Like a great concert, a standing O is definitely in order for A Star Is Born!  Bradley Cooper truly puts on an acting clinic and is destined to be showered in golden trophies come awards season (did I just make an early Oscar pick? I think I did!). While Lady Gaga pretty much plays herself here, she does a fantastic job doing it. The story, albeit one that is not all that original, is emotional and affecting. The directing is top notch (again, tip of the hat to Cooper) and the soundtrack, well, as you’d expect is spot on. Perhaps the movie lagged a little towards the end and during some of the longer monologues, but that is a very minor critique in a rather major cinematic achievement.