Parents' Guide to A Star Is Born

Cooper's passionate, thoughtful directorial debut is beautifully acted and fabulously shot, making it the best cinematic version to date of this heartbreaking story. It's obvious how immersed in the role Cooper became; his research and commitment to his role -- and to the movie as a whole -- are breathtaking. And in Lady Gaga, he found the perfect co-star to play Ally, a struggling singer with a big voice and a lot to say, but not enough confidence to say it. Cooper and Gaga's chemistry is palpable, and their characters' romance is utterly riveting and realistic. Working from a script he co-wrote with veterans Will Fetters and Eric Roth, Cooper directs the movie to showcase the performances, but also the sensory aspects of fame: the overload of applause and adoration followed by moments of silence and isolation.

The movie's music is fabulous, and it's impressive how well Cooper can hold his own while singing with Lady Gaga. We already knew that she could act, but that Cooper can sing is a revelation. There are many memorable songs, but "Shallow" and "I'll Never Love Again" are particularly powerful and emotional. The music evokes the highs and lows of Jackson and Ally's relationship, and it reveals the difficulty of staying true to your artistic voice in an era when everything -- even a marriage -- can be reduced to marketability. In addition to Gaga, Cooper has rounded up an impressive supporting cast, including Sam Elliott as Jackson's older brother/tour manager, Bobby; Andrew Dice Clay as Ally's proud working-class father; and Dave Chappelle and Hamilton star Anthony Ramos as old friends. There's not a false note in this ultimately heartbreaking remake, and it sets the bar remarkably high for Cooper's continuing career as a director.