A Star Is Born
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Movie Reviews of A Star Is Born
Movie Review: a star forever
Summary: 5 Stars
i had heard of this movie long before i actually got to see it. actually, i had heard more of the awful Barbara Streisand version, and i was a bit surprised to hear it was a remake of the Garland film. I've seen many classics and learned a lot about movies since then, and when i happened across this version in a video store one day, i took it home. Needless to say, the entire production took my breath away. i have always been a Garland fan, her talent staggers me. as i watched the drama unfold, i was in awe of her mastery, not just her superb singing, which, i might add, never sounded better. why this lady didn't win the academy award that year is a complete mystery. the song numbers are incredible, from "the man that got away" to "born in a trunk", but they never seem to overwhelm the production. James Mason is wonderful as Norman Maine, and fully deserving of the best actor nomination he received for the role. This movie is true film classic, and it's wonderful that many cut scenes were spliced back in, although sadly, some scenes were never found. This is one movie worth seeing.Movie Review: One of the Greatest
Summary: 5 Stars
This film belongs in the library of any serious collector. It is a beautiful love story involvong two people whose mutual dependency on each other deepens as the story progresses. Much of the credit for a job well done of course goes to the films director George Cukor. Judy Garland returns to the screen after a prolonged absence, and reaches her peak both dramatically and vocally. A pinacle I don't believe she ever achieved again. Her musical interpretations are a credit to George Gershwin and Harold Arlen James Mason, in his portrayal of an alcoholic movie star, gives a sterling performance. He is always aware of his tendency toward self destruction."I destroy everything I touch," he warns Vickie. Comparing this performance to his portrayal of Brutus in Shakespeares' "Julius Ceasar" indeed shows a wide dramatic talent. All the supporting players turn in solid performances with Charles Bickford as Oliver the studio head and friend to Vickie and Norman, Jack Carson as the studio Mr Fixit and Tommy Noonan as the friend in need. Truly a movie that is not to be missed.Movie Review: One of the great musical dramas of all time
Summary: 5 Stars
There is no question that "A Star is Born" remains the best Judy Garland performance. The actress's tumultuous real life took a backseat as Miss Garland jumped headlong with a performance that should have garnered her the "Best Actress" Oscar. Unfortunately, she lost to Grace Kelly for "The Country Girl". The fact that "Star" has stood the test of time, while "Girl" appears to be an obscure memory, shows the strength of the Garland vehicle.Much praise should be heaped upon Judy's male co-stars. James Mason is memorable as Garland's tragic movie star husband. His work in the film was also worthy of Oscar recognition. Jack Carson, one of the movie's best character actors, is also quite good as the agent that knows all about the ups and downs of the movie business. Charles Bickford, as the studio head, balances the professional-in-charge with the father figure in his guidance of Garland and subsequent firing of Mason.
The musical numbers feature Garland at her best. Hers is, without a doubt, a voice heard only once in a lifetime.
Movie Review: A dark Dichotomy of Careers Heartbreakingly Told
Summary: 5 Stars
Essentially this is a film of one rising star and one falling star in the fickle Hollywood arena where one can gain prominence one day and obscurity the next. Essentially this is a dark film of personal dreams and personal failures that inhibit and tragically repress feelings of true love between Judy Garland and James Mason. It is a love only felt in the heart but never becomes realized or brought to fruition in their physical environment. Director George Cukor seems to have captured this tragic relationship more vividly than in any other film that I can recall. Judy Garland's performance is intuitively and heartbreakingly empathic and utterly realistic. James Mason seems out of place in this film but that is exactly what he is: out of place. He once stood at the top and he soon finds that he has nowhere to stand at all and his performance is as awkward depicting perfectly the character he plays. As for the DVD, it looks brilliantly crisp and colorful and the stereo sound is just so captivating. This is a film that you have to see at least once in your life.
Movie Review: GARLAND AT HER VERY BEST
Summary: 5 Stars
This is THE Judy Garland film to own. I know most people would say "Wizard of Oz" is her signature piece but I have to disagree. Her portrayal of Esther Blodgett truly shows every last inch of her endless talent. Even without the fantastic musical score, Judy would still be at her best. She looks great. She sounds great. She is great. Due to be released on DVD in the fall of 1999, I have been counting the days for the DVD edition of this film to be released. The extras are also extremely entertaining. The parade of stars who attended the premiere of "A Star Is Born" and also the post screening party at the Coconut Grove. There are two alternate filmings of "The Man That Got Away" and a deleted segment from the "Born In A Trunk" sequence - "When My Sugar Walks Down The Street." All very interesting. The soundtrack is clearer than ever and the print is gorgeous.
If you are a Garland fan, BUY THIS DVD. If you are not a Garland fan, this might be the film that could change your mind.