The glitz and glamour of burlesque and the “small-town-girl-with-big-time-dreams” scenario come together in above titled film directed by
Steve Antin. Ali (Christina Aguilera) escaping from some back water town in Iowa heads to the big city of Los Angeles with the age-old dream of making it as a singer/dancer. One evening she comes across a burlesque lounge owned by tough former dancer Tess (Cher) who is struggling to keep her beloved business afloat. Mesmerized by the art and beauty of burlesque Ali sets about trying to learn what she can, watching from the sidelines while waitressing at the lounge. Lurking in the shadows is business man Marcus (Eric Dane), who attempts to buy the lounge for selfish reasons. At the lounge Ali makes friends with Tess’ right hand man Sam (Stanley Tucci), and the bartender (and love interest) Jack (Cam Gigandet). As Ali’s classic scenario dictates she works hard at the bottom of the star-studded path to fame, but the moment appears where she is put under the spotlight and shows what she’s got in the talent department, wowing everyone. Following that ‘time to shine’ moment Ali is shown the ups and downs to fame, making Ali realise what is important to her.    

In her first silver screen role Aguilera doesn’t do a half bad job at playing the talented Ali. The former Mouseketeer conveys an innocent, doe-eyed naivety in Ali which could have come off as dull and annoying in another genre, but works well for this glitter-esque film. The other big singing talent, making her first movie appearance since 2003 is Cher. As Tess, Cher naturally comes across as strong and wilful, and though it is enjoyable seeing Cher unsurprisingly fit in with this genre, she never lets you forget who she is. All you can think of when you see her on screen is “Oh look its Cher!” or in my case (in a Cher like voice) “If I could turn back tiiiime..”  Stanley Tucci is commendable for being the only member of the supporting cast who can compete with Cher in this flick, even when they appear in the same scene.  

 The biggest highlight and a definite draw card besides seeing the two main ladies on screen together is the music. Before seeing this movie you walk in knowing that Cher and Aguilera can sing, but the music numbers like “Welcome to Burlesque”, “Express”, and “You haven’t seen the last of me” certainly don’t fail to impress. Most of the numbers are like the Golden time in Hollywood when musicals were a commonality in film unlike today. The costume department has done a great job, the outfits the girls wear are provocative yet classy with a hint of mystery - just as burlesque is meant to be! The pearl outfit Aguilera wears during “But I am a good girl” is quite creative and leaves little to the imagination.    Despite the cliché storyline, the film works well due to its being placed in the world of burlesque. Solid acting, high-quality musical numbers and dazzling costumes make for pleasurable viewing….Welcome to Burlesque!

Written by madelaine mcdonald