I saw the movie yesterday and thought it was great..both Gaga and Bradley Cooper are fantastic in it and their chemistry is electric. It's pretty incredible. The scene where they first perform "Shallow" is magic in the way that only the best movies are. It's a new classic movie moment for me when it comes to music.
I do think the story line with Ally's pop career and the stereotypical manager felt cliched. ...but this IS a remake of a classic Hollywood story so I guess it's expected that there would be a feeling of having seen this story many times before. It just felt very obvious the way they handled the concept of a "pop star" with the backup dancers and the manager suggesting she dye her hair blonde. but maybe it's because Hollywood really is that cliched. I don't know. It also feels weird the way they handled Gaga's character's pop songs, which seem like they're supposed to be viewed as "inauthentic" (as much as I hate that word) and lesser in some way. I wasn't quite sure what to make of them. I was kind of surprised to see them on the soundtrack along side all of the other songs.
Speaking of the soundtrack, in addition to Shallow there are some really great songs there, especially Maybe It's Time, Is That Alright, and the closing song (I'll Never Love Again). I purposely didn't listen to any of it before seeing the movie, except Shallow which felt unavoidable. I do think if you're able to avoid it before seeing the movie, it would make the songs that much more impactful. i am wondering which song they'll push for the awards...I'll Never Love Again is a classic movie ballad along the lines of I Will Always Love You, but Shallow is even stronger I think. It's just an instant classic in my mind. It's quite possible multiple songs will be nominated of course. And I think both Gaga and Bradley Cooper will be nominated for Oscars and will both win the Golden Globes.