When Speakeasy took a look at the first trailer for Christina Aguilera’s coming movie “Burlesque” we were a bit horrified. Aguilera is a fine singer who sometimes makes terrible stylistic choices; you wouldn’t want to hire her as an interior designer unless you were opening up a brothel on Mars. The first trailer for “Burlesque” seemed to reflect the tacky side of Xtina–corny dialogue, seamy dancing, and Cher. In classic cartoons, characters have a devil sitting on one shoulder and an angel on the other, vying for their conscience; Aguilera has a tiny Etta James on one shoulder and a miniature Hooters manager on the other. Who will win the battle for her soul? This shouldn’t be a fair fight, but surprisingly it is.

In the just-released clip from “Burlesque,” Aguilera acquits herself better that in the first trailer. In fact, we have to say, she kinda rocks. There’s no dialogue here, no backup dancers, no Cher, just Aguilera and her voice, just like the Lord intended. She’s even taking on a classic song worthy of her instrument–”Something’s Gotta Hold on Me,” a number previously performed by… Etta James. Now we’re talking.

“Burlesque” opens on November 24.

Source: Wall Street Journal