A Star Is Born

I can't say I thought this needed to be remade, but as a first time director, I can respect the balls on Cooper for choosing this. He risked pissing off several different generations of fans of the previous versions. Truth be told, Cooper managed to craft a fittingly modernized version, here, while keeping the timeless aspects intact. Hell, I was even impressed by Lady Gaga.

Left the theatre shook. The fame monster is a hard thing to digest with its veil removed. Cooper does a wonderful job in really capturing the humanity of these characters in a rather superficial environment -- And... God its heartbreaking. Chappelle's quick monologue really hits hard after the film's conclusion.

Great soundtrack and Gaga is a very pleasant surprise - her acapella in some scenes is just unreal. I got a little bored towards the middle, the plot could've maybe been trimmed a little more but a nice, solid film overall.

When you strip away the surprisingly interesting music and the smooth directing by Cooper and Gagas presence (not her acting, btw) you are left with, well, a 2-dimensional female character, a romanization of alcoholism (I'm still ripped and I never say a bad word but look how I'M suffering), a terrible idea of creativity (pop: bad!, acoustic guitar: AUTHENTIC!!!) and a lot of stereotypes. From drunken fathers to stupid bosses and evil managers. Of course, people and the academy eat this up.

So THIS is one of the best movies of the year?! (Then fuck the movies and the year)