On CLIPS In December, 2010
BURLESQUE 

The lives of people working in a burlesque club is the subject of this musical drama starring Cher and Christina Aguilera.

TRIVIA: For which 1987 movie did Cher win the Best Actress award?

With stardom as her goal, small-town girl Ali (Christina Aguilera) heads to Los Angeles and cons her way into a job as a waitress at the problem-plagued Burlesque Lounge run by former dancer Tess (Cher). Soon Ali is up on the stage - where she could be the club's salvation. "Burlesque" is a visually stunning, tune-filled extravaganza. It's an Elvis musical with a splash of "Gypsy". Christina Aguilera takes over the Presley role. She must save the day and find romance along the way. The love interest comes in the form of songwriting bartender Jack (Cam Gigandet), who has a long-distance fiancée. Will he fall for Ali? The uncomplicated movie reveals the answer, but not before devious real-estate developer Marcus (Eric Dane) vies for her love. The performances are typical of this genre. One exception is Stanley Tucci, who is fun to watch as Tess' gay companion Sean. Alan Cumming commands a few scenes as the "Cabaret" host Alexis and Kristen Bell is delightfully wicked as the club's star performer Nikki. But forget the storyline and acting. This is all about the music and director/writer Steve Antin has fashioned a spectacle worthy of Broadway. Cher is still enchanting. Stripped of its plot, "Burlesque" shines as another song-and-dance.