Cher is a legend. I'm not the only one who agrees with me on this statement. Her millions of fans. Her numerous awards (including an Oscar for Moonstruck) and her fighting spirit of whenever she is nearly over, she proves that she is truly talented and continues succeeding in whichever field she chooses. Cher can do everything. Her songs and film list are too many to talk about, but all you need to know is she is an entertainer. Christina Aguilera is a pop superstar in her own right. Her vocals are amazing and her countless hits prove she is an accomplished singer. So why am I talking about these two? Well they have joined forces to star in the new movie musical, "Burlesque." So is this a club worth visiting? And can Christina Aguilera prove that she can branch out into film? Read on and I'll let you know.
Burlesque tells the story of a young hopeful aspiring singer named Ali (Christina Aguilera) who is leaving behind Ohio for the big city of LA to make a name for herself. She has nothing holding her back. Her mother has died and she no longer has any family. She dreams of big things and catches a one way ticket to LA. Checking into her apartment, she starts walking the pavement checking the wanted ads, looking for anything that she can use her talent for. It is here when she stops and stumbles upon Burlesque, a club owned by the savvy, tough as nails, sassy Tess (Cher). What she witnesses is the only Burlesque club in LA, full of full blown numbers, sequins and camp numbers by gorgeous dancers. Thanks to the head bartender Jack (Cam Gigandet) she quickly scores herself a job as a waitress. When one of the dancers falls pregnant, Ali shows what she's got and quickly scores herself a job as a backing dancer to the disapproval of the lead star of Burlesque Nikki (Kristen Bell). When Nikki tries to destroy her opportunity by pulling the plug on the music, Ali steps up to the plate and opens her mouth to shock the audience with her outstanding (Christina Aguilera vocals) voice. With Tess's club nearly going under due to money difficulties, this may be her answer to save the club and make a star out of this small town Ohio girl. Throw into the mix Stanley Tucci as Sean, the costume designer, Alan Cumming as Alexis the sassy door bitch and Eric Dane as Marcus the man who has other ideas for the Burlesque club and you have the film in a nutshell.
What can I say about this movie other than, it delivered and delivered well. Cher like always steals the attention away from anyone in any of her scenes. The legend still has it and let me tell you when she does her "You haven't seen the last of me" number it sends shivers down your spine. I think cause it may have a hidden message out their for all her critics. She makes Tess a sassy, ball busting woman, but also quite vulnerable in times of need. She is perfectly placed with Stanley Tucci and the two of them share some excellent chemistry on screen. Christina Aguilera proves she has what it takes to be Ali. I was a bit worried from the previews that of course she was going to blow everyone away with her numbers but her acting I wasn't quite sure. But she makes Ali a strong woman from Ohio who is out to prove she has what it takes to make it big at the Burlesque club. All the supporting cast add something to the mix. Kristen Bell is great as the bitchy former star of the club. Eric Dane is the perfect amount of sleaze as Marcus and Alan Cumming although not in it for much of the movie, is quite good in his musical number. Cam Gigandet is also becoming quite a fixture on screen. He is a great love interest for Christina Aguilera and they actually have good chemistry together.
Director Steve Antin puts so much energy in the dance numbers, that he brings the club to a high for the viewer to enjoy. The movie does take a bit of time to get some oomph behind it, but I guess that is the process as he wants the viewer to see the explosion Christina Aguilera's character has on the club. This is when the best parts start to flow in the movie. Steve Antin also wrote the screenplay for the movie. Although the movie is quite predictable and much of the story you have seen a million times, I think it helps that he got Cher to star in this movie, as she and Aguilera lift the material out of what could have been a very mediocre movie.
This movie has been receiving a lot of bad press. I don't see why. For two hours I was thoroughly entertained. The movie flowed well, and the numbers (except for one which I didn't care for, you will probably know which one when you watch it) are exciting and fun. All the cast look like they had a ball making this film. Although Cher looks like she probably be playing herself and the same with Christina, they make the show at Burlesque one that you will enjoy. So sit back, grab yourself a drink and watch the show. Burlesque 8/10
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