Aguilera is no actor. And to write a character for her to play, a good writer would be able to take into account the actor's strengths and weaknesses. Steve Antin, writer and director, did not bother with that. So the result was having a true diva come in and try to act like a newcomer. And with Aguilera's gathered fame and fortune, she clearly has forgotten where she came from.
If this was a concert, Aguilera would have earned full points. Every time she opened her mouth and that incredible vocal tore through the speakers, I get goosebums all over my arms. But it wasn't.
Thankfully, there was a strong cast to back her up. Cher no doubt a much seasoned actor, was perfect to pair up with Aguilera - who could at least look up to Cher and take her guidance, just like their characters. Cam Gigandet gave the best performance I've ever seen him in, Peter Gallagher could have had more impact but was sufficient, Eric Dane did just enough as well, and Kristen Bell who really didn't have to be here but succeeded in the challenge here. Best performance naturally went to Stanley Tucci who never fails to deliver. I, however, have no idea what Alan Cumming was doing here. He only had what, three very short scenes and even fewer lines? I would have loved to see more of his character as I thought he sparked up the screen each time.
Diana Agron made a short appearance, which I thought was just a marketing strategy. Probably so was Chelsea Traille having surprisingly more screen time. I was hoping to see Julianne Hough sing a few lines but unfortunately that didn't happen.
Great songs and great dancing wasn't enough to save the weak plot and storyline. I saw the vision of Antin's but the execution wasn't up to par. Moulin Rouge had better expressions to the cabaret feel. And in terms of story, if you compare this to Dreamgirls then you'll realise how weak and unoriginal the writing was.
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