A Star is Born

... again.

One of the most remade Oscar Bait movies is born again. A Star is Born rose in 1937, 1954 and 1976. Now, it rises again with Bradley Cooper directing and starring with Lady Gaga. Let's say this story hasn't shown its age yet.

Jackson Maine (Cooper) is a boozing, pill-popping rock star. Ally (Lady Gaga) is an aspiring singer-songwriter who works a dead-end waitress job. They meet when he stops at a bar where she's performing. They are instantly attracted to each other. He recognizes her talent and helps her pursue a professional music career. He gets her to perform with him at a concert. And thus, A Star is Born.

But it's not happy ever after. Ally finds the star life overwhelming. Meanwhile, Jackson's addictions cause trouble for them. Ally still loves him despite his flaws. Jackson's flaws are killing his career. This won't end well.

Cooper co-wrote the screenplay with Eric Roth and Will Fetters. The remake's template is similar to the originals. Moments like Jackson's drunken disruption of the Grammys are present and accounted for. But it was never routine. Its story told a fascinating tale of two people and their struggles with fame. There were times I actually thought the film's traditional tragic ending wouldn't happen. But it did.

Amongst the supporting cast, Sam Elliott and Andrew Dice Clay standout as Sam's much, much older brother Bobby and Ally's father, Lorenzo, respectively.

Its leads make the film work. Their chemistry is believable and their romance is endearing. Their struggles are compelling. Cooper's Jackson Maine is likable and pitiable. His drunken disruption of the Grammys is funny until he passes out. That and his drunken argument with Ally are a tragic result of his alcoholism. His efforts to change are believable. His final outcome is inevitable and sad. Gaga as Ally is believable as a rising star. Her nervousness and fears earn the audience's sympathy.  Her rise to fame makes for great viewing.

Gaga and numerous collaborators created the film's memorable soundtrack. Ally's breakout song, Shallow and the finale, I'll Never Love Again, are the standouts of the playlist. The sound mixing makes each song loud and clear. The musical sequences are rousing scenes thanks to cinematographer Matthew Libatique and editor Jay Cassidy.

A Star is Born shines alongside its past incarnations. Its tragic love story is as compelling as it was in 1937. Its melodrama works because of its great leads. Its 135 minutes go by pretty quickly. You'll eagerly await Bradley Cooper's next directorial effort after it's done. It deserves to be seen on the big screen. It's that good of a musical drama remake.