A Star Is Born 2018

The third remake of a 1937 film that had been remade in 1954 with Judy Garland and 1976 with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson, A Star Is Born 2018 is Bradley Cooper's directorial debut and Lady Gaga's first leading and starring role in a feature film. Having been in development since 2011 with Clint Eastwood originally set to direct and Beyonce to star, the film follows the same general story as the previous films of an up and coming performer falling in love with an older professional who helps her achieve fame and recognition all while he suffers from alcohol and drug addiction. This is the first version of the story I've seen, though I know that the original 1937 film is the only version where the focus is on acting rather than musicians. While the film tells a story that has been told before both by previous versions and other films with the same theme, A Star Is Born 2018 tells its story very faithfully and in such a way that it teaches you about the dangers of fame and success. As Cooper's first directing effort he does a phenomenal job, though there are some bits here and there that do show his inexperience such as some long camera lingers and issues with editing. Gaga is truly breathtaking in this very truthful and inspirational role, with the chemistry between her and Cooper being a strong aspect. Besides Gaga and Cooper, the film also stars and provide great performances by Sam Elliot as Cooper's half brother and manager, Andrew Dice Clay as Gaga's father, and Dave Chappelle as a friend of Cooper's. The first few minutes are a bit slow and kind of point out why the two shouldn't be together due to Cooper's addictions that even she points out at first but doesn't bring it up again until midway through the film. Also, the way Cooper is initially infatuated with her and gets her to his concerts does feel a bit stalkerish and hard not to see how she's not more worried. One interesting aspect that the film does that is both unique but hurts it at the same time is that nearly every scene has either Cooper, Gaga, or both of them and even when Gaga becomes a well known singer or Cooper deals with his rehab after an incident at the Grammys we never see reactions or the news talk about it on television. And while Cooper's performance is powerful, the way he does the voice makes you wonder if he's supposed to sound drunk or trying too hard to copy Elliot's deep gravely voice due to their relation. The one thing I can't complain or question is the magnificent music and songs that are played throughout the movie. Over all: 95%

2018 top list so far:
1. Won't You Be My Neighbor?/BlacKkKlansman (tie)

2. Incredibles 2

3. Avengers: Infinity War

4. Mission: Impossible - Fallout

5. Solo: A Star Wars Story

6. A Quiet Place
7. Deadpool 2

8. Black Panther

9. A Star Is Born 2018

10. Ant-Man and the Wasp

11. Ready Player One

12. Sicario: Day of the Soldado

13. Ocean's 8

14. Isle of Dogs

15. Game Night

16. Venom

17. Thoroughbreds

18. Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

19. The Predator

20. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom