Julia (Tv Series, HBO 2022)

 Before there was the Food Network, Emeril Lagasse and Rachel Ray, there was the founding mother of tv cooking, Julia Child. The new HBO series Julia takes a look at how Julia started teaching America that they too could master the art of French cooking. The series opens with Julia publishing her first cook book, Mastering The Art Of French Cooking in the early 1960s. She is invited onto Boston's PBS WGBH television station to be a guest on a program whose stuffy host makes it clear he thinks it's absurd to be discussing a cook book. But Julia has the bright idea instead of discussing, showing how to make a French omelet.

Julia is played by Sarah Lancashire (Happy Valley) who brings us the loveable quirkiness of Julia Child which helped make her unforgettable to millions. We see the close relationship she and her husband Paul, played by David Hyde Pierce (Frasier) had. And how she has to win him over on the idea of being on tv. 

If you're a Julia Child fan or a fan of cooking shows, check it out. See how teaching us, while watching television, not to be afraid to get out a whisk and whip up something in the kitchen all began. Bon Appétit! Bebe Neuwirth also stars in this series.

Belfast (Movie 2021)

 Belfast is the Oscar nominated 2021 film that is written and directed by Kenneth Branagh. It stars Jamie Dornan and Dame Judi Dench.It is set in 1969 Belfast, Northern Ireland when as it is referred to, The Troubles began. The Troubles were Loyalist Protestants against Unionist Catholics. Though it might sound it's religion versus religion, it really involved those who wished to stay under British rule and those who wanted Northern Ireland to be independent of the UK. It is inspired by Branagh's own early childhood in Belfast. We are following through the film 9 year old Buddy as he and his family find themselves in the midst of the eruption of this conflict. It opens with Buddy playing with his friends in a lively, family oriented neighborhood of both Protestants and Catholics. While heading back to his home for lunch all hell breaks loose as the rioting begins. Buddy's family is Protestant but even they are in danger. You either help the Loyalists or you are considered the enemy. 

First I just have to comment on how beautifully this was filmed. True art. I was impressed with the angle of the camera shots and the crispness of the images. It is in black and white except for some moments where color flashes in like when the family is watching movies in a theater or seeing a play. 

There is such feeling and emotion in this story. Moving scenes of fear, sadness, humor and love. You are drawn into this family and the street they live. There's nothing extraordinary about them. Just a family living their lives, trying to pay bills, or like Buddy wondering how he can talk to the girl he likes in class. And then their world turned upside-down by a conflict they want no part of. 

Dispatches From Elsewhere (Tv Series, AMC 2020)

It's been a while since I felt compelled to write about something I've watched. Dispatches From Elsewhere has drawn me out. It is an AMC Tv series created by and stars Jason Segel. It follows 4 people who get drawn into a game that sends them on a hunt to find places and events that should lead them to a "missing girl". Or is it a game?

We are introduced to this marvelous world by the ever talented actor Richard E. Grant (Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Can You Ever Forgive Me?). He acts as our guide on this adventure and also plays the part of Octavio Coleman who we try to discern whether is he good or evil. Jason Segel plays Peter who is just an ordinary guy who gets up in the morning, goes to work, comes home, goes to bed and does it all over again. One day blurs into another. I think we can all relate. One evening he notices a man posting flyers. He reads what's posted. It says if you have seen the man pictured to call the number on the pull off tabs. Well the man who pinned up the flyer is said man. And Peter becomes intrigued and calls the number. So it begins...

I will confess the first 10 minutes I let it go. I thought this was going to be too odd. But now with the pandemic and not so busy, etc,  I decided to go back and give it another chance. I'm so glad I did. It most certainly is odd. But I haven't been so moved by something in a long time. It made me smile, tear up, question and think. Honestly this couldn't have come at a better time. This time of reset in the world gives one pause for thought. And this series with it's characters can help us to think about our society and our place in it. What our differences are but more importantly what we all have in common-fears, the desire to be understood, to be loved for who we are, to love ourselves.

Peter feels like he doesn't feel anything. We get to know Simone (Eve Lindley), a transgender woman who is afraid to let people into her life, Janice (Sally Field) an older woman wondering if she lost herself along the way in life, and Fredwynn (Andre Benjamin), a self made man who has built up walls with always having to be right and brutally honest. And even though we, ourselves may not be a white male data engineer, a transgender museum employee, and elderly white woman, or a self made black man, there is something in each of these individuals in all of us.

This is very surreal to be sure. But give it a try. Take an adventure out of the ordinary. Now is most certainly the time for that. Dig down deep into yourself. It's well worth the discovery.

Blinded By The Light (Movie 2019)

For me music has always been so important. When times are good I’ve had certain songs that spoke of the same joy I was feeling. When times were bad there was something someone wrote that expressed exactly what I was going through and made me feel like someone out there understood. Some of my favorite artists blow me away with the insights of their lyrics. So I could totally appreciate the movie that came out this past weekend Blinded By The Light. It is based on the true story of a  British teenager of Pakistani heritage in the 80s who becomes completely inspired by Bruce Springsteen’s music. Javad Khan is a boy who is dealing with a lot in his life. His family is going through financially hard times, wanting a future he wants conflicting with what his traditional father wants for him, dealing with racism in his neighborhood, and the typical coming of age dreams of first romance. A soon to be friend introduces him to The Boss. Once he pops in the cassette of Bruce Springsteen into his Walkman he is completely over taken by what he hears. Even though Bruce is an American from New Jersey the songs of feeling like an outsider, struggle and desire resonate with Javad. It gives him courage to move forward and deal with things in his life. This movie has heart and humor. It shows how powerful music is and how it can transform someone’s life. The movie is based on the book Greetings from Bury Park: Race, Religion, and Rock N’ Roll by journalist Sarfraz Manzoor. It is directed by Gurinder Chadha who also directed Bend It Like Beckham.

Gordon Lightfoot, The Wilbur Theatre Boston, MA 05/19/2019

1970s music was not all about Disco. It also had the folksy mellow side going on as well. Gordon Lightfoot was the quintessential singer/songwriter of that scene. Last night at The Wilbur Theatre in Boston he brought us back to the times when we heard his songs on AM radio. At 80 years old Gordon was able to perform a 2 hour show with only a 10 minute intermission. The sound quality of the concert was excellent. And he and his band are what all musicians aspire to achieve in performance. So many great songs from his catalog we were treated to. There was Beautiful, Carefree Highway, Cotton Jenny, and  The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald. He sang Early Morning Rain which he is very proud that Elvis had done a recording of it. We heard Rainy Day People and Baby Step Back. Everyone was excited for Sundown and the beautiful If You Could Read My Mind. It was a wonderful evening. I would recommend to the younger generation that sometime when you have an hour free, sink into a chair and fall under the spell of the peaceful voice and storytelling of Gordon Lightfoot.

Cher, TD Garden Boston, MA 04/28/2019

Cher brought the Here We Go Again Tour to TD Garden Boston. Again the masses came out for the ageless diva. I mean ageless! Seriously, who is in that great shape at 73?! Wow the costume changes! I lost count with how many different outfits she changed into. There was an Indian inspired costume, a 60s look and many others. Yes, there was even a see-through catsuit like the one in the If I Could Turn Back Time video. This concert felt more like a Broadway musical. The band was set far back and barely visible. It was all about Cher, her dancers and the stage sets. She opened with her 2013 single Woman's World. Next was the get you moving Strong Enough. After performing Gayatri Mantra and All Or Nothing, she did a beautiful tribute to her late ex-husband and singing partner Sonny Bono. This brought us back to the 1960s part of her career with The Beat Goes On and the iconic I Got You Babe. Oh my, we were entertained with a slightly risque dance sequence of Welcome To Burlesque. From her new cover album of ABBA hits she did Waterloo, SOS and Fernando. There was the sweet love song After All that had been a duet with Peter Cetera in 1989. Since she is a fan of the King of Rock and Roll she honored Elvis with Walking In Memphis. From the 1990 movie she starred in, Little Mermaids, she performed The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss). Her set was completed with I Found Someone, If I Could Turn Back Time. The encore was the dance hit Believe. She started the evening with Woman's World but by the end we were all sad to leave Cher's world. Truly an amazing choreographed show and Cher's voice is ever the same.

Muse, TD Garden Boston, MA 04/10/2019

Muse's Simulation Theory Tour came to Boston's TD Garden last night. It was big. It was loud. And it was a blast! The opening act was Walk The Moon. They performed well and I enjoyed their set. They are known for their hit Shut Up and Dance. When Muse came on I felt like I had entered the movie Tron. Matthew Bellamy was sporting his neon flashing eye gear and behind him were stage performers who were in lighted costumes as robots. This concert wasn't just music. It was performance art. A show of mesmerizing visuals and hard rocking sound. The concept of this tour is alternate realities in the digital world. There was a mini stage set out further in front of the main stage which Matthew frequently came on to. The audience really got pumped when the band performed Uprising. For me, rock doesn't get any better than their 2006 single, Supermassive Black Hole. It is amazing to hear live. From the new album we heard Thought Contagion as well as the inspirational, gospel like Dig Down. Matthew Bellamy is definitely one of the best and most creative guitar players. And I dare you not to listen to him on Madness and not be reminded of the late, great Jimi Hendrix. Every one of their singles that I am a fan of they did it justice such as Time Is Running Out. There is so much yearning in Matthew's voice in the beautiful Starlight. Of course this band has 2 other members. Chris Wolstenholme on bass was fierce and Dominic Howard on drums made us feel the beat to our very cores. You know you are at a spectacular show when near the end a giant half human robot creature is on stage trying to grab the lead singer. Last night was what rock concerts need to be.

The Temptations & The Four Tops, The Chevalier Theatre, Medford, MA 03/15/2019

The Motown sound lives on and could be heard last night coming from The Chevalier Theatre. The Temptations and The Four Tops are both groups that were discovered by Berry Gordy's Motown Records. Each group produced a multitude of hits in the 1960s and 70s. Both groups only have one surviving member left. First on stage yesterday evening was The Four Tops in silver sequined suit jackets. Duke Fakir who is an original from The Four Tops let us know he recently recovered from a broken hip. He needed to sit during the set most of the time but it didn't stop the music. They sang all the hits like Bernadette, It's The Same Old Song, When She Was My Girl, Ain't No Woman (Like The One I've Got), and Reach Out I'll Be There. They did a great cover of Marvin Gaye's What's Going On. They finished their set with the infectious I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch). I'll confess I was there for The Temptations. I grew up listening to their music but became a true fan when I saw the made for tv movie back in 1998. Their story has been made into a musical that will soon be on Broadway. Needless to say it meant a lot to me see founding member of The Temps, Otis Williams. The Temptations still got moves and wearing purple suits they performed their hits Get Ready, Beauty Is Only Skin Deep, The Way You Do The Things You Do, Ain't Too Proud To Beg, I Wish It Would Rain, the beautiful Just My Imagination, Papa Was A Rollin' Stone, and the classic My Girl. They did justice too to Sam Smith's Stay With Me. Nothing beats this music. I dare you to listen and not tap your feet or be moved by the melodies. As they said in the movie "Temptations forever!"

The Monkees featuring Mike Nesmith and Micky Dolenz, Chevalier Theatre, Medford, MA 03/01/2019

   Just the way The Monkees theme song ended with "We may be comin' to your town", well that's what happened last night at the Chevalier Theatre. The Monkees came to Medford or at least half the quartet did. Back in the mid 60s Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider saw all the pandemonium inspired by The Beatles and had the idea to create an American version of the music group as a tv show. They went on the hunt for 4 young affable guys. They found Mike Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones and Peter Tork. The show first aired September 12, 1966. It was a mix of Marx Brothers like comedy and what amounts to the first music videos. The show was a hit as well as the music itself. Even The Beatles took notice of them. But The Monkees were raked over the coals by critics saying they weren't a real band and didn't even play their own instruments. The boys fought back going out to play live shows and to get their own songs on the tv series and albums. Eventually with the turmoil over creative control with the show's producers the series ended. However, it lived on in reruns which introduced further generations to their music, so The Monkees never really went away. Davy Jones passed away in 2012. A few weeks ago we lost Peter Tork.
   Mike and Micky are keeping it going and reminded all of us who grew up on the tv series how much we still love the music. I was singing right along with Last Train To Clarksville. I still love the guitar riff in Mary, Mary. It was nice to hear For Pete's Sake written by the late Peter Tork and was the song to end the show in the second season. Micky can still rock I'm Not Your Steppin' Stone. I have been a fan of the songs Mike Nesmith wrote, so hearing him sing You Just May Be The One and later in the evening Papa Gene's Blues made it for me. And a side note, Mike wrote the hit Beat Of A Different Drum made famous by Linda Rondstadt when she was in the group Stone Poneys. We heard The Girl That I Knew Somewhere. There was an intermission and they did a tribute to Peter with a wonderful video of him singing Till Then. The show continued with the song Micky penned Randy Scouse Git. Take A Giant Step Outside Your Mind is a lovely song. You can't beat Pleasant Valley Sunday and the place really got into the sing along on Daydream Believer. There was Listen To The Band and the night was completed with the hit I'm A Believer. I've always loved The Monkees so this concert was a real treat.

Isn't It Romantic (Movie 2019)

Isn't It Romantic is a romantic/comedy that lovingly pokes fun at that particular genre of film. Rebel Wilson (Pitch Perfect) stars as Natalie who is informed by her mother while watching Pretty Woman as a child that women who are not the perfect size and look, such as themselves don't have those happy endings like in the movies. Natalie has grown up with that in mind and feels invisible in the world. When she accidentally bangs her head she wakes up in an alternate reality.  She finds herself in the perfect rom/com version of her life. Having the spotlight on her is very uncomfortable for Natalie. But there are lessons to be learned in this reality that she has woken up in. All the cliches are here from romantic/comedies. Of course you have the 2 potential love interests for the heroine. There are video like music and dance sequences. And the fabulous wardrobe and shoes. There are some good laughs and a positive message at the end to boot. All in all a good time. Adam DeVine (Pitch Perfect), Liam Hemsworth (The Hunger Games), and Priyanka Chopra (Quantico) also star.

Green Book (Movie 2018)

Green Book is a motion picture that is inspired by a true story. It is set in 1962 when Dr. Don Shirley who is an African-American virtuoso concert pianist is about to begin a tour of the American deep south. He and his record company realize he will need a driver that could handle the possible situations a black man traveling in the south in the early 60s would run into and get him to his tour dates safely and on time. Hired for the job is Tony “Lip” Vallelonga (Viggo Mortensen) who is an Italian-American from the Bronx and a bouncer. The title of the movie comes from the book given to Tony by Dr. Shirley’s record company. The Negro Motorist Green Book was an actual publication that helped African-Americans navigate the segregated south by listing safe places for them to find food and lodging. Tony is prejudiced himself but a job is a job. During the journey both men learn to see things differently through each other’s eyes.   A striking realization was to see how Dr. Shirley felt like he did not belong anywhere. He had accomplished so much for an African-American at that time which made him feel out of place with his own race and white people did not accept him because he was black. There has been some controversy with this film with some who feel that once again Hollywood has taken away from the black community and literally whitewashed a story about one of their own including some of Dr. Shirley’s family members. I won’t argue with his family on their feelings or opinions because after all it is their family. But I can tell you this movie educated and entertained me. I had never heard about the Negro Motorist Green Book. This chapter of history I had never known. And the characters in the movie are so well drawn out. The acting by Mahershala Ali as Dr. Don Shirley has already won him a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

Vice (Movie 2018)

Vice is not a formulaic bio-pic on the 46^th Vice President of the United States, Dick Cheney. It moves back and forth throughout his life to show the connections and importance of events. But something surprising is the tongue in cheek humor and surreal moments to highlight situations. You will hear this film stars Christian Bale. There is no Christian Bale here. It was Dick Cheney. Bale has to be the best actor in the modern era. I have seen some amazing performances this year but this was truly remarkable. We see in Cheney’s younger years no real drive or ambition. But once the taste for power grabbed hold there was no stopping him. This film shows the man to be smart, cunning, and ruthless. Amy Adams held her own in this as  Dick’s wife, Lynne Cheney. And Lynne is a force to be reckoned with herself. The cast all around was great. Sam Rockwell is believable giving us a good ole boy President George W. Bush. Steve Carrell gives a not very likeable Donald Rumsfeld. Tyler Perry plays the conflicted Colin Powell. Of course this also highlights the polarization of our nation with people these days either being far right or left of the aisle. Some will feel either it’s bashing one side or maybe that it didn’t go far enough. But whatever your political view might be I ask put it all aside if just to witness the tremendous talent of Christian Bale.

Patti LaBelle, Chevalier Theatre, Medford, MA 12/15/2018

Patti LaBelle laid down some diva soulful grooves this December night in Medford. She came out in a black dress that was short in the front and had a train in the back. She had one costume change during the evening into a silver fringe dress. She started the set with New Attitude. And as she pointed out before she performed it, before Celine Dione had If You Asked Me To, it was a Patti song. She did If Only You Knew and a jazzy cover of Michael McDonald's I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near). Now this may surprise you to hear but my favorite part tonight was when she did her cover of Chris Stapleton's Tennessee Whiskey. She gave that song such feeling and depth. She gave us her hit with Michael McDonald On My Own and a cover from Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes If You Don't Know Me By Now. She had some fun with Lady Marmalade when she brought some  gentlemen from the audience up on stage to sing with her. The night was capped with a powerful rendition of Somewhere Over The Rainbow. At 74 years old Patti can still belt out and hold those high notes.

Donny & Marie Holiday 2018 Tour, Chevalier Theatre Medford, MA 12/04/2018

My childhood met my adulthood at the Chevalier Theatre tonight. When I was a little girl every week I watched The Donny and Marie Show that aired from 1976 to 1979. I had the Marie Osmond doll with her pink and purple tiered dress. And Donny Osmond was one of my first crushes along with Shaun Cassidy from The Hardy Boys Mysteries. The brother and sister duo came out and started the show with We Need A Little Christmas. The stage was beautifully decorated with a large Christmas tree. During the show Marie did numerous costume changes that were sparkly in reds, greens, and whites. We got the usual Christmas songs. Donny and Marie did their sibling comedic jabs like days of old that had us all laughing. They interacted quite a bit with the audience which made it fun and personable. When Marie admitted at one point to having a hot flash on stage and downed a whole bottle of water in front us she joked "And they say Osmonds can't drink." She did a little of her hit Paper Roses. Be still my heart when Donny came out into the crowd and I looked into his eyes. He did his hit Puppy Love. To remember those who serve in our armed services Marie did Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. There were some touching moments in the show. When Marie acknowledged her son Michael who took his own life back in 2010 and then sang the song How Great Thou Art, I teared up. She raised the roof with that performance. Donny did Moon River in honor of the man who gave him and his family their big break, Andy Williams. Donny also did a wonderful rendition of Mary Did You Know. And lest I forget there was A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock 'N Roll. I really had the feeling of being part of tv Christmas special.  

The Girl In The Spider's Web (Movie 2018)

The Girl In The Spider's Web is the follow up to The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. I had such high expectations for this but it just didn't deliver. Whereas the first had such depth and complexity The Spider's Web was so simplistic and dull. Claire Foy ( The Crown) takes the role this time of Elisabeth Salander. She puts in a decent enough performance though there wasn't much for her to work with. In this film Elisabeth is hired to steal a computer program that can access nuclear weapon codes by the creator of it. But soon the NSA and the Russian underworld come searching for it. There was so much that could have been tapped into here that only touched the surface. They could have played more on the obvious attraction and tension between Elisabeth and Mikael Blomkvist but that was just a glance here or there. They should have expanded more on her sister Camilla. Her character was as good as a cardboard cutout. I couldn't hate her or feel bad for her. There wasn't anything to see or give me any investment in these characters. And I didn't even have the action sequences to fall back on for excitement. Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive in a movie trailer. I was promised so much in that preview but it didn't happen.

Paul Anka, Chevalier Theatre Medford, MA 11/04/2018

Tonight the Chevalier Theatre was host to legend Paul Anka. He brought with him not only his hits, but tributes to Frank Sinatra as well as many memories of famous artists he has known throughout his long career. I was lucky to be seated near the right side entrance where he walked in to begin the show. He was wearing a black suit, tie and a red handkerchief in the pocket. He performed You Are My Destiny. He did a faster paced tempo on Diana which I really enjoyed. There was his 1974 #1 hit You're Having My Baby, Lonely Boy, Puppy Love and Put Your Head On My Shoulder. He sang the hits he wrote for others like She's A Lady which Tom Jones is known for and the monster hit for Frank Sinatra My Way. Since this tour is Anka Sings Sinatra: His Songs, My Songs, My Way! he did some other Sinatra hits. He did a poignant cover of It Was A Very Good Year. Before he did Strangers In The Night he recollected how Frank was telling him how he was given this song and he didn't think much of it. Well Frank of course gave in and the rest is music history. Paul paid tribute to his late friend Sammy Davis Jr with Sammy on screen singing the song Paul wrote for him I'm Not Anyone. He finished off the night with New York, New York. Paul Anka has such a powerful voice. The sound of the orchestra transported me right out of Medford. When music is that good it's hard to come back.

Bohemian Rhapsody (Movie 2018)

Killer Queen! Bohemian Rhapsody turned out to be a true celebration of the late Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon who made the legendary rock band Queen. Casting in this film was superb. When there was talk this story would be made I was nervous over some possible choices to play Freddie. I am so grateful it eventually came to Rami Malek (Mr. Robot). Rami came on the screen and reminded all of us what a tremendous performer and talent Freddie Mercury was. Malek was very convincing even in the quieter moments. This is definitely an Oscar worthy performance. Gwilym Lee (Midsomer Murders) was impressive as Brian May. If I didn't know better I would have thought it was Brian. You will hear some detractors say they don't show the real dark side to Freddie's life. It does get acknowledged but the movie doesn't get gritty. It was done with tact. Before he had come out as gay he did have a long term-relationship with Mary Austin and they always remained close.The dynamic between Freddie and Mary was moving. There are some glaring inaccuracies in Bohemian Rhapsody. One is the band didn't reunite for the Live Aid benefit concert that raised millions for relief of the Ethiopian famine in 1985. They had already played several shows a few months before the international live broadcast. But by far the biggest timeline problem is showing Freddie diagnosed with AIDS before Live Aid. According to his partner Jim Hutton, he was not diagnosed until April 1987. Despite these issues in the story this biopic of the band is amazing! I loved watching their creative process. It really was a group effort. Each one wrote songs. These four guys had a sense of humor with each other. They loved and respected one another. Being in the theater, hearing the music on that scale made me wish they'd take one of the Queen concerts and have it in the cinemas for a while. It would be the closest I could get to a Queen concert and that's how their music should be heard-big and loud!  

A Simple Favor (Movie 2018)

It's been out for a while but I finally saw A Simple Favor. It is a fun little mystery/ thriller. Anna Kendrick plays Stephanie who is the over achieving mom. She will out do all the other parents at her kid's school by volunteering for everything. And in walks Emily played by Blake Lively who it's obvious in her high fashion clothes and shoes could care less about such mundane things as events at her son's school. She befriends Stephanie and the contrast between the two is really night and day. You definitely know something is off with Emily when she overreacts to Stephanie taking her photo. As the story goes on a lot of secrets come out and you start to wonder who's in on what. For me the stand out in this was Blake Lively. She plays this part with style, panache and you sense the wicked in her. The humor is slightly dark. A Simple Favor also stars Henry Golding.

The Old Man & the Gun (Movie 2018)

The Old Man & the Gun is an interesting character study based on a real life career criminal. It starts out in 1981. Movie legend Robert Redford plays 70 year old Forrest Tucker who has built a life on robbing banks and escaping from prisons. While making his get away from a bank robbery, he helps a woman played by Sissy Spacek with car trouble. He ends up forging a bond with her. You begin to see that for Forrest it is not about the money. For him it's the excitement and adventure of living this life. It's ingrained in him. He never used the gun. It was just a threat which of course still doesn't make it right. But even though he is criminal you end up, like Jewel (Sissy Spacek), liking the guy. I do enjoy seeing a resurgence of these smaller, lower budget movies where it's about storytelling and not special effects. This film also has a great supporting cast with Casey Affleck, Danny Glover, and Tom Waits.

A Star Is Born (Movie 2018)

A Star Is Born is not a new tale. The first big screen version was in 1937. Judy Garland starred in the 1954 movie. The one most remembered was from 1976 starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristoffeson...until now. Bradley Cooper has brought the story to 2018 by co-writing, directing, and starring with Lady Gaga. What all these versions have in common is the basic premise of a young, struggling female artist who gets taken under the wing of a male artist who has made it but has seen better days. In 2001-2006 I watched Bradley Cooper in the tv series Alias. Back then I had no idea he would one day turn in this kind of a solid performance. He really transformed into this singer Jackson Maine who is battling so many demons inside of himself. Lady Gaga has become a revelation. I knew she could sing and write songs which sometimes in the beginning did get a little over shadowed by some of the interesting ways she liked to present herself. But in this movie she has been able to show just what an incredible talent she is. Her acting was effortless. It was natural for her. Her singing was powerful. A great soundtrack for this film. What this film spoke to me about was love and all that comes with it-the joy, the agony, and the sacrifice. And more importantly, how we'll do anything for it.This movie also stars Sam Elliott, Dave Chappelle, and Andrew Dice Clay.