Burlesque is a 2010 musical directed by Steve Antinet. On screen, two iconic singers Christina Aguilera and Cher, accompanied by other actors from various backgrounds. Although the film received mixed reviews from the press, it was a great success with the public, directly upon the release of the trailer. The soundtrack even received nominations, including the song "You Haven't Seen the Last of Me", performed by Cher, which received the award for best original song at the 68th Golden Globes ceremony. Reminder of the scenario: The young Ali Rose (played by Christina Aguilera) dreams of a career in the show business and therefore leaves her childhood city to go to Los Angeles. She quickly discovered the spectacular show of the Burlesque Lounge, a cabaret that was once a reference. Immediately fascinated by this world, she begins by being hired as a waitress by Jack, the beautiful bartender. Over time, she proves herself to Tess, the owner of the club, a perfectionist woman, who is also at the beginning of the film the only star to sing the show.
1. A high-end cast
First of all, the film is particularly carried and highlighted by its effective cast, with the participation of Christina Aguilera, Cher, Cam Gigandet and Peter Gallagher known for his role in the series Newport Beach. We discover a young Christina Aguilera, in her first film role. In the end, she is doing pretty well. Sure, she's not up to some great actors, but this showgirl role suits her perfectly, which makes the main character believable. The songs she interprets wonderfully, make you want to get up and dance in front of her TV. And all this, thanks to his charm and his hoarse and sensual voice. For Cher, we forget almost all her botox, thanks to her character who becomes more and more endearing throughout the film. In addition, as said in the introduction, it is one of his music that won the Golden Globe for best song. In the supporting roles, we find a nice cast of actors from various series / movies: Cam Gigandet in the role of "the sexy roommate friend" (also former vampire in "Twilight"), Stanley Tucci who gives us a fair and perfect performance in the role of the assistant: endearing and teasing with girls (known for his role in "The Devil Wears Prada"). Finally, Eric Dane, in a role he knows well, since just as flirtatious as the one he holds in "Grey's Anatomy". And let's not forget the sublime haters of the main character, Kristen Bell, known for her role in "Veronica Mars".
2. A fantastically burlesque staging
The strong point of the film is clearly the aesthetics of the staging which makes an effective, spectacular and impactful ensemble. It is easy and very quickly immersed in this magical world of cabaret. The dances blend perfectly with the music and the sets, which allow the spectators (dance specialist or not) to enter this atmosphere of show through their screens. In terms of image and lights, everything is meticulously calculated and thought out for an almost impeccable rendering. The colorimetry and scene shots are logical, bringing "club" " bar" effects throughout the film, which helps a lot to get into the story.The lights during the show scenes are also calculated to boost the visual rendering of the dances, and thus please the eyes of the spectators. In addition, the sets used are very identifiable for the public: the stage, the curtains, the costumes, the backstage .. and lots of other details everywhere for the magic of the burlesque world.
3. A scenario unfortunately seen and reviewed
The only small shadow on the table: history… who is simply in the end a young woman dreaming of rhinestones and sequins, and who ends up achieving her goal while saving the club from bankruptcy. End. There are not necessarily messages that we remember after this film. It is an entertainment film for the weekend, not a film of reflection or philosophical. However, some powerful punchlines can awaken the scenario and make it more authentic. To conclude, it is a very good film to entertain and relax, but it is not sensational in terms of the script and its messages that flow from it. Artistically, it is more than successful thanks to a very careful realization, accompanied by choreographies and vocal performances fair, perfect and catchy. If you feel like relaxing watching a movie with good music, dancing and gorgeous young women, it's available on Netflix.
