Sometimes great gifts come in lousy packages. Such is the plight of Burlesque.
The story comprises the less-than-stellar package: An old-fashioned bar where men come to gawk at shapely young things wiggling their bottoms and pretending to be talented show-women. No spoiler, but there's a very stupid story: Cher, the owner of the club, is about to lose her lease...seems that even with all the men paying to stare at slinky dancers, the business is about to fold.
In walks Christine Aguilera. She's the gift. I should say, gifted. Wow, can she sing and dance! Eat your hearts out, wannabe American Idol amateurs! Christina, another Disney prodigy, is brilliant in every number she does: she bats out wonderful tunes and dances up a storm!
Yet she brings her talent to a setting where we, the viewers, think, uh, wouldn't you be better off not trying to be the burlesque queen of all time? Therein lies the rub: The film tries to rehabilitate burlesque, to give it some legitimacy. In fact, the dance, as it originated in France, was mostly about stripping and strip-teasing...and still is.
There's a nice love motif that offsets some of the tastelessness of the club scenes. Christina does a fine job of playing the sweet waif in the big city, lost, of course...and found by her prince charming who just happens to be her male roommate.
Then there's the matter of our dear Cher refusing to give up the limelight. Not quite as distasteful as ol' Kirk Douglas at the Oscars, but not so far off either.
Final recommendation? Did you like Elizabeth Berkeley's striptease? Or Demi Moore's? This viewer found both films distasteful. If you're looking for a charming remake of Cabaret, you won't find it here.
OK, grade of B for entertaining...at times.
Haven't seen this (probably won't), but this echoes what I've heard from others. Probably the worst stage show I've ever seen was Cher's back about 15 years ago. I just think she has tapped herself out.
ReplyDeleteAny more, I just can't endure a BAD story, with no originality or depth. My time is too precious.
So funny you mentioned Striptease. I think I've only walked out on about 4 movies in my life and THAT was one of them. Oye!
A fine nod to Cabaret - so well done.
What a well-worded critigue (and it still gets a B?)
Yes indeed, Valerie, we see eye-to-eye on many films....Interesting that you'd find the striptease genre badly done and tasteless too. Cher: Time to retire! Cabaret: a wonder...wasn't Joel Grey something? And Liza wit a Z? Thanks for your compliments on my critique. Grades: I was always a pushover for grades, even in the classroom. My reasoning: With films, and with all creativity, it's always much harder than it looks. Easy to be the armchair critic (which we love doing)...BUT it's important to remember how touch it is to put out new stuff in the world. EG:novels! Overall: OK to skip Burlesque...except for seeing what a fine talent Christina is.
ReplyDeleteI think you guys are missing the two things that makes these kinds of movies not only watchable, but awesome:
ReplyDeleteWhiskey, and bitchy friends.
I saw both of these movies (Burlesque and Showgirls) under those conditions and I have to tell you, it's a really fun way to create your own "Mystery Science Theatre 3000."
Jenna, thanks for jarring my memory that it was Showgirls I walked out on; haven't seen Striptease.
ReplyDeleteJenna, I must admit, I did not have a shot of whiskey (Chivas Regal, my favorite) before seeing this moving. Had I gone for the booze, lots of it, I might have better tolerated the film. As far as bitchy friends go, I was with my dear spouse, and lest I wish to get into deep trouble, I would never, ever describe her in such terms! Truth to tell, I am somewhat of a feminist at heart, so I don't like sexploitation in the film world. Strange for a guy to say this, I know. Next time I encounter Demi Moore or Elizabeth Berkley in the nude on screen, I'll go for four Black Russians....and them some.
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