A Star Is Born (Review)

Theatrical release poster

A Star is Born is the third remake of the original movie from 1937 starring Janet Gaynor and Fredric March. Names and settings change, of course, but the message is so timeless that this story has resonated with audiences for over 80 years. After the original film, each of the remakes have been musicals, including this rendition. 

A Star is Born tells the story of Jackson (Bradley Cooper), a musician and singer nearing the end of a successful career, who discovers the talented Ally (Lady Gaga) and not only helps boost her career to stardom, but falls in love with her in the process. They have their ups and downs as a couple and career-wise as Ally’s star is shooting up fast but Jackson’s is fading perhaps even faster. Eventually, Jackson turns back to alcohol to cope which ends up threatening their marriage and diminishing some of the light from Ally’s career. Like the three other movies of the same name before, things end tragically for Jackson and Ally, but not before they establish that theirs is a great love story for the ages. 

This film surprised me because it showed a different side to its stars, Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. This was Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut and what an amazing freshman outing! Although he didn’t win any major awards this time, he was nominated for a BAFTA and a Golden Globe for directing. His acting didn’t surprise me. I’ve seen what he can do in other movies like American Hustle and Silver Linings Playbook. But this man can sing, too! He’s definitely got talent by the buckets-full. Conversely, everyone knows Lady Gaga can sing, but she was amazing in this stunning debut. Both Bradley and Lady Gaga were nominated for Best Leading Actor/Actress awards from the Oscars, Golden Globes, BAFTA, and SAG, arguably the top most prestigious awards in the film industry. 

A Star is Born won the Oscar for Best Original Song for “Shallow,” a duet by Cooper and Gaga, which also won them Golden Globes and BAFTA awards. Besides the dynamic duo of Cooper and Gaga, Sam Elliot was recognized with many award nominations for Best Supporting Actor as well. Suffice it to say, this movie is teaming with talent!


This movie is romantic and funny and tragic all at once - all the ingredients for a great movie right in one place! Seriously, I highly recommend this for a movie with your sweetie or just with some wine. The chemistry between Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga will melt the rest of your world away as you watch their magic. A Star is Born is rated R and available on DVD and streaming services as well. Go see it! You’ll be glad you did!