Greetings again from the darkness. Attended a Tuesday screening and must admit that I was blown away by Christina Aguilera. The film is first and foremost a showcase of her musical talent … and quite a talent she is! Of course, you better be ready for the humor and visuals aimed at the audience attracted to an event featuring Cher and Christina.
Ali (Aguilera) is a bored, small town Iowa girl who heads off to find the bright lights of L.A. She stumbles into a Burlesque club and is immediately enchanted by the songs, the dancers and the ambience. The club is co-owned by Tess (Cher) and her ex-husband Vince (Peter Gallagher) and is on a steep slide towards financial disaster. Local real estate developer Marcus (Eric Dane) rides in on his classic Porsche and fat wallet and offers to rescue Tess and Vince. Of course, his plan for the club is anything but altruistic.
Meanwhile, Marcus and Jack the bartender (Cam Gigandet) battle over Ali, though neither are very good at it. While that battle is going on, Ali manages to leapfrog a burned out Nikki (Kristin Bell) for the spotlight on stage. This is when the movie really takes off, musically speaking.
From a musical perspective, Cher belts out a couple of solos that easily convince that her pipes are still full strength. Her two songs are definite highlights and it’s a pleasure to hear her in top form – at age 64! Aguilera has so many numbers that I lost track. Most are average songs at best, but her voice is so unique and powerful that the non-descript songs come off just fine.
Must also mention Alan Cumming and especially Stanley Tucci. Mr. Tucci is clearly the best actor in the movie, though he basically reprises a previous character (Devil Wears Prada). Oh and there is the bonus of a very odd Tucci bedroom scene.
There will be comparisons to Dreamgirls, Cabaret, Chicago and Moulin Rouge! This is no litmus test for Ms. Aguilera’s acting ability, though she comes off infinitely better than Mariah Carey in the atrocious Glitter. Writer and first time director Steve Antin pretty much stays out of the way of Cher and Christina, while delivering the expected and welcome product to his intended audience … not that there’s anything wrong with it.
SEE THIS MOVIE IF: you need an intro to Christina Aguilera’s singing ability OR you are a fan of Cher (like anything could keep you away!)
SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: bump and grind dancing is not your cup of tea OR you can’t appreciate campy humor filmed for the enjoyment of the gay community
See the Burlesque trailer
Posted by David Ferguson 
Movie Reviews from the Dark 