A Star Is Born

The classic film "A Star is Born" gets a 21st-century reboot, but this version more than stands on its own merits. Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper ("American Hustle," "American Sniper") both stars and makes his acclaimed directing debut with this iconic love story about Jackson Maine, a famous rock musician with a spiraling career that has morphed into the ways of drugs and liquor, when he randomly comes across aspiring singer, Ally (the incomparable Lady Gaga). They make "music" both artistically and romantically as her star ascends in opposition to his descent.

The onscreen chemistry between the two is heart-wrenching and triumphantly engaging. The cinematic perspectives exercised provide maximum impact in bringing us into this world to follow Gaga as Ally progresses from self-doubting drag-club singer to famous pop star, while Cooper's fall from grace leads to conflict between the lovers. When the camera is on Gaga we are completely absorbed and invested in her journey, while Cooper's glances and viewpoints effectively provide a stand-offish outlook, as the elder rocker tries to come to terms with his love for Ally, his declining career, and his splintered relationships with his family and friends, including his brother (Sam Elliott) and his hometown friend (Dave Chappelle).

Gaga provides all new material for the score to the movie, all of which was recorded live during filming. "Shallow" is already a hit song from the soundtrack, but Gaga further solidifies her mesmerizing ability as a performer with other tracks, including "Look What I Found" and "I'll Never Love Again," actually filmed on a day when Gaga learned of the passing of a friend.

Cooper does great work bringing this version of "A Star is Born" into present day, incorporating both YouTube references and an appearance on "Saturday Night Live" into the film, but what ultimately sells this movie is the magnetism of Gaga on screen, both as a musician (which has certainly already been established) and as an actor.

If there is an element to criticize about this movie, it would be the radical change of musical styles that Ally produces once she has achieved success, going from the gritty rock and roll that initially gains her fame, to a dance-pop vibe that produces weaker material than the songs that bookend the couple's journey. Otherwise, "A Star is Born" is a strong directorial effort for Cooper, and the beginning of what should be just another example of what Lady Gaga can do at the highest level.

"A Star is Born" (Original Soundstage Recording)
$44.95
4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD formats
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment