Burlesque (2010) Review

director: Steve Antin

writer: Steve Antin

starring: Christina Aguilera, Cher, Stanley Tucci, Kristen Bell

genre: Musical

I’m a fan of musicals, of Cher and if Christina Aguilera. So the mix in Burlesque just seemed like it’d be a little bit too sexy and fun to watch. I was not disappointed, I must say! Though the film has a few solid song and dance numbers, unbelievably amazing costumes (no surprise here when you have Christina Aguilera and Cher to dress), Aguilera’s soulful voice and many sexy ladies and men with guy-liner, the film ultimately falls flat do to an unbelievable lead, poor music production. That being said, it’s great to see Cher back in action and Stanley Tucci is able to add credibility to the entire production and save it from becoming a B-Film.

Burlesque is an absolutely fun movie to watch. There was nothing unlikable about it. The only thing that was not that fun was the three minutes in the beginning of the movie with Ali (Christina Aguilera) but it seemed it was a necessary in order to set up the story. Once the movie really got started, it never slowed down. Everything was paced to stay exciting. There were many stories going on in the movie, although they were very clearly told and allowed all of the characters to shine on stage.

Burlesque is the story of Ali (Christina Aguilera) who is a small-town girl with a big voice who escapes hardship and an uncertain future to follow her dreams to LA. After stumbling upon The Burlesque Lounge, a majestic but ailing theater that is home to an inspired musical revue, Ali lands a job as a cocktail waitress from Tess (Cher), the club's proprietor and headliner.

Burlesque's outrageous costumes and bold choreography enrapture the young ingénue, who vows to perform there one day. Soon enough, Ali builds a friendship with a featured dancer, finds an enemy in a troubled, jealous performer, and garners the affection of Jack (Cam Gigaddet), a bartender and fellow musician. With the help of a sharp-witted stage manager and gender-bending host, Ali makes her way from the bar to the stage. Her spectacular voice restores and the Burlesque Lounge to its former glory, though not before a charismatic entrepreneur arrives with an enticing proposal. It’s an unrealistic story of hope and for all young girls who want get up on a stage.

The positive side of the movie is that it’s not boring and its better then the Show Girls (in my opinion). Besides the show, the performance of Stanely Tucci, Aguileras Voice, Cher and the Dancers was a great chemistry throughout the movie. Stanley Tucci can intentionally be the best actor on screen and he can take about any role, any line any film and shine trough it no matter how hard the film works against him.

About Aguileras Voice, simply her voice speaks for herself. It gives you the reason to listen but when she is talking, not so much. She is good and gives the character a strong attempt but her voice is the best part about her performance and its better on many of her albums.

Cher is Cher, the woman comes with so much baggage and yet she is incredibly watchable on screen. She gives very little work and some horrible lines but she shines trough and get the best laughs in the film.

The negative side of the movie is the singing. Why? Well we all know that Aguilera can sing and we know she is going to sing but it’s quit the foreplay until it get to the action. The film simply teases Aguileras voice and takes way too long to get to her singing once she in the club.

Concerning the Musical Production, when you listen to the Moulin Rouge, Cabareto or Chicago soundtracks you can hear the quality in the layers and the respect given to the music. Most of the tracks in the film are basic and feels like its pop music all over it, then a Musical as good as Chicago.

This film is to musicals what Tony Scott’s film are to the action genre , they’re fun when things get moving but once they stop to talk there’s not enough substance to keep anything moving (luckily Tony Scott has learned to NOT stop the action and then he doesn’t have to deal with story). There are some great moments in the film, but this is by no means “the new must-see musical” it’s too long, too strung out, and needs be tightened like all the girls corsets were in the film.

Review by Danai725

Nine (2009)

director: Rob Marshall

writers: Michael Tolkin, Anthony Minghella

starring: Daniel-Day Lewis, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench, Marion Cottilard, Kate Hudson

genre: Drama, Musical

Never been the biggest fan of musicals. It's always has been my least liked genre. So most of the times I tended to avoided them like the plague. In this case it was different. When I was 13 I had the chance in N.Y. to see it on Broadway, the theater production of Nine with Antonio Banderas back then. After I heard of the film adaption I was curious to compare it to my theater experience. Pleased to say, that for me it was a much better experience. Primary reason as much i don't care for musicals I also don't care that much for theater.

For those who dont know the background behind Nine.The film is based on the theatre production of Nine, that is based on the book of the same name, that is inspired from Federico Fellini's film 8 ½. The story is of famous director Guido Contini (Daniel-Day Lewis) and his lack of creativity to make a new film due to his love life. His problems all stem from the way he treats women and sees life. Throughout the story we get hints to what made him be this way and his eventual realization that without change, better days will not come.

My first experience with Nine didn't end well in N.Y.. I was disappointed by the Banderas, Bacall production. Now as a adult i understand why i didn't like it. Here in the film version, I loved how the film could go from one place to another. From Guido's fantasy's, to his past and then to the present. The great editing that punched up scenes. The dance sequence and songs that connected so well. Something a theater production couldn't do in the same way. Also the b&w to color in some sequences was also beautifully done. My point is that the theater offers too many limitations to my enjoyment. Instead film offers solutions. Plus i forgot to mention. The theater production was over 2 hours and a half. Here the film doesn't ever drag and omits a number of songs in the process, that were in the play.

Choosing Rob Marshall to direct this film was a no-brainier. He's already done two very good films and knows how to do a professional job. Ive already mentioned his use of editing, the capturing from many angles the scenes and his transition method of those scenes. All these methods make the film vibrant and alive. And when you get the guy who did Chicago, you know the talent that will come along with him. A standout crew that did a great job on the music, production, and not only. To the cast that acted greatly and made us believe in Guido Contini miserable life.

The only complaints that i can have from this film is that the story isnt that original. Ive seen the film which everything was inspired from and its a better film. So when its gone from film to book to theater to film again. I'm not going to be particular amazed with the result. Also the casting of Fergie in the role Sargina bothered me. She has no acting talent, no experience, doesn't look Italian and her voice is probably helped in production. Maybe that's why its heard so good in the film. Because from her rnb work we all know her voice is crap. I just hate when people just get cast because there famous and not for note worthy work.

There isnt much more to say then that Nine is fun, tells a good story, the songs are all very well connected to the story and presented. This is for anybody who loves musicals and films with great big name actors. So enjoy!

Personal Rating:

Review by Paul