A Star Is Born

Bradley Cooper makes his assured directorial debut with this update of the tragic showbiz romance. He also co-stars as hard-drinking country-and-western crooner Jackson Maine, who discovers and falls in love with Lady Gaga's super-talented singer-on-the-rise Ally. Skilfully assembled by Cooper, the film is a crowd-pleaser that throbs with catchy pop melodies and boasts believable chemistry between its two leads. It earned eight Oscar nominations, including best picture and acting accolades for its stars, and deservedly won best song for Gaga's Shallows. Something of an open-hearted soap opera, the film is a captivating package of effortless direction, graceful subtleties and dynamic casting that crackles with happiness and heartbreak. It packs an unexpectedly emotional punch and glitters with star-maker gumption.