I remember the 1976 version of this story, starring Kris Kristofferson and Barbra Streisand, and this version, though the background setting and music is updated, feels very much like a retelling, rather than adding any extra dimension. Even Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga are made to look remarkably similar to the Kristofferson and Streisand of that era. The novelty factor is the casting of Ms Gaga for the role; she is competent, though hardly exceptional in her performance. As we plough through another mid-paced country rock ballad, one can't help feeling that her own stage persona and back catalogue are actually a lot more interesting than the character in this film.
Review of A Star Is Born
