The media blitz worked. I needed to see the Bradley Cooper version of A Star is Born and I planned to make a Saturday matinee. But first, I needed to see the 1976 version with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson. Hello, Friday night and Amazon Prime.
I was 10 when that version was released and I don’t recall seeing it, although the song, “Evergreen,” certainly landed on my radar. That particular song, along with “The Way We Were,” was one of the first songs I remember crying to during the those overly emotional pre-puberty days. More than forty years later, it remains a tragic romance tour de force and I loved hearing it as part of the soundtrack. To be honest, it was the only song I found listenable in the entire film. The rest was just awful – and while Kris Kristofferson may have been a delight to look at, his voice was just terrible.
Back to the positive…Barbra Streisand’s wardrobe was totally on point and I loved everything about her appearance. Many of her outfits were extremely low cut, but there was no silicone spillage and she just looked great. That cream colored sweater she wore at the first concert is my current obsession and I’m requesting any and all assistance in landing one just like it for my own wardrobe. Get on it, please.
So, you could say that I wasn’t really too impressed.
On Saturday I settled into my seat at the Spectrum for the early showing of the latest remake. An aside – if it’s not playing at that particular theater, I’m not going. The opening scene with Bradley Cooper shredding his guitar to a song that I wouldn’t mind hearing again, immediately grabbed me. It took me twenty minutes or so to realize that I was physically on the edge of my seat trying to get closer to the action on the screen. He was absolutely compelling and, basely, totally friggin’ hot. Oh – and he can sing!
When Lady Gaga hit the screen, I was delighted, and the first time I heard her sing I was completely blown away. La Vie en Rose is one of my favorite overwrought ballads and her performance was magic. I loved her look and found her completely believable and genuine. Wow.
So, the movie was a little long with some extraneous character development, but since it meant more time in the dark with Bradley and Gaga, it wasn’t a problem for me. The music was really terrific with songs I can actually imagine purchasing and adding to my Apple library. The performances were sincere and totally believable and I absolutely loved this film.
Guess I need to check out the Judy Garland version. How about you? Have you seen any/all of the Star is Born movies? What’s your favorite?
DelSo 
It was an amazing film. My daughter was angry with me foe not telling her it was sad. Having seen all of them— the last two in theaters, I just assumed everyone knew the story. This one rocked it!!!