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The thrill, the drama, the romance, and what everyone loves, but hates to admit, the tears. “A Star Is Born,” starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, brings on all sorts of emotions. The movie hit theaters on October 5, bringing the tale from previous generations to the 21st century. This is now the fourth movie that successfully illustrates a star being born as another fades into obscurity.

Director Bradley Cooper makes an excellent choice to launch the movie with an emphasis on Gaga’s naked face, bringing powerful strength to the screenplay. She is known for her embellished costumes, intense hair and makeup and her extravagant performances. In “A Star Is Born,” her mask has been eliminated, which lets the audience feel close to her and relate to her in a personal way. Her bare skin and natural hair makes her vulnerable, and it draws the audience in by capturing raw feelings and emotions.

Cooper does an amazing job at illustrating the ups and downs that musicians might face behind the scenes. Gaga offers extra legitimacy to the film bringing in her deep musical background. The two starring roles bring the movie together in a natural and modern way. The audience is able to feel empathy for them as they face challenges. 

Starring as Jackson Maine, Cooper discovers a striving musician named Ally, who is played by Gaga. He has seen it all and mastered the concept of show business, and she’s refreshingly young, talented and genuine. Jack sees outstanding potential and introduces Ally to the industry he’s already successfully conquered.

Ally and Jack first meet at a drag bar. Jack has just gotten done with a show, and Ally happens to be performing Edith Piaf’s standard, “La Vie en Rose.” Jack staggers into the drag bar in search of more booze. He instantly notices her artistic talent and doesn’t hesitate to ask her out. As the night goes on, it becomes clear that there were deep feelings between the two by their constant flirting.

The breathtaking film takes several emotional twists and turns. Maine suffers from a drug and alcohol addiction that interferes with his career, relationships and, ultimately, his life.  As Ally becomes noticed as a musician, Jack’s addiction spirals out of control, and he soon realizes that their love could not overcome his deep depression.

Although Cooper is most well-known for his comedic role in the movie “The Hangover,” he does an outstanding job showing depth and range within his acting and directing. Cooper shows that he has considerable talent at constructing a film.

Hitting all of the notes in the live performances that were incorporated into the movie, Gaga knocked it out of the park with her amazing voice. 

“A Star is Born” is a powerful film. The chemistry between Gaga and Cooper shines through. The two really make it feel like they are in love. Overall, the film doesn’t feel like acting. It feels like a movie where the camera has captured real events. 

“A total emotional knockout, but it’s also a movie that gets you to believe, at every step, in the complicated rapture of the story it’s telling,” Owen Gleiberman said in Variety’s review.

“A Star Is Born” is worth the watch. Cooper breathes new life into the story while still taking it seriously and staying true to the original. Overall, it is a job well done.