July 17, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Movie Review: Sexy Singing and Dancing Sizzle in “Burlesque”:

What could be better than an old school diva heating up the big screen with sassy songs, slinky outfits, and a take-no-crap attitude toward naysayers? How about an old school diva with a protege determined to shake her inexperienced money maker on stage?

This is the scenario in “Burlesque,” the new glitzy, slightly sleazy film from Sony that puts risque entertainment center stage. Cher and Christina Aguilera are perfectly paired in this popcorn flick, two big-voiced singers who know how to carry a film by simply carrying a tune.

Ali (Christina Aguilera) is an innocent, small town girl who wants to make it big in Los Angeles. She knows how to sing and dance, but she’s never seen anything like the moves she witnesses at The Burlesque Lounge. Wanting to kick, shimmy, and sashay with the sexiest of them, Ali gets a job as a waitress in the club, hoping eventually to make her way on stage. Club owner, Tess (Cher) isn’t easily impressed. Though Ali whines and begs, Tess is unmoved and unwilling to give her a shot in the film’s early scenes. But when the lead dancer in Tess’s show has one too many cocktails right before the curtain, Tess hesitatingly grants Ali her wish. Needless to say, our small town girl is a huge hit on stage and things only go up from that first moment in the spotlight. When Ali make, a split decision to sing instead of lip synch, like the other girls do, she instantly becomes the most popular performer in the joint.

It’s an absolute blast to watch Cher hem and haw as her character’s beleaguered club almost gets taken over by big developers. A pissed off old broad who refuses to back down, Tess is both gorgeous and frightening, a perfectly quaffed ball of fire. Particularly fun are the scenes featuring Cher and Stanley Tucci, who plays Tess’s faithful stage manager. Tucci is as effective a side-kick to Cher as he was to Meryl Streep in “The Devil Wears Prada.” And when Tess gives Ali a cosmetics lesson, it feels like we are being let in on a legendary secret: Cher’s makeup tips.

The story gets a little predictable when the dancing dies down, and the last half hour drags under the weight of a tedious plot. While Tess is doing all she can to save the club from financial ruin, Ali and her new boyfriend, Jack (Cam Gigandet) come close to hitting the rocks. But we don’t really care about the fate of the club or the state of Ali’s love life, we just want to hear the music and see the dancing. For the most part, the film knows exactly what audiences want and delivers it with a wink, a smile, and a whole lot more. Alan Cumming makes a fun appearance in a minor role.

in News
<>Related Posts

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

SMPD to Conduct Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Friday

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The focus will be on speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to cyclists or walkers,...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...

Santa Monica Man Arrested for Allegedly Exporting Electronics to Iran

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Ostovari, identified as the CEO of a Tehran-based engineering firm, allegedly orchestrated the scheme since 2018  A 66-year-old Santa Monica...

Federal Judge Sides with Santa Monica, Other Local Governments Against Immigration Raids

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete praised the ruling, saying it reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting residents from unjust detention...

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...

Film Review: Jurassic World: Rebirth

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“The story is simplistic and predictive, and that’s all it needs to be, because the age-old battle to survive the...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...