BURLESQUE: Thoughts?

[twinbelters]

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?

[supportivemom]

Posted: 11/23/10 at 1:16pm

Thanks for the review. I said this will either be a really good movie or a cult classic like "Showgirls". The cast is very talented.

[ErikJ972]

Posted: 11/23/10 at 1:17pm

"Burlesque owes a great debt to Cabaret, Sweet Charity, 42nd Street and many other backstage movies"

I was hoping for more of a Showgirls feel. Oh well.

[twinbelters]

Posted: 11/23/10 at 1:24pm

Burlesque has a few scant moments of unintentional camp-itude (namely some reaction shots during Cher's second song, oh, and Cher's second song), but it is generally a polished and professional product.

But, perhaps that is one relevant criticism: it didn't push the story and emotions to the hilt. Bell is the "villain," termed loosely, and she does little to create conflict. Did they have to make her a brunette too? She looked weird stuffed into black hair.

Obvs, I have Kristen Bell issues. She is amazing and I see her talent squandered too often. Cumming felt more like a cameo.

Also, if this movie doesn't take the Oscar for costumes I will be surprised.

[strummergirl]

Posted: 11/23/10 at 1:28pm

Is Dianna Agron's role even noticeable? How was Stanley Tucci? More or less a straight version of his Nigel in The Devil Wears Prada?

[twinbelters]

Posted: 11/23/10 at 1:36pm

Actually, no. Nigel was nowhere to be seen. Stanley Tucci was warm and wise and loving. He's not overburdened with catty comments but they are there. He has a surprisingly nuanced and touching relationship with Tessie, Cher's character. He gets a nice tidy arc about not waiting too long about taking opportunities that are presented.

Dianna Agron role was pretty insignificant, and the scene she is in had such chaotic camera moves I could barely focus on her face to recognize it.

I was ready to toss this movie off as soon as I saw it, but I'm surprised by how much it is sticking with me. I need to see it again, but this time further back than the fifth row. The aforementioned camera moves can take a toll on ones eyes that close up.

[uncageg]

Posted: 11/23/10 at 1:52pm

I forget what I was watching, might have been Ellen, and it was mentioned that there is Oscar buzz for Christina. I can't comment as I have not seen the movie.

[Roscoe]

Posted: 11/23/10 at 3:20pm

Every time I see the trailer, I think that things have gotten really bad when people are ripping off Rob Marshall.

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 11/23/10 at 4:57pm

How was Julianne Hough's performance? I had wished they had let her sing. She has been working on another album anyway and her first one was so successful. I hope she did well with what she was given because (as far as I know) she is still playing Ariel in the FOOTLOOSE remake, correct?

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 11/23/10 at 6:00pm

Funny review from the AV Club

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 11/23/10 at 8:36pm

I just got the CD today from Amazon. Looking forward to the movie. Nothing could be as bad as Showgirls which has a hallowed spot in my collection of bad movies.

Updated On: 11/23/10 at 08:36 PM

[JerseyGirl2]

Posted: 11/23/10 at 8:56pm

How was Stanley Tucci? More or less a straight version of his Nigel in The Devil Wears Prada?


Isn't Tucci's character gay in this film as well?

[strummergirl]

Posted: 11/23/10 at 9:04pm

I thought him and Cher were a couple in this film for some reason.

[JerseyGirl2]

Posted: 11/23/10 at 9:14pm

I don't think so. I think he's her gay best friend and they hooked up once many years ago.

[twinbelters]

Posted: 11/23/10 at 11:14pm

Right-o Jersey Girl.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 11/23/10 at 11:26pm

Everyone knows that Stanley Tucci is such a "bad" actor that he could not POSSIBLY make two characters who happen to be gay any different.

[JP2]

Posted: 11/24/10 at 2:36am

Just got back from a midnight show. LOVED IT.

It definitely has it's moments of cheese and camp, but it's never cringe-worthy, like Mamma Mia.

Cher and Tucci are effortless. And I thought Aguilera and Cam-WhatsHisHottieFace had great chemistry.

I'd agree that the only real problem with the plot is that there really is no conflict. Kristin Bell and Erik Dane are the "bad guys" who don't really ever do anything bad.

But, the characters were fun, the costumes were amazing. The numbers were out of this world, and the songs were catchy as all hell.

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 11/24/10 at 12:38pm

Burlesque, like Chicago before it, offers dispiriting evidence that the Hollywood Musical is stalled at weak imitation Bob Fosse.

Updated On: 11/24/10 at 12:38 PM

[uncageg]

Posted: 11/24/10 at 1:03pm

Borstel, you link takes me to a "BWW page not found" page.

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 11/24/10 at 1:11pm

Two questions for anyone who saw it:
1. Is it a "break out into song" musical or more of a movie with music?
2. How was Julianne Hough?

Thanks guys! I cannot wait to see the movie on Saturday!

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 11/24/10 at 1:13pm

Fixed!

[Almira]

Posted: 11/24/10 at 2:08pm

I love that the director and Cher both sucked the same billionaire c*ck.

http://cher.yuku.com/reply/127983/t/Re-Interesting-pic.html

Hollywood is indeed a small town.

Updated On: 11/24/10 at 02:08 PM

[DAME]

Posted: 11/24/10 at 8:35pm

The movie was fun trash. I had a great time. Fun.

[ErikJ972]

Posted: 11/25/10 at 8:24am

Saw it last night and thought it was a bore. I didn't see the fun or the trash. It just seemed like a watered down version of a thousand other movies I've seen before. It felt like Rob Marshall light. It's true it never rises to the level of camp...but a half hour in I was desperately wanting it to.
And the music was instantly forgetable. I knew it was bad when I was thinking "Wow Christina really does have an amazing voice, I hope she doesn't sing anymore songs." Cher and Christina were both great...they just weren't given anything to work with.
Updated On: 11/25/10 at 08:24 AM

[singtopher]

Posted: 11/25/10 at 10:17pm

I saw it last night with a few friends. There are a few moments of pure camp, a few moments of amazing music and dancing, a few moments of brilliance, and a lot of moments of ****ty dialogue and directing. I still enjoyed the hell out of it, and say that Cher is a great actress.

And "Jack" can sit on my face. Kthanxbye.