Saturday, September 7

Movie Review: A Star Is Born (1976)




A Star Is Born PosterFilm Title: A Star is Born
Length:   2h 19min
Released:   1976
Genre:   Drama, Music, Romance 
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Watched at a friend's house

SUMMARY:

A has-been rock star falls in love with a young, up-and-coming songstress.











TRAILER:



REVIEW:
Watched this forever ago and I couldn't remember much from it. I didn't really care for it back then, but I was a teen and teens don't care much about anything. My friend is watching all the movie renditions and she started this so I sat down to join her. 

This follows Esther and John. John is on a dark path of burning out because if his drinking and drugs. Esther is an up-comer that he sees a talent and love in her. They get together and he helps her shine as his career goes down the drain. 

I remembered bits and pieces of this film as we were going through, but I totally forgot how cheesy this was. Sooooo 70s/80s! There was one scene that had us simply laughing into tears and it was meant to be so intimate and so romantic, but my goodness sooooo cheesy. There was another scene that was just so awkward that I wanted to look away but I couldn't. Someone needed to be edit this and refilm it and change the scene.

I did like Esther and John BUT I wanted more back-story. We didn't get anything. I think Esther said she had been married before? But that was about it. We just jumped into this world and characters and we didn't get to KNOW the characters. So some of the actions and feelings didn't connect with me. WHY was John falling apart? WHY did he have an addiction? Did he always have it and it just escalated? We just needed more as the audience to feel connected for them. I wanted them to be happy and for John to find his way, but it felt hollow to me. 

The ending. OOO my heart. Barbra Streisand can for sure act. She really gave it her all. I wasn't 100% keen on the song at the end when it turned to rock, BUT I get it because John was a rocker. Sooo it makes sense to blend their styles there. 

Overall, not bad. It was for sure a 70s/80s indie film. SO campy. SO cheesy. Be prepared like I was. I wasn't shocked at the awkward scenes. I like the modern version better with Gaga though. This needed more back-story for our couple in order for me to really connect. But I shall give this 3 stars. Good for what it is. :) 











7 comments:

Blodeuedd said...

I kind of want to watch it now!

Carole Rae said...

Do it! I wanna watch the old ones. I think I watched them in my youth but goodness knows.

Carole said...

I watched the remake recently and enjoyed it - both stars could sing - unlike the original - Kris is a great song writer but not such a great singer. Cheers from carole's Chatter

Carole Rae said...

The remake is awesome. I'd have to agree with you...Kris isn't a great singer

Anachronist said...

I love movies from the pre-mobile phones era. Barbra rocks!

Reece Darlene said...

So fun :) I can honestly say I don't have a favorite but this one made me cry where as the first 2 did not.

Carole Rae said...

Ana, she does rock! Love her.

Reece, I did have some tears welling up! Especially with her performance at the end there with the radio. SOB! I cried like a baby with the remake.