*FEATURED GUEST REVIEW*

A Star is Born - 10/10
By Justin Gonzalez

A Star is Born is the best movie I have seen within the past 5 years. This film explores several topics such as the price of fame, love, addiction, and undeniable chemistry between its two costars, first time director Bradley Cooper, and breakout actress/singer Lady Gaga; who have an instant, infectious love/chemistry with each other, which sets the backdrop for a modern-day classic.

Moonlighting as country star/secret addict Jackson Maine, Cooper sees a major breakout. He started this transition with American Sniper, which transitioned him from The Hangover and demonstrated that he can, in fact, handle a serious role. I think in this film, he transcends that; becoming the most versatile man in Hollywood with this role.

First off, he had to make this believable -- easier said than done. He displays versatility and is impressive in the music scenes. Paired directly with arguably the most talented voice of this generation, Cooper more than holds his own. His deep baritone voice is a nice contrast to the power lungs of Gaga, and he can actually sing. He also explores, and battles with personal demons that no human being is stranger to such as family problems, (a jealous brother/manager who resents Maine’s fame), addiction, which is covered in a very courageous manner, and the problems that come with fame. Maine is humanely relatable while masquerading as a country star and really proves his mettle as a director, which may segue into a nice second career.

Now, for the star that was born: Lady Gaga. First off, for someone of her stature to take on a project of this magnitude, at this point in her career, was undeniably a risk. However, in her never-ending quest to destroy pre-conceived narratives, she explodes onto the screen as Ally, the drag bar-waitress singer waiting for her big break, and delivers in what can only be described as a masterful performance of cinematic brilliance.

Ally makes her character immediately personable, despite her major flaws, some that Gaga actually faced in her own ascension to the top (nose problems, lack of support from an increasingly changing industry). This backdrop sets the stage for the explosive romance that blossoms. From the time they lock eyes, to their singing in-sync on stage, to Ally’s rise to fame, their love for each other seems genuine and although concerning; pretty magical.

Gaga’s seamless transition to acting is a display of her talent, and her singing is taken to a new level with powerful lyrics that accurately portray every scene, resonating with viewers. She shows no signs of being a rookie, and is an overwhelming favorite to take home Oscars and Grammy’s this year. Her support and love of Jackson Maine, to her final singing of Never Love Again, she displays versatility and exudes acting confidence, as this duo’s undeniably chemistry creates a modern day classic.