately even though he is clearly drunk at that time. What do they see in each other? I can only guess she is "needy" and likes being with a washed out singer while he is just a drunkard looking for companionship. No romance what so ever. They are not the protagonists I can identify with.
Even when she finds fame, the movie cannot hit the high notes for the audience to cheer for her as the scenes are overshadowed by Cooper's problems. From there on, the ending becomes predictable.
The only saving grace are the songs. That's why the soundtracks have been winning the awards.
If you like joyless movies, and want to see Lady Gaga without layers of make up, this one is for you.