Christina Aguilera Is Excellent!

Rating: 8/10 (21 December 2011)

This is a fun movie! Cher is Cher - only a couple of singing numbers - one a bit pedestrian; the other a show stopper, a bit melancholy, but perfect - she can still sing!
Now, a singer? Perhaps Christina Aguilera? No perhaps! She takes over this film and makes it hers with her surprisingly good acting and powerful voice.
OK, so Cher can still sing a bit and Christina Aguilera can sing a lot. Is there to be no mention of great acting? Hold the presses! Can anyone spell Stanley Tucci??? He is no less than magnificent. An absolutely perfect role for him which he takes and runs with - certainly supporting Oscar nomination material.
The story is a bit worn - girl from small town America goes to the big city to make her name as a singer. Against all odds, everything falls into place for her and she succeeds. The club owner faces losing the club; yet, thanks to small town girl, saves it and makes it better.
Totally clichéd; yet, this movie is a lot of fun to watch. Toe tapping tunes (well, OK, a bit more than toe tapping), success against adversity, small town girl makes good - what else do you need?
What else? How about fantastic dance numbers? Pounding, vibrant music?
Oops! Almost forgot - this is a movie with Cher, right? Suffice it to say that the costuming was outrageously wonderful.
All in all, this is a wonderful film - light weight, low-key and totally enjoyable.