#1
Posted: 11/23/10 at 1:13pm
Hey all! I saw a press screening of Burlesque last night and was surprised it was not a complete train wreck. It was an enjoyable movie with some smart writing and well developed characterizations. Cher was good if not great. I don't know Christina well, but she was an impressive presence and her voice gave me goose bumps at times. Stanley Tucci was charming and got several good moments. The only actors who were underserved were Kristen Bell (forced to lip synch!) and Alan Cumming who must have gotten edited right out of the story.
Burlesque owes a great debt to Cabaret, Sweet Charity, 42nd Street and many other backstage movies that follow the story of the chorus girl rising to stardom. But, it seems conscious of that debt and wisely avoids cliched trappings like the mustache-twirling villain seeking to shut the Burlesque down. I was constantly surprised and amused by some fresh choices that lesser films would not have made to avoid predictability. One small instance was a moment where Christina's character is handed a shot of booze. I instantly thought, "oh, the moon-eyed girl from Ohio is going to cough from the alcohol." But, no, she took the shot and didn't even wince. Nowhere was this character a victim. In fact, she developed through her circumstances through relatively believable obstacles. She has to pay her dues, show that she wants to be on that stage... instead of having to knock someone over to get there.
I liked it. Not a masterpiece, but I would go see it again. Recommended.
Oh, and notice I did not go on about the singing and dancing. The numbers were beautiful but that did not surprise me. I was drawn more to the screenplay and the performances, honestly. However, I wish Christina wasn't the sole singer. I know it is her vehicle, but outside of two songs for Cher she sang everything. Couldn't one of the burlesque girls also discover the power of performing her song live in front of an audience?
Burlesque owes a great debt to Cabaret, Sweet Charity, 42nd Street and many other backstage movies that follow the story of the chorus girl rising to stardom. But, it seems conscious of that debt and wisely avoids cliched trappings like the mustache-twirling villain seeking to shut the Burlesque down. I was constantly surprised and amused by some fresh choices that lesser films would not have made to avoid predictability. One small instance was a moment where Christina's character is handed a shot of booze. I instantly thought, "oh, the moon-eyed girl from Ohio is going to cough from the alcohol." But, no, she took the shot and didn't even wince. Nowhere was this character a victim. In fact, she developed through her circumstances through relatively believable obstacles. She has to pay her dues, show that she wants to be on that stage... instead of having to knock someone over to get there.
I liked it. Not a masterpiece, but I would go see it again. Recommended.
Oh, and notice I did not go on about the singing and dancing. The numbers were beautiful but that did not surprise me. I was drawn more to the screenplay and the performances, honestly. However, I wish Christina wasn't the sole singer. I know it is her vehicle, but outside of two songs for Cher she sang everything. Couldn't one of the burlesque girls also discover the power of performing her song live in front of an audience?
With Irma you gotta do something!
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