CHEER! - (9 stars out of 10)

Rating: 9/10 (29 January 2019)

The stage curtains open ...
With exceptional acting and a strong soundtrack, this version of "A Star Is Born" is probably the best. We all know that Lady Gaga can sing, but surprise surprise - she can act too.
A country singer, Jackson Maine (played by Bradley Cooper), finds his way to a drag bar one night after a concert performance where he sees and hears Ally (Lady Gaga) for the first time. From the moment their eyes meet, both of their lives would change forever. He takes her on stage one night to sing a song that she had written, and it is obvious that the chemistry between them is real - and that she has the talent that can take her places. It is a story of love and loss, alcohol and drug addiction, rags to riches, and of the power and strength of music.
The film has received major accolades including 8 nominations for the upcoming Academy Awards - and deservedly so. Lady Gaga pours everything she has into her role and her songs. She's never sounded better behind the microphone. Bradley Cooper has probably given us his best performance, and behind the camera as director, has delivered a very sound movie. The cinematography was good, though I would have liked to have seen some more wide shots as the film uses a lot of close-ups. Overall, the story and pacing was good, but I did feel like it was rushed in parts. And the music ... wow, the music was outstanding.
I really enjoyed this movie and give it a high recommend. This one will find its way into my personal collection. I get the feeling that the more I watch it, the more I'm going to love it. One of the best films of the year and an instant classic.