“Things Fall Apart,” a review of “A Star Is Born” by Nathan H. Box

Recommendation: 5/5 Stars, SHOWTIME

Director: Bradley Cooper, Writers: Eric Roth, Bradley Cooper, Starring: Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, Sam Elliot

Plot: “A musician helps a young singer find fame, even as age and alcoholism send his own career into a downward spiral.” -IMDB

Review: I try my hardest to not give films five-star reviews. No matter the art form, very little approaches the reality of perfection. “A Star Is Born” isn’t a perfect movie, yet it moved me in unexpected ways. It left me emotionally involved in its characters long after I had departed the theater. Its story shook me in ways I was unprepared to face. Its aftermath for me and everyone else who has seen it is Oscar worthy. This is why I am giving it 5-stars. This feeling of near perfection is all thanks to two people crossing paths.

“A Star Is Born” is built on the back of a chance encounter between Ally played by Lady Gaga and Jack played by Bradley Cooper. Jack is a hard-hitting and drinking alt-country star who happens to wander into a drag bar where Ally is performing. Her command of the stage and vocal gifts shake Jack to his core. From there destiny has the chance to be born, all that is required is one insane moment of courage.

Quickly, the relationship between Ally and Jack shifts from professional to personal. It is here that we learn Jack is a man with baggage and the film begins to reveal its true power. As Ally grows into the star she was destined to become, Jack’s demons begin getting the best of him. At this point in the film, this movie makes bold statements about losing oneself and loving an addict.

At times, it is hard to tell where this movie will end. You get the sense that Ally will learn to tell her truth through music. Jack, on the other hand, may fall apart or may get back on that horse and ride off into the sunset. This guessing game is real, raw, and pulls no punches. It tells a brutally honest story; one sorely missing from most Hollywood productions of this caliber. It also reveals Bradley Cooper’s directorial talent and Lady Gaga’s potential as a bonafide actor. When you put it all together, I cannot recommend it enough. As an early Oscar contender, it is at the top of my list.

Be good to each other,

-Nathan

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