There's an innocent sweetness about this showcase for Christina Aguilera's vocal and dance skills that just about excuses its utter hokiness. The superstar songstress plays an Iowa waitress following her showbiz dreams, who finds her way to Cher's ailing burlesque theatre on LA's Sunset Strip. With Bob Fosse-inspired choreography and Alan Cumming channelling Joel Grey's MC in Cabaret, writer/director Steven Antin's movie springs few surprises as the super-nice Aguilera moves from lip-synching chorus girl to diva belter. A few tacky Showgirls moments erupt along the overly cute route (mainly regarding love interest Cam Gigandet) and the real-estate subplot is a bore. But Cher and Gay Best Friend Stanley Tucci always cause smiles with their easygoing double act. The eclectic soundtrack includes the Aguilera-penned theme Express, Cher power ballad You Haven't Seen the Last of Me, and Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend.

Ali leaves behind a troubled life and follows her dreams to Los Angeles, where she lands a job as a cocktail waitress at the Burlesque Lounge, a once-majestic theater that houses an inspired musical revue. Vowing to perform there, she makes the leap from bar to stage, helping restore the club's former glory.