Blu-ray Review: The Last Showgirl

Synopsis: Pamela Anderson shines as a glamorous Vegas showgirl whose 30-year career at Le Razzle Dazzle, the last remaining revue, is coming to an abrupt end. When the show's closure in two weeks is announced, she tries to reconnect with her estranged daughter while leaning on her brassy former-showgirl best friend (Jamie Lee Curtis). Directed by Gia Coppola and featuring an original ballad by Miley Cyrus, this inspiring portrait of a resilient woman also stars Dave Bautista and Billie Lourd.

Main Feature: The Last Showgirl is a film to be seen, even if it has flaws and isn't the dynamic comeback for this infamous lead that was hoped for. For all of her notoriety, Anderson can shine in certain settings. Baywatch aside for obvious reasons, her humor was tapped into on TV during the early run of Home Improvement; and I will add the cult of Barb Wire (messy, yes, but schmaltzy cheeseball fun). She is embracing time, and none more evident and even cathartic than The Last Showgirl. There is plenty to love int his film, with supporting players like Curtis and Bautista really giving their all to amplify the assets inside that Anderson carries. The final execution is uneven, though, and Coppola is not as skilled at directing as a couple others in that family. In another's hands, Anderson's best work--and this is definitely that--would have been even more precise (This film screams Sofia Coppola, not just saying due to the family). 

Bonus Features: Just a pair. Standard behind the scenes featurette is paired with an intriguing half-house featurette conversation between Anderson and Curtis. 

Final Call: The Last Showgirl isn't the greatest strutting of Anderson's stuff, but it's still a worthwhile look at aging glamour that hopefully with provide her with a renaissance to elevate what this film started to stage.

Grade: B-