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georgesette
Reviews
A Star Is Born (2018)
Worthy of Goosebumps & Tears
A Star is Born, a Sette review......
Yes, it's a fact that there are past versions of this film, but you must dismiss the word 'remake' from your thoughts.
This film was compelling & epic, and clearly forges its own path, A fabulous script that tells a story of passion, love, determination, romance, and consequences of substance abuse.
It's Bradley Cooper's directorial debut, and he provided an up close & personal, in your face flawless performance directing an outstanding cast, he also was absolutely amazing as an aging rock star, this completely changing his speaking voice & his overall disposition to one who is battling the perils of alcoholism.
Then there's Lady Gaga, who completely owns the screen, she plays Ally, a waitress breaking up with her boyfriend, who can write & sing, but she considers herself not worthy enough for stardom.
Gaga's acting is simply outstanding, and her singing worthy of goosebumps, excitement & tears...
They meet by chance as Cooper the aging rock star needs a late night drink after performing a gig, and they spot a bar off the road which is a gay bar, hosting a drag night.
Their meeting was so real & Gaga's cabaret-style performance to "LaVie En Rose" was the beginning of the brilliance you will see & listen to throughout the movie.
All the other songs are original & made for the movie, the screen sound is just ridiculous, trust me when I say this, Gaga will take your breath away, and Cooper sings well too.
The soundtrack will sell millions.
Their romance is sexy and extremely emotional, good stuff for sure, and I thought it was interesting how they hid all of Gaga's tattoos for the role. The close-ups to Gaga's eyes are just fabulous.
The co-stars were fabulous too, albeit in limited parts, have crusty veteran actor Sam Elliott who plays Cooper's brother, who has worked with him over the years, their differences are clear, but they love each other & Andrew Dice Clay (as Gaga's father) who provides a performance you've never seen out of him, way different from his stand up foul mouth ways, and he's even funny & at times, rather dramatic too.
Lastly, Dave Chapelle did a nice job too as Cooper's longtime friend.
There's no doubt in my mind that this film will win numerous Academy Awards in the Spring of 2019, and if Gaga doesn't win the female best actor in a lead role, they better conduct a thorough investigation.
If you have a great appreciation for Lady Gaga and the gift of her brilliance as a musician & vocalist, you will simply be overwhelmed, call me overly sentimental, but my eyes were glossy several times, and once I was completely drawn to tears.
I Love Love Love her.....
If you never understood or believed in Gaga, you will have a new found appreciation for her, I promise.
Go and see the movie, and do not be late, get your popcorn & be in your seat for every minute of it.... It's two hours & 15 minutes & never once boring.
~Georgio Sette
Gaga: Five Foot Two (2017)
A deep path through a decade of Gaga's emotional journey...
Gaga, "Five Foot Two" My Review, There was great anticipation for this Netflix release, and for those that understand & appreciate Gaga's path over the last decade, it was an inviting hour & 40 minutes as it took you deeper than behind the scenes, sharing more than just Gaga performances, Numerous occasions totally unplugged, at home with family, sharing the emotion of special moments, inclusive with family hugs looking back to whom they have lost & the warmth of a baptism, There was lots of footage with her family, especially her dad, this capturing many of Gaga's emotional highs & lows, it took you beyond her celebrity & fame, it brought you to her struggles & pain, & the discomfort inclusively through health & relationships. There were many scenes capturing her warmth & sensitivity ( as expected) as well as her exhaustion & dedication in rehearsal & to her fans. Gaga shared her fears & insecurities, and showed that the life of a superstar is very much like the common woman. We all cry, we all hurt, and we all need time alone... I laughed a few times & cried as well, there was an amazing piano rendition of 'Bad Romance' which was performed at Tony Bennett's 90th birthday party, that simply gave me goose bumps It was ridiculously awesome.... I found the scenes at Wall Mart to be crazy funny as Gaga herself asked a clerk "Where can i find the Lady Gaga CD's" and the guy didn't even know who she was, nor did the security guy. Ha! Many people do not understand that Gaga's latest album "Joanne" was a full track of emotion & change, and significantly different from all the songs she had written on the previous 4 albums. It's about growth, learning, healing, being you & true to your emotions. This documentary takes you through a decade of Gaga's growth, up close & into her dressing rooms, her personal care & her travels. Her tattoos & showing her often not wearing any makeup. Oh and there's a scene where she's poolside speaking with fashion consultants, and yeah topless....that was interesting... In closing, for obvious reasons, an absolute must for those that appreciate Gaga, but then again, if you do, you've seen countless clips of Gaga's path over the years, and pretty much have a great understanding of her passion, energy & ridiculous gift to the music industry, and as always, the sensitive warmth that exudes out of her skin, straight from her heart. & for those that have never had any interest, perhaps they will find it interesting to see how 'Real' a superstar can actually be.... Have a great day, Peace to all ~Geo