A Star is Born review: Strong first half, formulaic second half but Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper impress

Ally (Lady Gaga) and Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) performing on stage in A Star is Born.

A Star is Born (R)

Directed by Bradley Cooper

Starring Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, Sam Elliott, Andrew Dice Clay, Anthony Ramos, Dave Chappelle, Rafi Gavron

Caution: Some spoilers ahead!

It's a classic underdog story. Ally (Gaga) wants to be a performer but she's always told she doesn't have the look of a superstar. Jackson Maine (Cooper) is an aging, alcoholic rockstar who stumbles upon a drag bar in which Ally performs an Edith Piaf song. Ally's friend Ramon (Ramos) notices Jack has a tear in his eye after the performance so he arranges a meeting between the two. They quickly form a bond and Jack eventually invites her to stand stage side at one of his shows. Ally, accompanied by Ramon, are flown in a private jet and are rushed to the stage. Then Jack surprises Ally by playing a song she wrote. And he pulls her on stage to perform it to a rousing ovation from the enormous crowd. That scene is easily the best in the movie.

Andrew Dice Clay, as Ally's father Lorenzo, is quite enjoyable

After that Ally is everywhere. So much that her father (Clay) proudly tells his friends that he has watched the Youtube video of her performance at least 200 times of the millions of views it received. Let me stop right there for a second. Andrew Dice Clay you say? Yes, that Andrew Dice Clay. The shock comedian who soiled classic nursery rhymes in the 90s plays Lady Gaga's lovable suportive father. When he appeared on screen my first thought was "Is that Andrew Dice Clay? It can't be, right?" Eventually the credits confirmed it to be true.

OK, rant over. I felt it necessary to share that with you.

Ally is quickly offered a contract by a record producer named Rez (Gavron). It's at this point that the movie starts to get much moodier which eventually leads to a downer of an ending.

The first half of the film is so well done that the formulaic second half really hurt its overall enjoyment for me. The emotions were so raw at first and their budding relationship was extremely enjoyable to watch. You root for them to succeed indiviually, Ally as a musician and Jack as a rehabbing alcoholic, and you root for them to succeed as a couple. And the songs are so good. The latter half of the movie loses a lot of steam and simply doesn't have as much power.

Lady Gaga as Ally

Lady Gaga really seems like a seasoned actor in this movie. You already know her singing will likely blow you away, and it does, but she really holds her own and could no doubt have a strong acting career if she decided to go that route. She has actually won an acting award for her work on American Horror Story so her skills shouldn't be that surprising. I know it was a Golden Globe which isn't an Oscar nor an Emmy, but it's still an acting award.

Bradley Cooper as Jackson Maine

Bradley Cooper, in his directorial debut, really impresses. He creates a character that good-natured and flawed and with a lower, gruffer voice Cooper is barely recognizable. He's one of the best around and this could be his best performance.

The supporting cast is excellent as well. Sam Elliott doesn't disappoint as Bobby, Jack's manager and older half-brother. Dave Chappelle gives an enjoyable cameo as Jack's old friend. And don't forget about Andrew Dice Clay.

I would overall recommend it mostly for the early scenes, the great music and the performances of Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. If you don't like sad movies, make sure prepare yourself for the second half.

I have no doubt that we'll be talking about this movie a lot during Oscar season.

Jack and Ally on stage in the best scene.. Lady Gaga's voice is overwhelmingly good throughout the movie. No surprises there though.