Burlesque

Ogle at the Eye Candy
Burlesque, PG-13, **1/2, Cher, Christina Aguilera, Cam Gigandet, Alan Cumming, Stanley Tucci, Kristen Bell, Eric Dane. Screen Gems film. Director Steven Antin. Length: 116 minutes.

“Burlesque” is about the performing arts, song writing, and striving to reach a goal in life. Ali (Christina Aguilera) is working as a waitress in Iowa. Her ambition in life is to become a singer and dancer in the world of entertainment.
She packs her bags and buys a one way ticket to Los Angeles. There she begins to look for a job that will fulfill her dream.
She walks into “The Burlesque Lounge” where she watches performances on stage including a song by Tess (Cher). Ali believes that she can become a singer and dancer at this club.
However, Tess the manager does not see talent in her face. She does not want to give her a chance to audition. Ali meets the bartender at the club, Jack (Cam Gigandet), and he gives her a job as a waitress.
One of the acts Ali observes is a performance that reminded me of a scene in the movie “Havana.” “Havana” is rated R so the scene in “Burlesque” is not as risqué. Watching some of the acts made me think of what my principal in high school, Mr. L. G. Vaughn, said about a burlesque show he watched. He said, “The performer moved the feathered fans so fast that I could not see anything.”
The movie has several weak moments, but it does have a few strong points. The dancers on stage lip sync songs. Ali thinks the performers should actually do the singing while they dance. Ali is looking for her big break, and she is determined to strut her stuff.
With persistence and talent, she is hired as a dancer. Tess becomes Ali’s mentor. As in all competitive performers, jealousy arises among some of the dancers. Sabotage takes place and tempers mount. With the experience Tess has, she knows how to handle the tension and friction.
When Ali breaks into a live song and proves she has talent, the audience is hooked. She knows how to swagger and connect with the viewer.
The performers sometimes dance on the tables – not to be confused with a table dance.
Unfortunately, in life some people are going to help while others are in it for selfish reasons. Marcus (Eric Dane) is a real estate mogul who has allowed his ambition to override his compassion for others. He is actually a real jerk.
“Burlesque” is a drama/romantic comedy. It is a semi enjoyable movie. It has some highs and lows. It is a love story mixed with a financial predicament for Tess. Ali has some bad luck when someone breaks into her apartment. Marcus allows her to live in his apartment. His fiancée is in New York, so he says, “I’m the kind of person that when someone has trouble, I help.” “That is just who I am.” This is a quote to remember.
The movie is more for viewers interested in the performing arts and those trying to make it in the world of acting, singing, and dancing. It has some very interesting moments along with some lame scenes. It is not good enough to give it high ratings, but not bad enough to trash it. The dancing and singing will get the adrenalin flowing and release endorphins which will cause the audience to think it is worth the time spent in a dark theater with concrete floors - sticky from soft drink spills and crunchy with popcorn grains.