A Star Is Born (2018)

Pop music gets treated like a crime scene in A Star Is Born, which is a strange take for a movie starring Lady Gaga. The second hour drags too, circling the same fight about fame and drinking until you can call the next line. Now the good part, and it’s really good. Bradley Cooper directs himself as a country rocker who mumbles every line like he’s being charged by the word. Gaga is the real deal as an actor, especially early, when Ally doesn’t believe anyone wants to hear her. Sam Elliott gets one moment in a driveway that’ll wreck you. The first time she steps up to the mic in front of a huge crowd is one of the best scenes of its decade. It pulled $439.9 million worldwide against a reported $36M, so plenty of people showed up for it. An 8.2 because the first half is close to perfect and the second half loses the beat. $1,986 says you try the big note from Shallow in the car and the car wins.

What works: Lady Gaga’s raw early scenes, the first onstage duet, and Sam Elliott saying everything with one look in a driveway.

What doesn’t: The second half circles the same fights about fame and drinking, and the movie sneers at pop music in a way that feels off.

Who it’s for: Anyone who loves a big romantic weepie with real songs, and people who need an excuse to cry in the car.