Worthwhile Remake

Rating: 9/10 (7 October 2018)

My main issue with remakes is that they rarely seem to bring anything new to the plate and have no reason for existing. With the case of A Star is Born, enough time has passed since the last incarnation (over 40 years), so it's not like the filmmakers only made this to cash in on a popular title. In fact, I'd wager most people under 30 might not even know what A Star is Born is.
This new film updates the story and gives its stars, Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, multiple chances to shine. Thankfully, they're more than up to the task and they're shine like never before. Yes, everything you've heard is true - they both turn in phenomenal, career-best performances.
Sam Elliot offers a lot of solid support as Cooper's tired older brother/manager/drunken-mess-picker-upper and is featured in one of the most moving scenes of the film.
The story has been done before obviously, but the updates, the soundtrack, and the wonderful performances make a strong case for this film's existence.