*** This review may contain spoilers ***

“Burlesque” is probably the most compelling contemporary movie musical that I have ever seen; the score, acting, costumes, and cinematography were executed, impeccably.

The film commences in rural Iowa, where we are first introduced to the film’s protagonist, Ali Marilyn Rose, played by Christina Aguilera. The seemingly idealistic and ambitious Ali is determined to leave Iowa and pursue a career in the entertainment industry. After countless deliberation, Ali decides that moving to Los Angeles would presumably promote the advancement of her career, greatly.

So, the diminutive Ali packs the relatively little belongings she owns, and heads to Los Angeles, optimistically, anticipating that numerous opportunities await her. Upon arriving to Hollywood, Ali is beset with financial and professional difficulties that unnerve her; she conducts an assiduous search for various jobs, ranging from dancing to bartending, and is ultimately unsuccessful. Inadvertently, a despondent Ali stumbles across “The Burlesque Lounge” and is instantly intrigued. She curiously enters the establishment and is engaged, immediately, by a coterie of dancers performing to a classic jazz number.

She becomes completely enraptured, however, when Tess, the proprietor of The Burlesque Lounge, played by Cher, performs a musical number. Now intent on performing at the lounge, Ali accosts a bartender named Jack, played by Cam Gigandet, and expresses her interest in possibly working at the club as a dancer and singer. Jack instructs her to solicit Tess for the aforementioned position. Brazenly, Ali goes backstage, encounters Tess, and indiscriminately mentions that she is interested in working at the club. Tess, taken aback by Ali’s audacity, prompts her to state her credentials. Ali hesitatingly admits that she has an inherent predilection for singing and dancing, albeit no formal training, whatsoever.

Tess then appraises Ali, dubiously, and proceeds to prepare the dancers’ costumes for an upcoming musical number. Determined, Ali approaches the production manager, Sean, played by Stanley Tucci, and asks him to be hired, stating that she would be an incredible asset to “The Burlesque Lounge.” Sean informs her that they are not actively seeking to employ any additional dancers. He admires Ali for her zeal and ostensibly attributes his inability to hire her to bad timing. Desperate, Ali unabashedly opts to temporarily assist Jack with bartending duties until the club holds its next audition. Unsurprisingly, Ali auditions and Tess begrudgingly agrees to hire her as a full time dancer.

This angers the troubled, intractable, Nikki, played by Kristen Bell, who considers both Tess and Sean impetuous for hiring a fledgling singer/dancer. Ultimately, Ali is venerated and recognized for her vocal talents. Not only does she restore credibility to the once ailing Burlesque Lounge, but she is also credited for being seminal in the decision to make musical performances at the club live.

Simultaneously, Tess and her husband Vince, played by Peter Gallagher, are on the brink of financial ruin, and subsequently may be forced to shut the club down, permanently. An astute, cunning businessman, Marcus, played by Eric Dane, approaches Tess and offers to buy both her and Vince’s shares of the club, presumably to ensure that it stays open. However, deviously, Marcus intends to destroy the club, and build luxury high-rise apartments in its place. Tess refuses to sell her shares, even under pressure from her ex-husband, Vince, which precludes Marcus from following through with his plan.

This is a tour de force film with incredible characterization; Cher, Christina Aguilera, Stanley Tucci, Kristen Bell, and Cam Gigandet delivered convincing, compelling performances. Christina Aguilera in particular surprised me with her emotional scope and comedic timing. This successful musician will definitely be inundated with numerous film offers after the premiere of this film; she has the potential to be a very successful actress.

The musical numbers and choreography were spellbinding and entertaining, essentially similar to performances in the movies “Chicago,” “Moulin Rouge,” and “Chicago.” Christina Aguilera and Cher round out the soundtrack with ten songs total-Aguilera co-wrote three original songs and performed five classics, while Cher sings two original songs.

Visually, the film is stunning; Steven Antin worked closely with legendary director of photography, Bojan Bozelli, to achieve a chiaroscuro effect, which created for mesmerizing color and imagery. The costumes were also incredibly intricate and tailored for each performer, individually.

Burlesque exceeded my expectations. The only reservation I had with the film was the derivative, trite on-screen romance sub-plot between Ali and Jack; it detracts from the amazing performances in the film. With the exception of the latter, though, it is an excellent production that will undoubtedly impress and entertain audiences.