Not as burlesque as it pretends to be!

Burlesque (2010)
Certified: 12
Duration: 119 minutes
Directed by: Steven Antin
Starring: Cher, Christina Aguilera, Eric Dane, Cam Gigandet, Julianne Hough, Alan Cumming, Peter Gallagher, Kristen Bell, Stanley Tucci, Dianna Agron
KRS release

One of the dictionary definitions of burlesque is: “A variety show characterised by broad ribald comedy, dancing and striptease.” Well, Steve Antin displays some bump and grind moves but it’s not the burlesque one would expect to see.

Christina Aguilera is another pretender in the long line of pop stars who want to make it big on the big screen. While this film is a much better effort than one-time friend and long-term rival Britney Spears’s Crossroads (2002), it fails to really ignite the screen. However, Ms Aguilera acquits herself well and trumps up the very talented and seasoned cast. The latter – who seem to be aware of how hackneyed and clichéd the film’s plot is – seem to flail around too much.

The film revolves around Ms Aguilera’s character, Ali. The would-be singer has just moved from a farm in Iowa to Los Angeles and is finding it hard to adapt to the new lifestyle. Soon she finds herself drawn to the club Burlesque which has quite a show lined up: It’s very risqué and all the dance numbers are to the tune of some classic hits. Among the dancers are Coco (Chelsea Traille), Nikki (Kristen Bell) and Georgia (Julianne Hough). The bartender Jack (Cam Gigandet) gives Ali a tip on how to get a job and encourages her to meet the club’s owner Tess (Cher) and manager Sean (Stanley Tucci).

But the club is currently facing some financial problems. Vince (Peter Gallagher), Tess’s ex-husband and also the club’s co-owner, is pushing for the property to be sold to Marcus (Eric Dane), a real estate developer.

But as soon as Tess hears Ali sing she immediately thinks that the girl could turn the club’s fortunes around. Marcus also shows interest in her, not only for her singing but also because she’s attractive. Nikki soon becomes jealous of all the attention Ali is getting. The young woman’s life is turned upside down and she must make important decisions for her future.

The film looks very much like a stage show. While the choreography is well presented, I could not help but feel we had already seen such moves in the films Cabaret (1972), Moulin Rouge (2001) and Chicago (2002).

Cher is quaint as a self-aware diva who is always ready to make an entrance and Stanley Tucci is hilarious, though I am not sure whether it is intentional or not. Ms Aguilera gives it her all; she is sexy and intense and I would not mind seeing her in another film.

However, Kristen Bell does not fit in her role at all, especially when she has to act bitchy. Peter Gallagher is simply in it for the pay cheque while girls will be swooning over Cam Gigandet of The O.C. and Twilight fame.

The film lives and dies by keeping things flowing and presenting big musical numbers. The dance numbers are there to titillate the audience and show off the dancers’ attributes while doing what look to be lip-synching of Mae West classics. As it stands, however, the film does not really represent what burlesque is all about. If you want to experience that, check out a Dita Von Teese dance number – she truly embodies the spirit of burlesque.