Burlesque: The Edited, PG-13 Look Inside the Lounge

Rating: 8/10 (27 November 2010)

Burlesque is not a film for all audiences, and I'm willing to bet I'm the only fourteen year old who expressed an ounce of interest for this film. It's a musical/dance number that is constructed much like the 2002 hit Chicago. Beautiful women, catchy score, and a very involving story line. While 2010 has certainly offered better, if no musical comes out that's surpasses this one, I can easily say that "Burlesque" is the best musical of this year.
Cher, in the music world, is outstanding. Cher, in the film world, isn't so hot. She's done some winners and some losers like many actors/actresses, but it seems her filmography is always underrated and shed away compared to her discography. This is the first time I've seen Cher in a film since Stuck on You in 2003. I have been known to like her and enjoy her music. Burlesque shows off her inner talent and your eyes will be glues to her every time she steps onto the screen. Something about her voice, passion, (plastic) face, and apparel makes her an immediate site of attraction. I will also say that Welcome to Burlesque is my favorite song in this film as well.
The story follows Ali (Xtina) who escapes her life at a local dinner to head to Los Angeles to find herself at the Burlesque Lounge where she winds up meeting the club's firm but fair headliner Tess (Cher). As events go on, Ali impresses Tess with her strong voice and high passion for singing and makes her part of the dancing team. Ali finally gets the break she's been waiting for when she can express herself and show the Burlesque Lounge what she's made of.
Unfortunately, the club is ailing and the future is looking so high, but with Cher running the club anything can happen. While it's the cliché "showing people your true talent" scheme it's shown to us in a very musical style which is something I don't see too often. I'd see this five times before I sit in the theater for Country Strong.
The score for Burlesque completes the film. No song is truly memorable, but for the film both Cher and Xtina provide some impressive vocals, especially Cher who has some dark/eerie singing abilities. Too bad most of the songs are occupied by the young blood rather than the pioneer. Xtina does a fine job at acting, but Cher was the true highlight/standout of the film.
Burlesque runs one minute shy of two hours, which for a musical is a bit lengthy, especially when the overall story isn't utilized to the fullest. I'd have like to see more of the girl's lives outside of Burlesque rather than see Xtina so much. It's nothing I'd watch/buy on DVD, but Burlesque proves to be more than the trailers show. It's a decent movie to wrap up Thanksgiving, but definitely not a film for everyone. The Sound of Music fans may be disappointed. Chicago fans might appreciate it.
Starring: Cher, Christina Aguilera, Eric Dane, Cam Gigandet, and Julianne Hough. Directed by: Steve Antin.