How long should gaps be between an a popular movie and its remake? It was only 10 years between 2002's Spider Man and 2012's The Amazing Spider Man reboot. For goodness' sake, a second reboot with Tom Holland was released last year.

Two reboots and six movies in 15 years? Yeah, no thanks.

That's why I was intrigued by A Star is Born, the fourth remake of a silent era classic but a robust 42 years after its last iteration starring Kris Kristofferson and Barbra Streisand.

Granted, I haven't seen any other version of A Star is Born, but not knowing the premise made for an enjoyable cautionary tale on fame and the baggage that comes with those who have it.

Director Bradley Cooper also stars as rugged country rock star Jackson Maine -- southern twang and all -- opposite an extremely-sedate Lady Gaga as Ally. Gaga, known for her flamboyance as much as her music, here displays her most stark, stripped-down appearance since becoming an unwitting contestant on the short-lived MTV prank show Boiling Points in 2005.

She's the star to be born, while Cooper's character recedes into the abyss. In between is an intoxicating romance bonded by songwriting and countless tour scenes where they gaze at each other in front of thousands.

Be advised: this is a melodrama.

Star isn't without its faults, including a rather snobby dismissal of pop music.

At one point, Ally has the biggest performance of her career during the season finale of Saturday Night Live. The song, lined up with cheesy choreography and lyrics ("Why do you look so good in those jeans?") is apparently so bad, it causes Jack, as Cooper's character is called throughout the film, to relapse into alcoholism.

So many other moments outweigh the questionable parts, however -- including the lead-up to their first duet on stage that is among the most enjoyable moments I've seen on screen.

Also be advised that after watching the movie, it will be hard not to reach for the soundtrack ... and maybe a box of tissues.