Flashdance All Over Again.

Rating: 3/10 (5 February 2016)

Burlesque (2010): Dir: Steve Antin / Cast: Christina Aguilera, Cher, Stanley Tucci, Eric Dane, Kristen Bell: Total xerox of Showgirls as if that is much of an inspiration. It regards expression and how a small town waitress ventured to Las Angeles in hopes of becoming a sensation. Director Steve Antin is backed by several energetic musical numbers that are full of flair but the story is just a recycled mess. Christina Aguilera is traveling familiar territory from small town to big time impressing everyone. She definitely has the pipes to carry a concert but as an actress she isn't quite as polished as someone in the heights of Cher, but as a musician she holds her own. Cher is the one solid performance as club owner struggling to pay to keep her business. We know that she will be impressed with Aguilera and ultimately save the club, but saving the film is beyond her reach. Eric Dane as the bartender whom allows Aguilera a place to crash is a complete prop. He is basically there to romance her while talking about an out of town girlfriend who is not available just enough so that it becomes unnecessary. Stanley Tucci plays Cher's gay production director who assists Aguilera while providing emotional support for Cher. Even Kristen Bell makes an appearance and all her charm cannot muster up a hint of originality. The dance numbers are not bad, and sometimes even flashy and inspiring but it is within a screenplay that is anything but inspiring. Not so much about dancing as it is its lame sidetracked subplots that we have seen in a dozen other films about hopeless dreamers. Score: 3 ½ / 10