Burlesque: Review

Okay, so I just watched Burlesque. I went in with the view that it was just another film, don’t make it “the next Chicago” or “the Fame of our generation”; just take it for what it is….

…And what a wonder it is! It is sassy, seductive and sensuous. Christina Aguilera is captivating. The most redeeming feature of this film is the genuine storyline. Nowadays most films take their inspiration from Eastenders with their turbulence and incessant need to make everything fraught with terror so the unlikely hero seems even more majestic. Burlesque – ironically – has no falsehoods. Of course there are the wigs and stage names like Coco but the journey is real and pleasantly optimistic.

Essentially Ali (Christina) is an orphan who wants to leave her small town and just do something for her. She loves performing and once in LA she finds Tess’s (Cher) Burlesque club. Realizing this is her way of finding contentment, Ali sings, dances, stamps her feet and works her way to headliner at the club. Of course this comes with morals, life lessons and difficulty, however, Tess keeps the girls in line and teamed with Ali they manage to keep their oasis of happiness.

Aside from the plot which is less tedious than others I’ve seen recently, there are jazzy stage performances, breathtaking solos, glitzy costumes, big hair, big make-up and a large taste of the exotic world we all secretly covet.

Despite outward appearances, and Cher’s highly botoxed face, this is a refreshingly real and fun film that just hints at the wonder of dance – taking away the seedy image it has been tainted with and put back with the admirable skills from whence this seduction came.

I wouldn’t recommend taking the parents to see it, but it is a must see for a couple who love to imagine… I can happily say it is a break from the mundane; almost a step in to a dream world that for once isn’t tainted, and may just be as glamorous and desirable as we had all hoped!