The casting was the real win of this movie: there was not one bad performer. Both Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper acted like they were not acting, and this was due a lot to their chemistry and maybe friendship--they look like they were a real couple and you almost felt like you were eavesdropping on them. In a way, and maybe unwittingly, Bradley Cooper gave himself the best chance to win an Oscar acting award because this is his best acting job, so far. One of the best of the supporting cast, for me, was the hateful manager of Ally: that scene with Jack which triggered his final act was so painful I wanted to scream--it brought Jack's most haunting image in the movie. Even the dog was brilliantly cast, of course that was Bradley's very own Charlie, and he played himself so there was no faking affection for them. The cinematography was another positive--it evoked the mood and emotion needed in each scene. And what about the soundtrack? Wow, if this movie will win only one Oscar, it will be in this category. Both Gaga and Cooper are fantastic musicians and vocalists--Bradley, you were a real surprize! If there was any flaw in the movie, it was the fact that some scenes were too long unnecessarily and could have been edited without losing value or screen exposure for the fantastic cast. But this flaw is the only proof that this was by a first time director. The story is not new, so there's no originality to speak of, although it was adapted to our present millieu--social media, large concert arenas, etc. And maybe, that line by Bobby at the end about a story being retold over and over was the director's way of apology for this retelling. One of the best movies of the year. To the Oscars! So here's my rating: (5 being the best) Direction: 5 Cast/Acting: 5 Editing: 4 Sound: 5 Cinematography: 5 Music/Songs: 5 Story: 4 Lady Gaga for vocal prowess: 5 Bradley Cooper for beauty: 5.5 Charlie for cuteness: 10