Burlesque! A desperate campy attempt for two singers to revive their failing careers in a big Hollywood movie starring t'n'a and not much else.
That is what everyone was saying when Burlesque came out, and it was forgotten pretty damn quickly, critically panned and thrown in the ditch. And exactly what I thought when I decided to watch this movie out of boredom after my last hospital trip.
I am going to make an entirely controversial statement: this film was okay.
The entire way through I was on the look out for insipid plot, shallow characters, pathetic performances, laughable acting, campy stupidity, all of it. I found it, but nowhere near in the volumes I thought it would be, and somehow I actually found it enjoyable!. It may be because I am so sick and tired of melodrama and over-the-top stories that I like one that is basically just a snapshot of character interactions with a little bit of realism, rather than concerned with any real plot. If there is any story, it is about finding your place in life and earning your happy ending, sometimes just through determination.
But let me give the "plot" rundown: Ali leaves her small town in Ohio and goes to L.A, stumbling upon Burlesque, a cabaret club with a high quality standard, and shows that leave Ali fairly lovestruck. What follows is a "character-driven" film about Ali, the club's denizen and club's owner, Tess. I've never been a fan of either Christina or Cher, but I was absolutely stunned by their performances here, undoubtedly one of the best of either's career - not that that's saying much, but they weren't half bad! Although it might be my near non-existent knowledge of either singer that allowed me to find merit in their performances. However, I have never seen the "small-town kid coming to star in the big city" film made less annoying. With much flair and a campy edge that is enjoyable rather than irritating, this is a theatrical movie that is here to entertain.
Yes, this movie has its flaws but they are less than I was lead to believe. However, I can see that this isn't for everyone, and if you don't like Aguelira's singing you'll be in hell.
But as someone who let their preconceptions get the better of them, for anyone who has free time and a passing interest in cabaret-style movies, have a look at Burlesque. It is underrated.
Believe what you will
Burlesque! A desperate campy attempt for two singers to revive their failing careers in a big Hollywood movie starring t'n'a and not much else.
That is what everyone was saying when Burlesque came out, and it was forgotten pretty damn quickly, critically panned and thrown in the ditch. And exactly what I thought when I decided to watch this movie out of boredom after my last hospital trip.
I am going to make an entirely controversial statement: this film was okay.
The entire way through I was on the look out for insipid plot, shallow characters, pathetic performances, laughable acting, campy stupidity, all of it. I found it, but nowhere near in the volumes I thought it would be, and somehow I actually found it enjoyable!. It may be because I am so sick and tired of melodrama and over-the-top stories that I like one that is basically just a snapshot of character interactions with a little bit of realism, rather than concerned with any real plot. If there is any story, it is about finding your place in life and earning your happy ending, sometimes just through determination.
But let me give the "plot" rundown: Ali leaves her small town in Ohio and goes to L.A, stumbling upon Burlesque, a cabaret club with a high quality standard, and shows that leave Ali fairly lovestruck. What follows is a "character-driven" film about Ali, the club's denizen and club's owner, Tess. I've never been a fan of either Christina or Cher, but I was absolutely stunned by their performances here, undoubtedly one of the best of either's career - not that that's saying much, but they weren't half bad! Although it might be my near non-existent knowledge of either singer that allowed me to find merit in their performances. However, I have never seen the "small-town kid coming to star in the big city" film made less annoying. With much flair and a campy edge that is enjoyable rather than irritating, this is a theatrical movie that is here to entertain.
Yes, this movie has its flaws but they are less than I was lead to believe. However, I can see that this isn't for everyone, and if you don't like Aguelira's singing you'll be in hell.
But as someone who let their preconceptions get the better of them, for anyone who has free time and a passing interest in cabaret-style movies, have a look at Burlesque. It is underrated.