BURLESQUE (REVIEW)
Rated
M - 119 mins
Cher, Christina Aguilera, Dianna Agron, Kristen Bell, Peter Gallagher,
Stanley Tucci, Eric Dane
Shades of 'Purple Rain', a dash of
'Flashdance', with a very similar plot to the camp cult classic 'Coyote Ugly'
may make the premise seem familiar, but this rampant musical is pure enjoyment
from start to finish.
With its greatest moments well and truly
behind it, life is still an extreme cabaret at the once illustrious, now rundown,
Burlesque lounge on the sunset strip. The magnificent Cher is back on the big
screen after an absence of close to a decade as Tess, the retired dancer and owner
of the premises struggling to keep the doors open and audience entertained. Regulars
include trench-coat wearing individuals more intent on misbehaving, rather than
enjoying the dancing talent on stage. Troup members are constantly distracted
by personal problems and an unappreciative audience night after night.
Ali,
a wide-eyed bright spark, the small town girl from Iowa with big ideas, stumbles
into the Burlesque lounge and instantly accepts a waitress job from an admiring
Tess. Fulfilling dreams of landing onstage herself, Ali is given a chance to show
off her amazing voice backed up with some buoyant dance moves. Word around town
spreads and Ali soon becomes the main attraction bringing the enthusiastic crowds
back.
Christina Aguilera makes a promising film debut, everyone
knows 'that voice' which is put to wonderful use throughout, but she can act too.
Xtina may be no Meryl Streep but imposes a strong screen presence. Terrific chemistry
with Cher compliments any potentially soft dramatic moments. It's clear the mature
aged, sympathetic sex bomb see's a little bit of herself in young Ali. Alongside
the new songs especially written for the film by both leading ladies, the retro
styled musical sequences are brilliantly executed and the main reason to see this
film. All in good taste of course, but witnessing a chorus line of dancers, slinking
down spiral staircases adorn in leather and lace is a sight to behold. Not only
the girls perform, resident barman in a bowler hat (played by Cam Gigandet of
'Twilight' fame) plays the piano and romances Ali in-between shifts.
A
rather interesting support cast includes old caterpillar eyes Peter Gallagher,
masterful Stanley Tucci as a perennial stagehand and standard eye candy Eric Dane
(McSteamy on 'Greys Anatomy'). However, Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars) has never
acted or looked better while playing Nikki, a constantly drunk, jealous and evil
plotting showgirl very upset by the new country girl in the limelight.
Simplified
as the story may be, Cher turns back time, so to speak, in a role that revives
her wonderful career in the space of two hours.
Shane
A. Bassett
