Does exactly what it says on the box, and does it well

Rating: Null/10 (5 December 2010)

Cher! Christina! Sequins! You know exactly what you're getting into with this movie. And it's director Steve Antin's same approach that makes 'Burlesque' click. A movie like this will never be mistaken as brilliant cinema and Antin wisely keeps the politics light and the narrative tight, focusing instead on the towering presence of his two divalicious stars and a series of well-crafted musical numbers. The result is a competently-made, paper-thin pleasure that would be easy to criticise if it weren't so deftly handled. Christina Aguilera (as the small-town girl with big-time ambitions in a story that's been told a thousand times before) is no Meryl Streep but she holds her own here and truly excels when given the opportunity to do what she does best; put that incredible set of pipes centre-stage for her many show-stopping musical numbers. It's Showgirls-minus-smut meets Cabaret-minus-social-commentary. Cher, of course, tears up the screen and owns every shot she's in and it's an absolute thrill to watch this Grand-Dame of Divadom back in the musical spotlight. Stanley Tucci and Kristen Bell give able support in roles they have both played before, and 'Burlesque' brings all these elements together in a way that makes you want to watch it over again whilst at the same time being not-quite-brilliant. The 14A rating means it's lacking the edge that could've elevated this to camp-classic status but as an unapologetic, well directed and good looking treat this hits all the right buttons. Oh, and the soundtrack rocks.