Burlesque

I have literally just come home from the movies after seeing this film with my daughter, and pre-ordered it immediately . Now.....I have to say, it wont be to everyone's taste, ( the guys wont like it--apart from the token burlesque outifts and sporadic flesh fest ) its definitely a chick flick in my opinion, --think Moulin Rouge meets Coyote Ugly--, but if you like Cher or Christina Aguilera this is definitely one for the collection. I dont think we're talking academy awards here, but the acting is ok. However, the sets, the costumes, the music are all FANTASTIC!. Cher looks amazing for her age, and Christina sure has a set of pipes.
It's the archetypal story of girl from a small town in america who has to leave tumbleweed town and spread her wings, so of course she goes to LA, gets a tacky rented room ( which gets robbed) and ends up working in a burlesque bar. Of course she really wants to be on stage with the glamour girls, so she learns all the routines and bides her time. When the opportunity arises she's ready. Of course she goes from strength to strength and after a jealous hissy fit from the current, but unreliabale star, ultimately ends up saving the club from closure due to some clever manouvering via a wealthy buisinessman patron of the club, Eric Dane, McSteamy from greys anatomy. Her love interest comes in the shape of the poor but cute barman, who co-incidentally writes music ( I know I know) who although engaged to someone else, ends up with her after the boy/girl attraction/I cant be with you coz you're with someone else/fiancee breaks off engagement/road free to hook up...you all know the script. Predictable but done with humour.
So sure, the story is not new, but the sets, costumes and music made it a sure fire winner for me.

When Christina starts to sing, you get shivers up and down your spine, really good movie, Christina is a fantastic actress, Cher is brilliant too. It is funny, exciting and action packed

Brilliant, loved the costumes, music and acting and plenty of humourous moments. Christina's singing is fabulous, makes you just want to get up and dance. cant wait till its on DVD.

As much as I adore Christina...her acting in this and the general plot are a bit ridiculous,As such an established singer already, it is impossible for us to really be convinced by her 'undiscovered' character Ally. Cher is amazing as an actress as usual, but her main solo song in this is bad...(not that she sings it bad,the song is just a bit OTT) The whole film can't seem to make up it's mind whether it is a musical or a film about a show iyswim! But I forgive it all because it doesn't exactly proclaim to be schindlers list or Westside story.
That being said it is very entertaining and funny...lots of eye candy and a good chick flick....it is relatively as far away as you can get from proper burlesque (not a pastie in sight) definately more musical theatre/cabaret.

To be honest, I adored this film though I did feel that it needed a bit of work. The acting was mediocre, especially from Cam Gigandet and Christina Aguilera. On the other hand, Cher, Eric Dane, Stanley Tucci and Kristen Bell were great. Cher, especially, blew me away. As a musician, she's a phenomenal actress and she's definitely underrated. As a musical, I loved it, and I watched it three times. The music was great - Christina was spectacular, though the acting - not so much. Overall, it's great.