Review of Burlesque (2010) by Zach Z — 06 Jan 2013

With low expectations but a love of anything musical and slightly cheesy, I was pleasantly surprised by this ode to the burlesque movement. Sure, it's not true to form, in that it veers from the lace and swing of the forties and fifties and morphs into a pop and sequins debacle fronted by blonde exclamation point Christina Aguilera, but it never pretends to be less than regular pith anyway.

It's not big budgeted like Nine, and not complete froth in the ways of the Disney musicals, which shall not be named. Though the characters each seem to have exclusively original traits, none of them are fully explored, included Nikki's (Bell) alcoholism, Jack's (Gigandet) unfinished songs and tethering fiancee back in New York, and Tess' character (Cher) who is so one dimensional and uninteresting that she is more confusing than annoying.

There is all this dialogue about Tess' stubbornness, her crumbled marriage to part owner Vince (Gallagher), and her denial at the foreclosure of her club, even at the 11th hour so to speak. She's just droll, which makes the rest of the plot slow and also make little sense.

Still, Aguilera's numbers are pretty explosive, emphasizing actual burlesque principals, including pearls, large fans, and use of multi-platinum wigs. Yes, the romantic elements are cutesy, but the chemistry is very much there between Aguilera and Gigandet.

The dancing is specifically gorgeous, and none of this is fake or clumsy. Enjoyable, if you don't pay attention to anything other than the action onstage.