‘Burlesque’ a thrilling reminder of classic musicals

Director: Steven Antin

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

Cert: 12

A smashing, engaging, entertaining, big, in-your-face musical that harks gloriously back to when musicals were, well, engaging, entertaining musicals.

Even the plot – small town girl comes to Los Angeles to find stardom – is old-fashioned … but, with several nods to musicals of the past, it succeeds quite brilliantly.

The wannabe star is Ali, played to perfection by the wonderful Aguilera, surprisingly making her screen debut, who fetches up at the struggling Burlesque Lounge, owned by former dancer Tess (equally wonderfully played by Cher) and is given a job as a waitress.

As Tess struggles to hold the Lounge together she discovers salvation in the golden voice of Ali.

It’s as simple as that, which lends itself to a celebration of music, colour, emotion and sheer entertainment.

Star Rating: 5/5