Blunt force use of close-ups and emotional manipulation result in an exhausting watch that can feel self-parody at times in the second half, but the highs (e.g. Ally’s first performance of “Shallow”) really really soar. Gaga and Cooper have great, charming chemistry, and Cooper acquits himself terrifically as a debut director, especially the intoxicating opening stretch.
Is It Good?
Good (5/8)
Note: This capsule review was originally published elsewhere. If I watch this movie again, I might expand this to a full-length review.
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