A Star Is Born Review: 7 Ups & 2 Downs

5. It's A Stunning Directorial Debut For Bradley Cooper

A Star is Born is Bradley Cooper's directorial debut, but from the sheer artistry and confidence on display here, you'd never guess it. Clearly working with the likes of David O. Russell and Clint Eastwood over the years has rubbed off on Cooper, because this is one of the most persuasive and well-constructed major debuts in years.

From his dynamic coverage of the musical numbers to his fearless decision to linger long on extensive dialogues in-between, it's the furthest thing from a phoned-in directing job, and it's hard to imagine him not scooping a Best Director nomination as a result.

Given the heaps of praise his filmmaking has already earned, hopefully we won't be left waiting too long for him to get back behind the camera.