Burlesque

What I liked: Christina Aguilera can sing and dance and those were the best parts of the movie. I really hope she is in Vegas in twenty years doing a gig like Celine and Cher did. She’s at her best when she is in full costume and belting out those big numbers.

What I didn’t like: Everything else. The story was cheesy to say the least. The acting wasn’t much better. Aguilera was fine when she was acting like a sexy burlesque dancer but looked uncomfortable when she had to act like an innocent Iowa farm girl. Stanley Tucci basically played the L.A. version of his character from The Devil Wears Prada. Alan Cumming was underutilized. Peter Gallagher, Kristen Bell and Julianne Hough were forgettable. Eric Dane looked like a creepy old guy next to Aguilera. The directing and editing were choppy.

Cher was Cher.

If you want to see sexy costumes, Cher and Christina in multiple wigs, and hear a powerful voice, then you will like this movie. If you are looking for Chicago, you will be disappointed.

Grade: C+ for storyline and acting; A- for singing