10 Reasons You Need to See A Star Is Born

10 Reasons You Need to See A Star Is Born

Released October 5, 2018

If you know me at all, you know that I am a full-on Little Monster. I love Lady Gaga. She does her own thing, is a creative genius & she gives EVERYTHING she has to each & every performance. In my eyes, she is a Queen!

Do We Really Need ANOTHER Version of A Star Is Born?- YES!

As soon as I heard Gaga was cast in yet another version of A Star is Born, I couldn’t wait. Well, the day is finally here & I am SO pumped. Luckily, my girlfriends & I snagged tickets after I stalked Regal Cinema’s website for days. The early access fan show is on point. Instead of previews, our theatre was treated to the LA red (or in this case black) carpet & we went right into the film. This made it feel like we were at an actual screening which I have to admit was totally badass. I just watched the movie & here are my thoughts on the 10 Reasons You Need to See A Star Is Born.

#1 Original Songs

Many of the songs featured in the film are co-written by Gaga & Cooper. Why this soundtrack wasn’t released a week ago is BEYOND me. My two girlfriends & I all said we are getting the entire soundtrack as soon as we have a chance. “Black Eyes”, “I’ll Never Love Again” & “Is That Alright?” are going to be longtime faves for yours truly!

To my knowledge, the only full song released is “Shallow”. I’ve listened to it dozens of times – it’s so good! Once it hit on the big screen with the RPX speakers, tears were streaming down my face!

#2 Lady Gaga is Raw & Real

Gaga’s portrayal of Ally is so Oscar-worthy. No wonder she received this amazing & emotional standing ovation at the Toronto International Film Festival. Ally has the chops to make it in the music business, but not the confidence. Once Jackson Maine enters her life, he provides the boost & the chance she needs.

Gaga LIVES this character. She’s not just replaying her early experiences in the music business. She IS Ally. Gaga brings her to life & she’s INCREDIBLE. As her voice builds in “Shallow”, once it hits that note in the middle, I cried like a baby. Her performance is nothing short of stellar. Thinking of it now, I have chills. She’s a joy to watch.

#3 Live Performances

The sound in A Star is Born is unparalleled. As a viewer, it truly feels that you are at these big festival performances. Parts of the movie are filmed during Coachella and Glastonbury in front of crowds up to 80,000. Reading about the technical aspects of recording at these large venues is pretty wild. There’s no lip-synching here! How the sound engineers are able to harness the live music & put it to the film is such a feat!

“That’s because Bradley Cooper would not have it any other way,” he says. “He was so driven to making this mix what it is. We worked for almost seven months on the sound, and he was totally into the process and devoted to it in a way few directors would be.” -Variety

#4 Bradley Cooper’s Voice

Evidently, Bradley Cooper worked with a vocal coach for months to decrease his octave. The coach came in & worked with him 4 hours a day & five days a week. Even in the previews, you can tell his voice is deeper.

The first song in A Star is Born is “Black Eyes”. When Bradley’s voice hits, it gives me the chills. I think it sounds a LOT like Jim Morrison. For me, that’s a great thing. You’ll have to listen for yourself!

Vulture has this FANTASTIC list of all the things his voice sounds like. Of course, his voice sounds the most like Reason # 5.

#5 Sam Elliott

Man, oh man, my Momma loves her some Sam Elliott. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate his grisly nature, quiet confidence & of course, THAT VOICE! He co-stars in the film as Bradley Cooper’s older brother. His demeanor, look & his style is so well suited for his character. His character sheds some increased light on Jackson Maine. He needed to play this role & I’m so glad he did.

#6 Cameos

Oh, there are some star-studded smaller roles in this film.  Andrew Dice Clay plays Ally’s father in a smaller but important role. Dave Chappelle is along for the ride too. His character has a real heart to heart with Jackson & I loved his character. Halsey makes a quick cameo as well. But, my favorite cameo is by Drag Race graduates, Shangela & William!

#7 Cinematography

Cooper harkens back to the 70’s style featured in A Star is Born with Kris Kristofferson & Barbra Streisand. The sweeping scenes of the desert, the lighting, the drama! Even the fashion is very 70’s. I LOVE it. The style of the music is very 70’s as well. For me, it makes the story more meaningful. The music, the look, the feel it just puts me in a  place where the music was REAL & really moved people. No doubt I’ll be listening to classic rock all day tomorrow.

#8 Real Portrayal of Addiction

If you’ve seen the previews, it’s no surprise Jackson Maine battles with addiction. Scattered throughout the film there are raw portrayals of the nasty & vulnerable sides of addiction. Cooper is just in the zone in this role. A few of the scenes had me sobbing like a baby & squeezing my girlfriend’s hand.

#9 On-Screen Chemistry

Viewers can tell Gaga & Cooper have a true connection. Some of the scenes feel so real & ring true. There’s one scene in particular (where Ally & Jackson have a disagreement) that feels so real that I found myself squirming in my seat. THAT is when actors are doing a hell of a job.

Oh, but their love. We all know Ally & Jackson fall in love, right? This is so touching & beautiful. Their love is messy but real. There are some super dramatic scenes, but none feel melodramatic or overacted. It just feels like we are watching a love story unfold.

#10 Because I Don’t Lie

If A Star is Born was not all that, I wouldn’t tell you to see it. I go to the movies ALL THE TIME. I’m serious. I know many people at my theater on a first name basis. I have no issue saying a movie is a waste of money and/or a waste of time. Let me say it clear & loud for the people in the back, A Star is Born movie is worth your time & money!

My two girlfriends & I both loved A Star is Born. As soon as I left the theatre, I called my parents & told them they have to see it. I’m already planning to see it a second time with my husband. A Star is Born touches on something we all know; trauma, love, dreams & heartbreak. I love this movie & I hope you do too!

THE VERDICT

What else do I need to say? I just listed 10 Reasons You Need to See A Star Is Born. Obviously, I am Really Into This movie.

Are you planning to see it? If so, please let me know what you think!