"Talent's everywhere, but having something to say and a way to say it, that's a whole other bag"

Rating: 9/10 (10 October 2018)

The 4th rendition of the classic 'A Star is Born' story is perhaps the best and most realistic take on celebrity, addiction, relationships, and what it means to be a star in world of Hollywood. Essentially what became Bradley Cooper's baby, working on it for years, the 2018 version of A Star is Born is nothing short of magnificent. Written, produced, directed, and starring Cooper (who may very well get an Oscar nomination for all 4 of those), this is the sort of movie that defines you and I think it will with Cooper. It's a great script and it's well produced, but the real accomplishment here is with his directing and acting, and specifically his acting. I've never seen Cooper give a better performance than he does here, and as of now, he should win the Oscar. I have yet to see several movies up for the race this year, but I was blown away by the depths of his performance as Jackson Maine, the alcoholic and aging singer who discovers Ally's (Gaga's) talent in singing. The strength of the movie (as in the original 1937 version) lies with the chemistry between Gaga and Cooper. They are perfect together in this movie. Whether it's having a drink at a bar where Cooper touches Gaga's nose (yes, that happens and it's completely normal), walking around in a supermarket, or just sitting and talking, their relationship feels real with emotional weight and gravitas. These aren't characters, they are real people. Watching that unfold and unravel at times is where the magic in this movie is felt the most. Oh and the songs are great. Just catchy enough where I want to replay them, but not catchy enough to be annoying and overplayed on the radio. This was a true cinematic feat from Cooper and I sure hope it makes some serious noise come Oscar season.
9.5/10