We Are All Made of Stars: Review of A Star is Born

A Star is Born

Director: Bradley Cooper

By Alex Watson

Now on its fourth version- A Star is Born feels reborn under the first time direction of Bradley Cooper. One of the rawest yet heartwarming movies of 2018, Cooper and co-star Lady Gaga do much more than provide a great sound. Getting to the heart of two fragile yet painfully real characters, this remake firmly captures the heart and soul of its predecessors.

Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) is a country star who plays to sold-out stadiums, but off-stage he is a drunken wreck who is past his best. One night while out drinking he comes across singer Ally (Lady Gaga) performing in a drag bar. Immediately taken by her talents, the pair soon enters a romantic relationship and quickly her star rises while his begins to fade. Will the pair be able to salvage their love or will fame tear them apart?

Cooper immediately makes the flaws with his lead character obvious. Starting playing to a packed stadium, Jackson drunkenly stumbles on stage and attempts to act the part of a rock star. His addiction already has him in a tailspin and all around people are worried. One scene sees his brother Bobby (Sam Eliott) puts him to bed and warns Ally "You think he drinks a little too much? Sweetie, you have no idea!" Permanently hungover and hazy-eyed, Jackson is barely functioning. When he sees Ally perform a passionate rendition of 'La Vie En Rose' in a drag bar, you can feel the sparks fly. With her stuck on eyebrows, Ally is a woman who has been permanently rejected by the industry due to her looks. While immensely talented and sure of herself, she is unconvinced by Jackson's words of encouragement. However, when they first sing the song 'Shallow' together there is an electricity which would rival any live concert on earth. We can feel Ally's star begin to ascend and there is a crushing inevitability that Jackson will soon be consigned to the past.

Throughout A Star is Born there is a fear that Ally is not equipped neither physically or emotionally to deal with her lovers' descent into the bottom of the bottle. While her face graces billboards across LA and she appears on Saturday Night Live, Jackson is confined to the shadows. Dealing with continuous problems with tinnitus and still emotionally affected by the death of his mother and father, Jackson's pain is as plain as day. Ally's scheming manager (Ravi Gavron) doesn't help matters as he sees her as a hit factory and frequently undermines her husband. While it sounds bleak and depressing, there is a naturalistic feel to this romance and there are moments of levity which makes this all the more memorable. The picture undoubtedly comes alive during its live music scenes and Gaga feels at home during this stretch. Recapturing the vibrancy and show-stopping feel of one of her live shows, credit must go to DP Matthew Libatique here.

As this torrid romance plays out there is a sense that Jackson is a ticking time bomb. Unable to cope with his sudden loss of fame, life in Ally's shadow brings out the worst in this character. A particularly gruesome moment during the Grammy's award is the pinnacle of his downfall. Judy Garland and James Mason had it easy compared to this moment. As a director, Cooper is very much adept at capturing the feel of George Cukor's 1954 effort while also maintaining a subtle nod to Barbara Streisand's 1973 version. Ally might be the star that remains, but Jackson is the star our hearts go out to even though he may not have truly earned them.

Bradley Cooper rings in what could be a career-defining turn as Jackson. Barely recognisable underneath his long dusty hair and swollen face, Cooper brings a realism along with a very recognisable sense of trauma to this character. Lost in a whirlwind of drugs and booze, Jackson is still clinging to what he used to be and is unable to face what he has become. The big question in this movie was could Lady Gaga pull off being the leading lady? The answer is HELL YES! Completely comfortable bring a natural feel along with a raw yet believable emotional pain, Gaga is more than a match for her established co-star. Bring the heat as both singer and actor, this vehicle could pave the way for her to become the triple threat she deserves to be.

A Star is Born proves that sometimes remakes can go above what is expected of them. A surefire candidate for a clutch of Oscar nominations, you will not see a better duo onscreen than Gaga and Cooper.

The Last Stand: Review of Avengers: Infinity War

Avengers: Infinity War

Directors: Joe and Anthony Russo

By Alex Watson

Marvel fans everywhere have been waiting for the day their heroes would square off against big bad Thanos. Well, Avengers: Infinity War is unlikely to disappoint. Throwing in everything but the kitchen sink for the ultimate showdown, directors Joe and Anthony Russo pull off one hell of a balancing act. While its conclusion may polarize viewers, no one can deny the sheer thrill levels of this instalment.

Overlord Thanos (voiced by Josh Brolin) is continuing his reign of terror while seeking the rest of the infinity stones. The Avengers are attempting to put a halt to his progress, but their efforts are proving futile. Not helped by the strained relations between Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) and Captain America (Chris Evans). Also, the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) seems to be suffering from severe performance anxiety.

From the first frame of Avengers: Infinity War the Russo Brothers shoot to thrill. The arrival of Thanos was forever teased in early instalments, but his first full outing is a major success. A hulking purple monster, this man is a pulverising force to be reckoned with. However, there is also a depth to him at key points which is surprising. Especially when examining his difficult relationship with adopted daughter Gamora (Zoe Saldana). Rather than beginning with an orgy of CGI, Infinity War war starts with a jolt as certain characters we know and love are... dealt with. In this instalment, our love is truly tested and there will be gut-wrenching moments. Thanos is a ruler whose madman tendencies are weirdly philosophical and his logic comes off as cold and calculated.

Our Avenger teams are broken up into several brilliantly formed factions. Stark and Dr Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) must not only contend with their own ego's but also with Peter Parker (Tom Holland),  Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), Drax (Dave Bautista) and the other Guardians. Thor forms a delightful and hilarious threesome with Rocket (Bradley Cooper) and Groot (Vin Diesel). Finally, the exiled warriors of Civil War Steve Rogers, Hulk, Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Bucky (Sebastian Stan), Falcon (Anthony Mackie) and the King himself T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) take up fighting residence in Wakanda.  The sheer quality of this cast alone could power this picture, but instead, each of these teams brings their own unique brand of charm. Thanos knows how each character ties into each group and this is where he emerges as a formidable opponent. Each time one of the squares off against him, it can mean potential ruin for the earth. Emotions run deep in this one and there will be many acts of sacrifice- prepare yourself for some hard moments.

The best aspect of Avengers: Infinity War is how the Russo's are able to make this such a fun ride. There are little moments throughout which are simply brilliant such as Thor and Quill attempting to one-up each other at family backstories. Also, several minor MCU characters make wonderful reappearances to leave no stone unturned. The third act is usually a problem is most Marvel movies, but this time the Russo Brothers brilliantly pull each character together for one hell of a finale. Making so much look so cool and effortless is not an easy task, but this time excitement levels are through the roof. However, then comes an ending which will likely floor its audience. I won't give away a sliver of information, but I will advise the audience to expect everything and be prepared for some tragic moments. Thanos is not considered the ultimate bad guy for nothing and squaring off against him will leave severe damage.

Josh Brolin's voice alone gives shivers down our spine whenever Thanos appears on screen. A thumping and unpredictable villain, his whole logic of splitting the universe in half is skewed. However, in the hands of Brolin he makes it look so compelling and underneath his exterior, we see a tortured soul. The rest of the cast, as usual, works wonderfully together. Having Downey Jr and Cumberbatch share screen time makes for some wonderful and egotistical petty squabbles. Chris Hemsworth has now given Thor such natural on screen humour that he wins each scene he appears in. Mark Ruffalo is also scene stealingly brilliant as Bruce Banner and his frustration and embarrassment at the Hulk not wanting to come out is consistently funny.

Avengers: Infinity War is the big get together Marvel fans have always wanted. On sheer enjoyment alone- this is unmissable.

My Family: Review of Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol.2

Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2

Director: James Gunn

By Alex Watson

James Gunn proves that blending quirky humour with sci-fi is still a winner. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 is another joyful ride with our favourite amigos. Rather than just sticking to the tried and tested formula, there is also an emotional undercurrent. Family and belonging is the key message of this picture. While our band of misfits might slowly becoming one- there is also the notion of how they will stick together.

After being forced to run for their lives from the golden Sovereign race aliens led by Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki). Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket (Bradley Cooper) and Baby Groot (Vin Diesel) are soon rescued by an unlikely ally. Revealing himself to be Quill's father, Ego (Kurt Russell), Peter feels a big sense of conflict about bonding with a man he never knew. The others have deep suspicions over what daddy's real intentions are.

While Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 doesn't feel as original as its predecessor, it is still fun nonetheless. Starting with a great and offbeat opening sequence that sees Baby Groot dancing away in the midst of the others battling a huge beast. Gunn's faith in his material is evident and once again he does well to keep the focus on these great characters. In this picture, we see our heroes slowly being driven apart from another. Their individual streaks are causing rifts, especially Rocket's unadvised stealing that has pissed off the Sovereigns. Ego's appearance is literally earth-shattering and we feel every inch of Quill's conflict. Although together father and son are an easy going dream, this whole introduction feels very rushed through. Caught between two fathers, blue pirate Yondu (Michael Rooker) emerges as the real father figure in this movie. Underneath that surly facade is a man with a heart of gold. Ego's real ambitions are what divides this group, is he just wanting to make up for lost time or is there something in Peter's genes he is more interested in?

Undeniably this picture feels itself when the group is in conflict. The unspoken romantic tension between Quill and Gomora is still affecting. Rocket is still a riot as a character and his snarky and impulsive thievery never fails to make us smile. Yondu is quick to recognise this guy is little more than an animal version of himself, whose psychological troubles run deep. Several supporting characters each set their own mark including vengeful sister Nebula (Karen Gillan) who finally gets a weighty story under her belt. We also finally get to see a human side underneath her robotic parts and an understanding of her hostility. Drax also shares a sweet and funny side story with simple minded alien Mantis (Pom Klementieff). The one area these movies always fall down, however, is in the villain department. Although Kurt Russell is able to inject every ounce of charm and grit as Ego- he just doesn't come off as memorable. Gunn sadly fails to make the most this reunion and unfortunately, we can see the big twist looming like Drax.

The second half of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 sadly is nowhere near as entertaining as the first. While there is an emotional poignancy that was severely lacking in the first, an overly long final battle make us restless. There are also some ill-advised inclusions early on, Sylvester Stallone's Ravager Stakar Ogord is barely given any screen time. You also get the sense that Gunn is trying to cram too much in to set us up for Vol.3. Despite these flaws, Gunn has still crafted a sequel that stays very true to itself. The Marvel Universe has found a set of unique character who each are coming into their own. This is one family you will love to be a part of.

Chris Pratt still shows that his Peter Quill is the funniest guy in the galaxy. Showcasing his trademark wit and sarcasm, Pratt has found his onscreen soulmate. Andy from Parks and Recreation has come a long way! Bradley Cooper nearly steals the show again as Rocket, losing none of his comic touches. In this episode, Cooper is allowed to explore a more complex side of his nature and we see that below there is a racoon longing for more. Michael Rooker comes off as the pictures main hero as we begin to realise the hard time he gave Quill as a child was for a much bigger purpose. One of Hollywood's most underrated supporting men, Rooker steals the hearts of Marvel's fans everywhere.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol.2 is once again an offbeat and winning experience. Bring on Vol.3 soon Mr Gunn, if only for another Awesome Mix soundtrack!

Joy To The World: Review of Joy

Joy

Director: David O Russell

By Alex Watson

We are unlikely to see a more dysfunctional family than the Mangano's in 2016. Outside of Jennifer Lawrence's awards assured performance, Joy cannot find the spark it needs to ignite. This type of drama by David O Russell has an all too familiar feel to it and unlike his more recent acclaimed efforts, it fails to break new ground. The story of Joy Mangano is an uplifting one but has an undercooked taste and we never truly feel the pain and sacrifice of her journey.

Joy Mangano (Jennifer Lawrence) grew up wanting to be an inventor, but years later she is a divorced mother of two stuck in an unforgiving job and living in her crowded family home. Realizing that she needs to make her own life soon, Joy comes up with an invention that will revolutionize housework- a self-wringing mop.  With the market being difficult to crack into, Joy soon finds an unlikely ally in QVC channel executive Neil Walker (Bradley Cooper).

Joy is a movie that is about the determination of spirit and we see her as an imaginative child turned into a cuckolded young woman. Her family is the very description of problematic with her mother Terri (Virginia Madsen) glued to her soap opera's, her ex-husband Tony (Edgar Ramirez) still living in the basement and now her father Rudy (Robert De Niro) has been thrown out by his third wife. Her browbeating and squabbles with this lot feels too drawn out and after a point, it slows the story. Thankfully Russell shows some restraint and keeps the feud from boiling over. There are ventures into a rather bizarre and surreal avenue when Joy imagines her life being like one of her mother's tv shows. All this does, however, is diverted the movie from the path.

From the outset, Joy is a woman struggling to make her own way despite her obvious intelligence and business sense. There is a great story to be found about one of the really smarter innovators, shame is Russell doesn't know how to tell it. Her venture into the world of the home shopping channel is easily the picture's most entertaining. Neil Walker is a charming and encouraging presence and it is during this sequence that he helps inject some hope into affairs. Joy's natural charisma and likability are brought forward effortless during her infomercials. Though things are cringingly awkward and she looks unimpressive compared the better-dressed hosts, the against the clock feel works wonders. Desperate to sell over 50,000 units will her idea prevail?

Unlike the crucial middle segment, Joy is unable to recreate this feel as the movie's latter half deals with the struggles and threat of financial liquidation. Although the movie reaches its desired conclusion or interest has waned by this point. David O Russell has emerged as one of the finer directing talents of recent years, but this picture just doesn't feel like one that tests his ability. This man has a keen eye for the conflict within people and their families. The Mangano's have a love/hate relationship but it takes up too much of the movies prime focus which should be Joy's ascent to business glory.

Jennifer Lawrence is the movie's ace in the pack and through a controlled performance, she brings to life a woman clinging to a scrap of hope. Constantly put down but never beaten, Lawrence is the gutsy heart and soul of the character that continues to surprise. Likely to be a name among many awards lists, this woman is an actress who has already reached A-List status without breaking a sweat. Robert De Niro also deserves credit for a fine supporting turn as Joy's volatile father Rudy. Constantly sporting a look of disbelief, the man is a thorn in her side that can never be removed.

Joy is unlikely to gain much traction at awards shows but is worth seeing simply for the power of Jennifer Lawrence. Russell and co will be back before we know it and probably stronger for the experience.

Hawaiian Tropic: Review of Aloha

Aloha

Director: Cameron Crowe

By Alex Watson

Despite a starry cast, Cameron Crowe's Aloha is a very misguided affair. There is a bright and upbeat tone from the beginning, but this proves to be a burden on the film as we have no real idea exactly what type of film Crowe is trying to make? His usual quirks are very much present, but lack the needed punch to get this film kick started into life. Yes the central trio of characters are very attractive and charming, but they fail to add any real any real depth to characterization.

Brian Gilchrist (Bradley Cooper) is a former Air Force turned civilian contractor who nearly lost his life in Afghanistan. To prove himself, he is given a second shot by billionaire, Carson Welch (Bill Murrary) in his old ground of Hawaii. While home, he reconnects with his old flame, Tracey (Rachel McAdams who has since married and started a family. But soon he begins to fall for rising officer, Captain Allison Ng (Emma Stone). Life altering decisions lie ahead.

The principle issue with Aloha is these lost soul stories are beginning to feel all too familiar from Cameron Crowe. Unlike his earlier work, Crowe is unable to find the right spark to ignite the film. The overly nice feel that surrounds events goes into overload early on and fails to cut the thrusters! Everyone on this island is so forgiving of everything that it lacks any sense of pain, regrets or conflict. Tracey and Brian have history and while there are close ups galore which reveal the hurt lurking below, it never truly grabs at us like it should. Before long, we feel like leaving the party and just leaving them to it.

Centrally, due a confusing style of dialogue and some lack of explanation, the story gets lost in a haze. We know that Brian was once a rising star but due to some unfortunate events, his life lies in ruins. There are red herrings given to what might have caused this, but the closure needed is one that continually disappoints. This is not the only story related problem the movie is saddled with, for instance why doesn't Tracy husband Woody (John Krasinski) ever talk? And precisely why does Carson want to launch his new suspicious looking satellite? The answer are all present, but due to Crowe's slightly muddled presentation they are lost on the Hawaiian breeze!

Though there is an air of redemption hanging around, it feels far too cliched! The main romance between Brian and Allison is one that is cute and sweet, although suffering with some awful dialogue. But we never really get a sense of just why Brian is worthy of redemption? His cynical outlook  to the world is a real mystery. Even though he innocently flutters his pretty eyes throughout, is it not enough to make him an engaging central character. Had this been made a decade ago, this would have been a perfect Crowe flick, but today it just feels substandard.

Bradley Cooper sadly in this film is not given a character worthy of his talents. Proving to be one of the most absorbing presences in Hollywood, Brian is very much a blank page and he is given little to work with to fill it. Also for this type of role, he doesn't feel downtrodden enough to convince. Perhaps someone with more grit could have shaped this differently? Emma Stone is the real treat of Crowe's film sporting enough peppy charm as the fast talking Allison to make her stand out. Always able to seem effortlessly engrossing, Stone is very much a talent on the rise. The usually consistent Rachel McAdams however, is stranded in a one note role as Tracey.

Aloha may not be the worse film that you see all year, but it is a far cry from the Cameron Crowe of old! Constantly feeling more saccharine than a lollypop, the movie doesn't seem to know where this is a comedy, a drama or maybe both? Though if you're in the mood for a wallow then this may suit you just fine!

War is a Drug: Review of American Sniper

American Sniper

Director: Clint Eastwood

By Alex Watson

The life of US Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer Chris Kyle was one like no other- in four tours of duty in Iraq he amassed a record 161 confirmed kills and became a legend within the ranks. His reputation was so notable that he was dubbed 'The Devil Of Ramadi' and had a high bounty put on his head by the enemy! Clint Eastwood this week brings his tale to life in American Sniper. Recently this picture earned over six Oscar nominations and it appears this will one of Clint's finest offerings in some time.

Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper) is a man who has patriotically enlisted as a Navy SEAL, this film tells the story of his marriage to his wife Taya (Sienna Miller) his notorious but decorated tours of duty in the Iraq war where became a legend on both sides of the line. But also it documents his breakdown after returning home from duty and his struggle to adjust back to civilian life.

After some rather indifferent efforts of late, American Sniper is a glorious return to form for Clint Eastwood. The story of Kyle feels tailor made for his direction and through this a hard hitting psychological feel is brought through. From an early point of combat, the pressures and trauma's that come with each kill are firmly printed. In his first kill, Chris has to judge whether or not to kill a mother and son team that may or not be carrying explosives- Eastwood here cranks up the tension to almost unbearable levels.

From an early age in his tough Texas upbringing, Kyle is taught by his father to be tough in the world and this is something he will forever carry with him. Impressively Kyle is not made out to be a hero and Eastwood never seeks to glorify his actions. The burden of guilt for each life that he fails to save wears heavily on his mental state. His relationship with Taya is one that although under explored, adds a great source of human emotion and strain. Each time her beloved man returns home, he is a shadow his former self and his eventually breakdown threatens to push things over overboard.

The pressure that comes with his job is brought forward in such a measured pace that it reflects the ice cold nerves that Kyle held. Each time he picks off insurgents on rooftops or on the street, his desired to protect his men from the enemy is clear cut. One scene sees him taking a call from home when a lone boy with an RPG enters his gun sight! But the one problem is that he cannot break free of the thrill of combat where you can feel "the lightning in your bones" as a result of his once happy home life will suffer greatly.

Kyle's mission to single handedly engage the infamous drill killing crime lord known as 'The Butcher' gives the movie a thrilling centre piece. Each time he evades his grasp you can feel his desire increase. One of the movie's most thrilling scenes will a one on one show down between Kyle and the equally skilled sniper 'Mustafa' where his over eagerness will result in his team by out numbered by insurgents in the midst of a sandstorm!

Bradley Cooper expertly rings in what is undoubtedly his strongest performance so far in his career. As Chris Kyle he is a simple family man who loves his country, but through Cooper's excellent range of intensity he brings forward the complexity to his character and his addiction to war and the thrill that comes with it. Cooper is fast becoming one of the most able actors in Hollywood and under Eastwood he has earned his Best Actor nomination at this year's Oscars.

American Sniper is not only one of Clint Eastwood's strongest 21st century efforts, but already one of this year's most accomplished and finest pieces of work. It may not have its name under the envelopes at the main prize events, but it is still an impassioned and genuine movie not only about war but about a man with an incredible tale.