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A Star is Born characters

A Star is Born Review

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In his directorial debut and her first ever major movie role, Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga shine in A Star is Born. Offering performances that will undoubtedly receive multiple award nominations, the duo play on each other’s strengths as an actor and musician to deliver the definitive version of the 1937 film of the same name.

Cooper portrays rock star Jackson Maine who discovers Gaga’s character, Ally, while she performs one night at a local drag bar after her shift as a restaurant worker. Her unrecognized talent as a singer doesn’t stop her from performing there every week, but when they lock eyes during her performance, time slows down and it’s clear Jackson sees something in her. What follows is an intimate journey as Jackson helps Ally discover herself as an artist that leads to her own fame and success she’s always dreamed of. The two fall in love in the process, but Jackson’s long battle with addiction and alcoholism cause strain on their relationship the audience gets to see unfold.

Watching the film and seeing Cooper portray a character go through such a real struggle that every generation has seen claim the lives of so many great musicians left me feeling as helpless as his character. As the fourth remake of the original 1937 film, the story isn’t meant to be original, but it shows just how familiar we are as a culture with watching the stars we love battle with their demons in the limelight. Cooper’s version of the film tells a story people can still learn from so the next time they witness or know someone struggling with addiction, they can have a better understanding of what it’s like and try to empathize.

The biggest strengths of the film are undoubtedly its soundtrack and musical performances that were shot live at real festivals and concerts. The film’s opening sequence of Cooper rocking out and performing to a screaming crowd instantly showcased his remarkable transformation from actor to musician, and the soundtrack solidifies Gaga as one of the most versatile artists of this generation, The film’s lead hit single “Shallow” not only sparks the beginning of Ally’s career in the film, but is also one of Gaga’s greatest hits she shares with Cooper. With hard rock songs like “Diggin’ My Grave” and “Black Eyes,” country songs like “Music to My Eyes,” and pop songs like “Hair Body Face” and “Why Did You Do That?,” there is a song for nearly everyone to enjoy.

With a runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes, the film felt lengthy and slow at times, but the musical performances typically broke up any monotony found later in the story.

A Star is Born succeeds in telling a familiar story of love, passion, family, fame, and struggle that will have you leaving the theater in admiration for both Cooper and Gaga’s honest performances they clearly gave their all. Believe in the hype and catch this must see movie in theaters while you still can!

A Bohemian Rhapsody Character

The Real Life and the Fantasy: A Bohemian Rhapsody Review

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Queen’s frontman, Freddie Mercury, has been forever immortalized by Bohemian Rhapsody, a new biopic following his life and Queen’s career. From Mercury’s beginnings as a young man working at an airport to his creative inputs and impact on Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody details all corners of his life while capturing his zest, his unconditional love, his love for music, and his undeniable idiosyncrasy.

When I first heard that Mercury’s life was going to be made into a biopic, I was afraid of how Hollywood was going to portray his AIDS diagnosis. Thankfully, Bohemian Rhapsody tackled the heavy themes of his sexuality and provocative lifestyle in a tasteful manner that informed the audience about Mercury’s life without condemning him or romanticizing him. Mercury was more than his diagnosis. He was an eccentric and passionate character; a true iconoclast of the seventies and eighties and fortunately, the film showcased that fact.

Rami Malek portrays Mercury brilliantly. Malek learned Mercury’s mannerisms and stage moves. Uncanny is the only word that comes to mind. I found myself watching Bohemian Rhapsody’s rendition of Queen’s Live AID performance, forgetting that I wasn’t being fascinated by Mercury; I was being fascinated by Malek and his portrayal. This praise goes out to the rest of the Queen members, too. Malek also managed to brilliantly flaunt that famous toothy Mercury smile without it interfering with his acting. It’s been said he has kept the fake teeth as a memory. As a huge biopic fan, I can usually tell when an actor immerses into their role. Malek didn’t have me questioning his authenticity and his understanding of Freddie Mercury whatsoever. Aside from the acting, Bohemian Rhapsody does a fantastic job in showing the process behind some of Queen’s most beloved songs like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Will Rock You”. Showing the behind the scenes helped the film capture the essence Queen as not only a band, but also as four men who were each other’s family.

Though the film has its melodramatic moments and like all biopics, some inaccuracy, it’s still an outstanding film for Queen fans and movie fans. The movie stands as a reminder for both old and new generations of how legendary this band was and how missed their darling frontman is. Bohemian Rhapsody hits theaters hits theaters November 2nd, 2018 and it will surely rock you.

a Wrinkle in Time poster

Movie Review: A Wrinkle In Time

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A Wrinkle in Time is an absolutely charming movie available on Netflix. The film beams optimism and hope while discussing issues of pain and darkness. Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, and Mindy Kaling play the three powerful and mysterious beings who help a young Meg and her brother, Charles Wallace, to find their father, who is lost somewhere in the universe.

The film boasts stunning visuals that come into play as the group explores the universe. One scene depicts a planet that Mrs. Whatsit describes as her ìfavorite planet in the entire universe.î Same here, Mrs. Whatsit, same here. Who wouldnít love a planet with crescent mountains, sapphire seas, and flowers that communicate by color?

A Wrinkle in Time is a beautiful film that explores the universe while carrying a message of hope. Well worth the watch.