Movie Review

Bradley Cooper's A Star is Born loses luster with choppy storytelling

A Star is Born is such a popular property that, counting the latest version starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, it has been produced no fewer than four times. They each follow the same general plotline where an older actor and/or singer with an issue with alcohol helps a younger woman achieve her dreams of stardom.

The devil, of course, lies in the details. The 1937 version starring Janet Gaynor and Frederic March and the 1954 version starring Judy Garland and James Mason still hold high approval ratings, but the 1976 version with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson has not held up as well. History will likely be equally unkind to this latest version.

Cooper plays Jackson Maine, a grizzled country-rock star who can still draw a crowd, but too often lets booze rule his life. On one of his hunts for drinks following a show, he happens upon a bar where Ally (Lady Gaga) is performing. Enchanted by her voice and her looks, Jackson takes Ally under his wing, giving her a bigger platform than she ever could have dreamed.

Directed by Cooper and written by Cooper, Eric Roth, and Will Fetters, the film starts off well, with a nice emphasis on the beginning of Jackson and Ally’s relationship as well as their intimate, soulful music. But right about the time that Ally gets the first hint of fame, the movie starts to go off the rails.

That’s mostly because Cooper and his team fast forward through almost every significant plot development the film has to offer. Instead of taking their time and actually showing how everything that’s happening in Jackson’s and Ally’s lives is affecting them, the story yada-yadas the “boring” parts to get right to the pivotal moments.

The problem with that is it all but removes emotion from the equation. At a crucial moment, Jackson implores Ally to remain true to herself, both in her look and her music. Ironically, Cooper doesn’t follow his character’s advice, taking the film from one that is very personal to one that has little connection to the story it’s trying to tell.

Cooper seems to have a disdain for the music industry as a whole, and it shows with the arc of Ally’s character. The music she starts to put out is antithetical to Jackson’s worldview, and the fact that she starts to see success because of it is maddening to him. However, the way in which Cooper depicts Ally’s rise and the ridiculous nature of her songs come off as amateurish at best, undercutting any gravitas the film had built up.

The lone award consideration that the film deserves is for the songs that come in first 45 minutes or so. Cooper and Gaga worked with established musicians like Lukas Nelson, Jason Isbell, and Mark Ronson on the soundtrack, and that experience comes through on songs like “Maybe It’s Time” and “Shallow.”

Cooper, making his writing and directing debut, is in full self-indulgent mode as an actor. Utilizing a deep growl of a voice — possibly to match Sam Elliott, who plays Jackson’s brother — goes all out in the role, often making the movie more about Jackson than Ally.

Gaga does relatively well in her first major film role. Any qualms that her off-screen fame would inform her character are quickly dispelled, but her lack of acting experience comes through on occasion. If Cooper had showcased her more or not sped through parts of the story, she likely would’ve been even better.

The latest version of A Star is Born goes big when it would have been much better off staying small. Some of the music is great, but the poor storytelling keeps the film on the ground.

Lady Gaga and Andrew Dice Clay in A Star is Born.

Lady Gaga and Andrew Dice Clay in A Star is Born

Photo by Clay Enos

Lady Gaga and Andrew Dice Clay in A Star is Born.

Weekend Event Planner

Holiday shows light up the 17 best things to do in Dallas this weekend

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Photo courtesy of Trans-Siberian Orchestra

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The weekend before Christmas is - surprise, surprise! - filled with all sorts of new holiday events to enjoy, including two Nutcrackers, two local theater productions, six concerts, a classic film screening, and a special drag queen show. Other choices include an appearance by a huge comedian, the national tour of a Broadway musical, another local theater production, and two postseason college football games.

Below are the best ways to spend your free time this weekend. If you want more options, check out the calendar for an even longer list of the city's best events. For a big list of the best Christmas lights, go here.

Thursday, December 18

Punch Line Irving presents Dave Chappelle
The new Punch Line Irving comedy club is making its debut this week, and what better way to open than with one of the greatest comedians of all time, Dave Chappelle. The 2019 recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor has earned more than 30 nominations and awards in television and film, including for his groundbreaking sketch comedy television series, Chappelle’s Show, comedy specials, and guest appearances on Saturday Night Live. He'll perform twice on Thursday.

World Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker
This Nutcracker isn’t just a ballet - it’s an experience. It begins with the sparkle of a family Christmas party, where magic lingers just out of sight. A mysterious gift. A flicker of imagination. And then, everything changes. The tree grows. The room disappears. The battle begins. Suddenly, the audience is in the middle of a midnight clash between toy soldiers and a mouse army, led by a brave girl and her enchanted Nutcracker Prince. The performance takes place at Majestic Theatre.

Urban Arts Collective presents An Oak Cliff Carol: An Urban Ghost Story
Essence Scrooge has built a booming beauty empire - but her success came at a cost. Cold-hearted and cutthroat, she’s lost touch with her community and compassion. That is, until one unforgettable Christmas Eve, when three spirited guides from Oak Cliff appear to take her on a soulful journey through her past, present, and future. Blending the heart of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol with the rich sounds of R&B, gospel, and soul, An Oak Cliff Carol is a bold reimagining of a holiday classic. The production takes place at Bryant Hall in the Kalita Humphreys Theater complex through Sunday.

Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents Christmas Pops
In Christmas Pops, guest conductor Lawrence Loh, along with two vocalists - soprano Jasmine Habersham and baritone Reginald Smith, Jr. - return to sing seasonal favorites for the holidays. Making things even more festive are the Dallas Symphony Chorus and Children’s Chorus. There will also be an audience sing-along and an appearance by the Jolly Old Elf, aka Santa Claus. There will be five performances through Sunday at Meyerson Symphony Center.

Broadway Dallas presents Disney's Beauty and the Beast
Disney’s 30th Anniversary production of Beauty and the Beast is a breathtaking musical filled with the romance and grandeur. The enchanting and timeless tale has been brought to life like never before, with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes. The show boasts the Oscar-winning and Tony Award-nominated score, including the classic songs “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.” It runs through January 4 at the Music Hall at Fair Park.

Xbox Bowl: Missouri State vs. Arkansas State
Dallas-Fort Worth can lay claim to being the center of college football bowl season, with no fewer than five different games taking place in the area, including one of the quarterfinals in the College Football Playoff. That run gets started with the brand-new Xbox Bowl, featuring a matchup between the Missouri State Bears of Conference USA and Arkansas State Red Wolves of the Sun Belt Conference. The game takes place at The Star in Frisco.

Pegasus Theatre presents MacMurder!
Harry Hunsacker and his paid-by-the-hour assistant, Nigel Grouse, must join forces to solve a murder in the Scottish Highlands. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as the mysterious murderer sets sights on Harry himself. Can Nigel solve this mystery, save his friend, and find true love in the arms of the mysterious novelist who wanders the grounds of the estate? MacMurder! is the latest in the series of comedy murder-mysteries by Pegasus Theatre founder Kurt Kleinmann, produced in their unique Living Black & White® style, which recreate the look and feel of classic black-and-white films through a unique combination of makeup, costumes, lighting, and set design. The production runs through January 4 at Addison Performing Arts Centre.

Friday, December 19

Majestic Theatre presents It's a Wonderful Life
Frank Capra's holiday classic features Donna Reed and Jimmy Stewart in a touching tale of hope and compassion. Stewart stars as George Bailey, a depressed businessman who is saved at the last minute by a guardian angel who shows him what life would be like if he weren't around. One of Capra's most beloved and enduring films, It's a Wonderful Life earned five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. The screening takes place at Majestic Theatre.

Repertory Company Theatre presents It's a Wonderful Life
If you'd like to see what the film looks like with live actors, you can also see this theater production from Repertory Company Theatre. Part of its Courtyard Theater Series, this adaptation of the cherished and uplifting tale allows George Bailey to share the lesson taught by his guardian angel - that we all can make a difference … that all lives matter. There will be four performances through Sunday at Courtyard Theater in Plano.

AT&T Performing Arts Center presents A Soulful Christmas with Kem
R&B singer/songwriter and author Kem will present a festive evening of holiday cheer and soulful music. He has released six albums in his career, including the 2012 Christmas album, What Christmas Means. Kem will perform for one night only at Winspear Opera House.

Murray & Peter present A Drag Queen Christmas
A Drag Queen Christmas, hosted by Nina West, is the longest-running drag tour in America. It will feature performances by Onya Nurve, Shea Coulee, Jewels Sparkles, Crystal Methyd, Suzie Toot, Brooke Lynn Hytes, and Lydia B. Kollins. The event takes place at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving.

Ballet North Texas presents The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker is a cherished tradition that brings the magic of the season to life. Audiences can embark on a journey through the dazzling Land of Snow to the radiant and jubilant Kingdom of Sweets alongside Clara, Drosselmeyer, and the Prince, who will reunite with the Sugar Plum Fairy amidst the clouds, where true magic unfolds. The production will have five performances through Sunday at Moody Performance Hall.

Saturday, December 20

NCAA Division II National Football Championship
Unless you're a big fan of Division II football, you might not know that they've held their championship game at McKinney ISD District-wide Stadium every year since 2018. This year's game features a couple of powerhouses: The Ferris State Bulldogs from Grand Rapids, Michigan, who are looking for their fourth championship in the past five years; and the Harding Bisons from Searcy, Arkansas, who won the championship in 2023.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra presents The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More
Trans-Siberian Orchestra will present an all-new production of their beloved The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, alongside a special second set of hits and fan-favorites that includes a 25th anniversary salute to Beethoven's Last Night. The group blends together rock, classical, and theatrical spectacle, complete with dazzling pyrotechnics, lasers, and incredible storytelling. They'll put on two performances on Saturday at American Airlines Center.

The Polyphonic Spree presents 22nd Annual Holiday Extravaganza
The Polyphonic Spree's annual Holiday Extravaganza is an evening of high energy and festive fun with the local choral rock band, holiday tunes, and special guests. Festive holiday attire is encouraged for this family-friendly event. Milk & cookies will be served at the conclusion of the event. Guests are encouraged to bring a canned good to benefit the North Texas Food Bank as well as a new unwrapped toy for Toys For Tots. The event takes place at Majestic Theatre.

AT&T Performing Arts Center presents Leslie Odom, Jr.: The Christmas Tour
Leslie Odom, Jr., best known for his Tony Award-winning portrayal of Aaron Burr in Hamilton, will perform a festive concert that features holiday classics, originals from his Christmas albums, and special performances of songs from Hamilton. The concert takes place at Winspear Opera House.

Sunday, December 21

Sarah Brightman: A Winter Symphony
Soprano Sarah Brightman comes to Dallas with her new Christmas spectacle, “A Winter Symphony.” Featuring an orchestra, choir, and special guests, the holiday show will feature Brightman performing many of her holiday classics and greatest hits. The concert, named after her 2008 Christmas album, will be at Winspear Opera House.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Photo courtesy of Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Trans-Siberian Orchestra will play twice at American Airlines Center on December 20.

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