Though only out for a week or so, Burlesque may be yet another bomb in what has been a rather difficult year for Christina Aguilera. But at least you can’t blame the girl for trying.

Xtina was actually surprisingly good, but when you go in with low expectations, it’s not terribly hard to be impressed. However, she has a natural screen presence and did her best with a really awful and cliched script. And she sounded amazing.

Cher.

Cher.

Cher.

I screamed as soon as I saw her on screen, I admit it. The icon, legend and alleged biological woman is an old pro. She’s got some serious acting chops and the best parts of the movie were between her and Stanley Tucci. The two of them bantered like a seasoned comedic duo.  And the fact that Cher can emote without ever once moving her face was a triumph in itself.

Burlesque was fine brainless  entertainment, but the main problem was in the writing and direction, both helmed by Steve Antin. What should have been a high camp, showstopping extravaganza was merely a decent 2-hour Glee episode.

In fact, it begs to wonder what would have happened if Ryan Murphy had brought his whimsical touch to Burlesque rather than the “eh, all right” Eat Pray Love. Murphy understands camp. And so does Stanley Tucci, who plays it so gay a sequined Givenchy clutch purse falls out of his mouth every time he opens it. Which is just what the movie needed.

Though fun and featuring some good musical numbers, Burlesque is a bit of a waste of great talent. Alan Cumming was basically scenery. Julianne Hough barely got one dance number. And there was no duet between Cher and Christina. Not even a little improvisational harmonizing. That in itself  is enough to get Steve Antin a drive-by bitch-slapping.