A Star is Born

brilliant film

good dvd

It would be too easy to get lost in the debate over a remake of a previously successful film, so I chose to evaluate this solely on its merits ... while also trying not to get too bogged down in the debate about Lady Gaga's performance. But if I could get that out of the way at the start, there is no question that she is an excellent actress - totally convincing throughout. It's a lovely film underpinned by the very topical and serious issue of mental health, the problems of coping with a successful career and all the trappings which go with it. The chemistry between Gaga and Bradley Cooper is electric and his direction of the film has a real intimacy and originality about the way it brings you closer to the action, drawing you into the storyline. A word if I may on the music - often there is just one showstopping song in a film of throwaway stuff but in common with the best of them, this one has some top class material. You hardly need me to signpost 'Shallow' for its worldwide success as a single, but I'd add that it really is an outstanding song. However, 'Always Remember Us This Way' shows us the amazing breadth of qualities Gaga has as both a composer and vocalist. And just when you really think it cannot get any better, 'I'll Never Love Again' could be pure Whitney at her very best. It's a top-class song performed with great sensitivity ... and the true backstory of the performance explains why. I doubt Lady G will ever perform better than that. Truly outstanding. In conclusion, in some ways this film is a tough watch because of the accuracy of its depiction of the tragedy of the combination of drink, drugs and mental health issues. But if a great film is judged on how convincing it is ... and how the viewer is drawn into it ... this is right up there among the very best. Top class!

Ok film

Though the film is obviously not a remake it does of course follow the theme of the classic-story.... It tells of how seasoned country-artist Jack Maine (Bradley Cooper) who these days needs a mix of alcohol and drugs to feel confident enough to perform on-stage comes across Ally (Lady Gaga) singing on stage in a nightclub he decided to visit to simply have a drink, Ally a restaurant worker had once dreamed of a singing career but had long since given-up, though she still penned songs as a hobby. Jack is quite taken with her and asks her to spend the remainder of the evening in his company to have a drink or two and get to know each other....the evening/night goes well,he invites her to come to his show that evening...but she has a job to go to....................needless to say she does attend and to her surprise he invites her on-stage to perform a number with him.........though he has seen many woman down the years he'd never before invited one to sing at one of his concerts. Romance follows, Ally quickly becomes a stand-out act in her own right....however Jack continues to self-destruct seemingly even more-so as Ally begins to eclipse her now husbands career..................... The film also stars screen-legend Sam Elliot as Jack's older half-brother, seems to me, though a fan of Sam Elliot he does always seem to play himself. Lady Gaga and indeed Bradley Cooper who also directs the film weren't first choice for a remake of A Star is Born.....both i have to say excel in their roles. Many like myself will have seen at least one if not more of the earlier versions and will indeed have a favourite....i can vaguely remember seeing the Judy Garland 1954 film on TV, i did see the Barbara Streisand/Kris Kristofferson 1976 film in the cinema when on-release and again recently on network -TV......can't remember seeing the 1937 original on TV......................have to admit i do like the 1976 film, however this version does run it close................don't miss this one if you enjoy a great musical.

I have watched this film many times already. The music is haunting. Bradley Cooper was completely different from his expected performance. What a hunk and he has a great voice . He should keep that technique. I'm really glad that Lady Gaga was in this film. Her song writing is amazing. I can't wait to watch it again which will be about 5 times. I might watch a good film twice with long gaps in between. This one, however. I am telling everyone to watch it. It certainly out shines any other version that I have seen. I have watched three versions. I like seeing Stephanie warts an' all. her normal body not played with. We can all relate to her. Everyone can be proud with this film.

One of the best films I've seen for a long time, really enjoyed it. The DVD is perfect, sound perfect, acting, and singing from the two main characters superb. Great performances all round from GaGa and Bradley Cooper. Superb entertainment. 5* .

There was a lot of hype around this film when it was released and I just wasn't sure about it. But once it was available to purchase on download I bit the bullet and bought it. It took me a few months to get round to watching it though. One afternoon I was in the mood to watch a film and so I settled down and watched it. The performances were surprisingly good. You might be put off the film because it has Lady Gaga in it - I was dubious too, I must admit. However, she did a great job in the role. You tend to forget who she is pretty quick, and you get swept into the story of these two characters. It's worth a watch if you have a couple of hours to kill.