In my opinion, first-time director Bradley Cooper shows a deft hand at the helm, in fact it's the best I've seen since the 2006 version of "Tell No One" directed by Guillaume Canet (which I highly recommend, by the way). Scenes have depth: extras act like people, not extras. Cooper manages to avoid most of the clichés this one begs for, although that one tear was hard to forgive.
Let's look at the cast;
- Bradley Cooper ("American Sniper," and "Silver Linings Playbook") is Jack, an Arizona-born star who fills stadiums with devoted fans and hopeful camp followers. After a successful appearance, he stumbles into a gay bar where an unknown singer impresses him. One drag queen tells him, "I don't care what you play, just look at me when you do it."
- Lady Gaga ("American Horror Story," and "Muppet's Most Wanted") Ally is a hard-working, no-nonsense gal who walks out on an abusive boss and accepts Jack's invitation to his next concert, little realizing it will include a trip on a private jet.
- Anthony Ramos ("Will & Grace") Her pal Ramon comes along to offer her some necessary moral support.
- Sam Elliott ("The Hero," and "The Ranch") Bobby might be Jack's uncle. The theater I was in had no closed caption devices; as a result, I missed a lot of their backstory, sorry.
- Rafi Gavron ("Snitch") Rez is Ally's straight-talking manager, who lays out the truth for Jack.
- Dave Chappelle ("Chi-Raq") "Noodles" is Jack's driver, a considerate and wise man.
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Please take a look:
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