Review of Burlesque (2010) by Jonnyfendi — 02 Feb 2011

Raise the curtain! Before heading to watch thiz movie, I already had my own imagination about what the story would look like, I thought maybe it revolved around a countryside girl who was about to try her luck to chase her dream in a big city (eventually the city is Los Angeles and the girl is Ali, played by Christina Aguilera), maybe she would start from a cloistered but extraordinary nite club (apparently it is named: Burlesque), maybe she would have a tough beginning for her career and there would be such a mentor for her (I talk about Cher), maybe she was going to meet her love interest, a pretty boy with an attitude (I talk about Cam Gigandet), or maybe she would be forced to quarrel with her envious evil colleague as well (I talk about Kristen Bell).

And for the ending I do not have to explain, I give it to you to figure it out yourself, I am pretty sure that you have already know the ending as well, and you are right! In the tradition of COYOTE UGLY (2000) and Rob Marshall movies, such as CHICGO (2002) and NINE (2009), here it comes a new breed of the genre.

The movie is second Directing effort (after GLASS HOUSE: THE GOOD MOTHER (2006)) by Child Star Actor from THE GOONIES (1985), Steve Antin. Thiz Ali character is obviously made for Aguilera, it is like let a fish swimming freely into the sea.

It flows naturally. Cher is an Iconic Legend who makes a one dimensional impression, there is no specific chemistry with other Casts, she seems to be talking to herself. Cam Gigandet, after seeing his macho performance in NEVER BACK DOWN (2008), thiz time he plays more easy-going and fun role.

But the worst of the worst is Kristen Bell who delivers a horrible nightmare performance, it is not convincing at all as Ali competitor. Better performances come from Stanley Tucci, Eric Dane and Allan Cumming.

Forget about the Casts, the film once again is an Aguilera playground. Her powerful voice covers up all of the flaws. The opening song SOMETHING GOT A HOLD ON ME is my favorite with gratifying 70s Rock n Roll Tune.

With all those fabulous songs, it occurred to me, why there is not any duet song from these two World-Class Performers. Anyway, the dancing and cabaret performances are splendid. Aguilera performance is very hypnotic and spectacular.

But it came to my mind, who does not want to pay small nite club cheap ticket in which there is Aguilera performance. Hello?? It is Christina Aguilera on the stage! The story is predictable and the conflict is cliché.