BURLESQUE

BURLESQUE-- Directed by Steve Antin/ Starring Cher, Christina Aguilera, Eric Dane, with Cam Gigandet, Julianne Hough, Alan Cumming, Peter Gallagher, Kristen Bell and Stanley Tucci/ PG-13/ 2hr33min

(B) I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’d recommend it, but not to those who don’t enjoy seeing girls with great figures in skimpy outfits. If that’s the case, then this movie may not be for you. Oh, and let’s not leave out great music and dynamite vocals…especially by Christina Aguilera. I liked the simplicity of the story and the clever weaving of “musical” with “drama.” There was no downtime and they didn’t try to make two films out of one, or two films out of a musical and a movie. Cher fuels this film by adding genuine burlesque qualities that only a star of her caliber and depth could. The ads say, “Only a legend can make a legend” and that is what we have here. Need I say more? It was my kind of movie. I give this one three binoculars, easily.

(G) This film just came out today and already I’m seeing reviews that say the movie is surprisingly entertaining, but lacks a serious plot. HELLLOOOOOOOO! Look at the title for goodness sake! Look at the name stars! If you went to see this film expecting something more than any other musical you’ve ever encountered, then you need to check your expectations. Having said that BURLESQUE was far better in many ways than CHICAGO (which won a few Oscars), in my opinion, because it was not made like a stage production in film’s clothing, but rather WAS a film first that utilized the musical talents of the stars to the best advantage. As for the plot, it was at least as complex as a million romance stories that I’ve seen over the years. In that regard, I was pleasantly surprised. I have to say that Cher is terrific. She played her part perfectly and we got just enough of her singing—according the dictates of the character-- that we did not feel cheated or that this talent was being forced upon us. I also thought that it was an inspired pairing of her with Stanley Tucci. They worked particularly well together, in every scene the two of them shared. However, this movie really belongs to Christina Aguilera. I thought it was absolutely a perfect casting to have Cher as the wise old master training the talented apprentice. Christina’s character would absolutely have overshadowed any other female/singing star, as this movie almost seemed to have been created just for her.
I’m going to give it three-and-a half binoculars and predict at least two Oscar nominations for the cast and crew.

THIS IS THE TRAILER THAT WAS DOWNLOADED BY SOMEONE USING THE NAME: CHRISINA AGUILARA ON YOUTUBE: