Bradley Cooper’s feature directorial debut, A Star Is Born, knocks it out of the park thanks to a stellar performance from Lady Gaga.

Following a performance, country rock star Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) hits up whatever establishment he can find for alcohol.  It just so happens that he lands up one bar’s drag performance night.  A former employee, Ally (Lady Gaga) just happens to grace the stage that night.  When Jackson sees her perform, he knows then and there that she’s a talented woman.  Much to her initial reluctance, he takes her out on tour.  One viral performance later and Ally’s star is on the rise.

One thing I love about Cooper’s direction of the film is the authenticity.  Whether it’s the outside venues or Saturday Night Live, this is another positive.  Using any other sound stage that isn’t SNL‘s home base would not be the same.

Remakes are totally unnecessary but with Cooper revisiting the 1937/1954/1976 film, there’s a stylish update fitting of the 21st century.  Lady Gaga delivers on every level in her first starring role.  It helps to her credit that the performance requires that of a singer–which she is.

Whether it’s Cooper, Lady Gaga, or the always-booming Sam Elliott, A Star is Born is one of the home runs to kick off the fall festival season.

DIRECTOR:  Bradley Cooper
SCREENWRITER:  Eric Roth and Bradley Cooper & Will Fetters
CAST:  Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Andrew Dice Clay, with Dave Chappelle, and Sam Elliott

A Star Is Born holds its North American premiere during the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival.  Warner Brothers Pictures will open the film on October 5, 2018.