The synopses for the new Sony pictures film Burlesque don’t seem to do the film justice and certainly doesn’t begin to describe how lush and colourful it looks from the trailer and promo photos. Burlesque is about a young girl called Ali who takes a one-way ticket to Los Angeles and lands a job as a cocktail waitress at The Burlesque Lounge, an ailing theatre and revue bar. The choreography and stunning costumes of Burlesque capture Ali’s imagination and she vows to perform there on day. Little does she know that it is her voice that will restore The Burlesque Lounge to its former glory and save the club proprietor Tess (played by Cher) from her financial woes.
The film stars Christina Aquilera as Ali and co-stars Cam Gigandet as love interest and fellow musician Jack and Kristin Bell as rival and fellow dancer Nikki. Other cast members include Stanley Tucci, Alan Cumming, Eric Dane, Julianne Hough and of course, Cher.
Burlesque sounds like it could be a modern day reworking of the excellent Coyote Ugly. Of course, there have been several similar films released over the years and I am kind of over the small-town girl makes the big time in the big city films but something about the trailer and these gorgeous promo shots really makes me want to see it. There is no doubt that Christina Aquilera is a born performer and I think she will probably pull this role off to great critical acclaim. Of course, I do have a rather large soft spot for both Cam Gigandet (The O.C.) and Kristin Bell (Veronica Mars) anyway so I am likely to see the film just for them anyway.
Burlesque releases in the US on 24 November and the UK on 17 December 2010.
