A Star Is Born

Audience Reviews

View More

Joel H Sep 22 Say, this story is a lot better when it’s not a musical. Even though this is the original movie, this is the third adaptation of A Star is Born that I’ve seen and, honestly, I should have started with this one. Janet Gaynor gracefully carries this film on her shoulders with a performance that is both vulnerable and powerful. And the plot isn’t bogged down by extended songs showcasing a starlet’s voice. I also thought Fredric March did a good job of balancing his despicable, yet pitiful part. The message may get a little muddled in the end, but this is still the best adaptation of A Star is Born. See more Jay W Aug 11 This is a fascinating glimpse back to the old days of Hollywood. A 1930's movie about making movies. Esther Blodgett dreams of being a big Hollywood star. Her parents think she's crazy, but her grandma supports her dream. She moves to Hollywood and tries to be discovered. Her quest to be found features a lot of good humor and shows off the character's determination. She then stumbles upon big shot celebrity Norman Maine, who sees her potential and helps her to the big time. The romance between Norman and Esther is adorable. Despite Norman's problems with everyone else, he never had any issues with Esther. For that reason, and his role in her fame, I can believe Esther's loyalty to Norman in spite it all. But it is Norman's story and how it is handled that bothers me. The ending is disjointed from the themes of the rest of the film. Maybe I'll take one more look at it. See more David F @dfulmer Jul 20 This Hollywood drama follows a small town girl who moves to Hollywood, struggles, starts to get parts and meets a very famous actor whom she marries, and then has a successful career just as her husband peaks and begins an alcohol fueled downfall. It’s a bitter take on the American Dream and the typical Hollywood success story. You want to enjoy Vicki Lester’s success but it’s severely tempered by her husband’s struggles. The movie is a very inside take on Hollywood, with numerous scenes of Mann’s Chinese Theatre, the Academy Awards, and studio bosses all over the place. It’s even got a screenplay frame, implying this is just a movie. But there is real human drama of the heart here, it’s an enthralling and devastating Hollywood tale. See more Leaburn O Jun 14 The original is a pretty goofy film but it climbs towards an emotional climax. Generally pretty subpar but the final half hour has more conviction. Watched on DVD. See more Rob G Apr 21 So I just completed a marathon of all 4 “A Star is Born” movies. Here is my assessment of each in oder from Best to Least good. In all 4, a young, talented woman is discovered by an older, declining male star. They fall in love, marry, and her career rises while his falls due to addiction. Tragedy strikes when he dies by suicide, prompting her emotional tribute at the end. 2018 – The best version starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. Deals with the modern music industry. The music is really good in this one. Not sure I really buy the chemistry of the two actors. Cooper plays his role as a complete mess really well. 1954 – This could have been the best had it now been for some minor flaws. Stars Judy Garland and James Mason. Very good production and both actors do a great job. Seems overly long and the musical numbers are dated by today’s standard. Had they not committed so much to the musical numbers, I would have rated it the best version. Also, minor annoyance comes from having the longer restored scenes added as some of the video is lost and replaced with still photos while the audio continues which is very annoying. 1937 – Stars Janet Gaynor and Fredric March. This is the shorter of the group. They could have made it longer and developed the characters more but, hey, it was 1937. 1976 – Stars Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson. Kristofferson does a good job in his role. However, I wish they had got a really Outlaw Country or Rock artist to portray the female lead. Streisand’s music just doesn’t cut it for what they were trying to pull off. As a result, it’s a little hard to watch. Also, does he commit suicide in the end or just have an accident? See more Dani G Feb 17 Classic 1930's Hollywood film. The original that has been remade several times; that alone speaks it was some kind of important thing See more Read all reviews

A Star Is Born

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW

Most Popular at Home Now