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I'd say that a solid 90% of the time, that's true. However, the latest incarnation of the classic film "A Star Is Born" is a very big exception to that rule.
The story is the same, and should come as little surprise to anybody who has seen one of the three previous versions - 1937, starring Janet Gaynor and Fredric March; 1954, starring Judy Garland and James Mason; and 1976, starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson.
This time, the film follows hard-drinking musician Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper), who discovers a talented performer, Ally (Lady Gaga), when he stumbles into a drag bar looking for another drink. Ally is a waitress with dreams of being a singer-songwriter, but who has been rejected by record labels because of her look - specifically, her big nose. Jackson, though, loves her look, her music, and - soon - falls in love with her. But Ally's ascent into superstardom is mirrored in reverse with Jackson's alcohol- and drug-fueled descent.
"A Star Is Born" is a remarkable film, made even more remarkable by the fact that it's Bradley Cooper's directorial debut and Lady Gaga's first starring turn on the big screen. But even if they'd been veterans, I would be amazed by this film. There's an intimacy to it that previous versions of the film - at least the most famous, starring Garland and Streisand - never pulled off. There are a lot of big moments, particularly the scenes of huge stadium concerts, but Cooper never lets the audience forget that the film is, at its essence, about these two people.
The excellent direction of the film is incredibly important, but what really makes "A Star is Born" great is the two leads. Cooper and Lady Gaga both have amazing screen presence, and they have incredibly chemistry together. But what is really refreshing is that the film focuses on them and their relationship, rather than the stars playing in the lead. In particular, the 1954 and 1976 versions of the film became vehicles for the leading ladies. It's not that I don't love Garland and Streisand, because I do. In fact, Lady Gaga is, in many ways, very much in their mold - women with enormous talent who don't quite fit that Hollywood look. But, both because of Cooper's excellent direction and the stunning performance by Lady Gaga, you don't watch this movie going, "Oh wow, Lady Gaga!" She allows herself to disappear into the role and become Ally. She moved me to tears several times, both with her powerful singing and with her raw performance.
While "A Star Is Born" hinges on the performances of Cooper and Lady Gaga, I would be remiss if I didn't mention some of the excellent costars who help the film along. I was delighted to see Anthony Ramos, of "Hamilton" fame, as Ally's best friend, not to mention famous drag queens Shangela and Willam. The real supporting star, though, is Sam Elliott in a dramatic and heart-wrenching turn as Jackson's brother Bobby. He put a lot of soul into his nuanced performance, and while he really isn't in the film for long, every appearance is perfection.
If you've seen a previous version of "A Star Is Born," none of the story beats will surprise you, but that doesn't mean that this film isn't well-worth seeing. The Oscar buzz is well-deserved, and even those who love the previous versions of the film will be pleased by this gut-wrenching, soul-stirring take on this well-known story. It is about as close to perfection as you can get on the big screen.
Jenny's Take: See it tonight.
(Rated R for language throughout, some sexuality/nudity and substance abuse. Runs 2 hours, 15 minutes.)
