Burlesque

Right now you can watch Burlesque in Australia on Stan, and in the UK on Amazon Prime Video — and the chemistry between the leads carries every scene. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. 2,385 viewers have already rated it on TMDB — the kind of consensus that does not happen by accident. Cher is the anchor, and the chemistry with the rest of the cast carries every scene. Start it on Stan whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Burlesque is worth clearing space for. The chemistry between the leads is the engine that drives everything, and Burlesque makes sure it fires. 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. Cher and Christina Aguilera lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2010. What makes Burlesque work is that the leads feel like people first, a couple second. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

Romance fans and drama viewers alike will find something to love in Burlesque. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. A contained runtime means every scene is doing real work. Cher is the anchor, and the work here is one of the more understated achievements in their career. The kind of thing you finish and immediately want more of.