Hollywood’s favourite tragic love story has been remade for the third time and while the fairy tale story might feel old to some but Debut director Cooper has brought something fresh to this edition and has put addiction in the front and center which gives it a more realistic feel.

The opening song Black Eyes(a personal favourite of mine from the film’s awesome soundtrack) sets the tone for the character of Jackson Maine(Cooper), a musician past his prime drowning and burying himself in alcohol and drugs(and pills), his addiction takes a toll on him and every person around him, and in that drunk state he meets Ally(Lady Gaga) at a bar and becomes mesmerised by her voice and from there their doomed romance picks up steam. He introduces her to the music industry from there she begins to rise and Maine’s jealousy gets the best of him, he turns to alcohol more often and things take a bad turn.

As a director, writer and actor, Cooper really shines, he had the role down pat, he nailed the songs perfectly both vocally and in direction and throughout the film the emotional beats feels earned.

Lady Gaga gives a raw performance of a woman who’s talented but is insecure of what people think about her looks. Her expressions in the song ‘Shallow’ are incredible, it’s a tailor made role for her, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she lands an Oscar nomination next year. Sam Elliott also gives a strong supporting performance as Cooper’s brother in the film, a scene involving him and Cooper in a Car is the highlight of the film.

The film was a tad bit slow in the middle but that’s the only flaw I could find but that also can be brushed off with the fantastic acting and soundtrack. Songs like ‘Shallow’, ‘I’ll Never Love Again’ and ‘Always Remember’ are winners.

In the end, Bradley Cooper’s A Star is Born is one of the year’s best films and will be major contender at the Oscars.