Tell me if you’ve heard this story before: a 20-something woman from a small town dreams of becoming famous, so she quits her job and moves to Los Angeles. Well, this familiar story grows tiresome as “Burlesque” hits heavily trod note after note.
In the film, Grammy award-winning singer Christina Aguilera plays Ali Rose, a down-to-earth waitress from Iowa who is determined to dance her way into stardom, even if it means paying her dues first. She lands in Hollywood and sees the flickering lights flashing at the Burlesque Lounge on the famous Sunset Strip. Stepping inside, she mesmerized by what she sees. Ali figures that if she can’t land a job as a dancer, then she’ll take a job as a cocktail waitress in the club.
Academy Award-winning actress Cher plays Tess, a strong-willed, retired dancer and co-owner of the Burlesque Lounge, who is having financial troubles and doesn’t want to lose her club.
The film’s setting revolves mostly around the Burlesque Lounge and throughout the film, there are numerous scenes where scantily-clad dancers (certain male audiences will appreciate this) lip synch as they dance. The choreography was less than mediocre, mostly built around props, like a chair. What was surprising to find out was that the director’s sister Robin Antin, who is a famous choreographer and who founded the L.A. burlesque dance group the Pussycat Dolls, did not choreograph any of the film’s dances.
Being a fan of various genres of music, I enjoyed the uniqueness of the movie’s soundtrack. It was a partial nod to the past, with such songs as Marilyn Monroe’s “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” and blues singer Etta James’s “Something’s Got a Hold on Me,” and to modern day artists like Cher and Christina Aguilera, who also served as the film’s executive music producer.
The acting in “Burlesque” was, unfortunately, not Oscar worthy. Aguilera as Ali proved that she is a talented singer, but is far from an impressive actress. Cher as Tess basically took on the same role here as she does in most of her films: a no-nonsense woman, who doesn’t take crap from anyone.
The film had some cheesy lines and its storyline was predictable. It was the oldest Hollywood story: small town girl has big dreams of making it in Hollywood and hopes that her talents will propel her to a life she’s only dreamed of.
“Burlesque” was written and directed by first time director Steve Antin whose previous work included producing a 2007 TV series for his sister, Robin Antin, based on the search for the next Pussycat Doll. Antin also wrote the screenplay for the 2003 movie “Chasing Papi.” However, what Antin is best known for are his acting roles in movies like “The Goonies” (1985) and “The Accused” (1988). Having directed a few music videos for the pop group the Pussycat Dolls, it’s obvious that Antin’s sister’s burlesque dancing background highly influenced the making of this film.
Other than the music and dancing that dominated “Burlesque,” it was a high energy musical that lacked substance. It didn’t have the same worthiness that the Hollywood musicals of the 1950s and 1960s had. I believe this film could have taken some cues from the classics.
Screen Gems
Directed-Screenwriter: Steve Antin
Producer: Donald De Line
Rated: PG-13, 119 minutes
