I respectfully disagree with the author's opinion.

I went into the movie knowing the reviews we're good, and if anything it was worse than my mediocre expectations.

Issues: none of the characters were particularly relatable or interesting... the plot was threadbare to say the least, and as a musical it was an extremely disappointing musical.

Referencing things like Sonny and Cher was probably a mistake, as those originally were far better done.

Neither the plot nor the direction took full advantage of Joaquim or Lady Gaga's strengths and instead emphasized their weaknesses.

Overall this movie could have easily been so much more... even a Harley Quinn origin story would have worked far better.