'The Lovely Bones' Star Stanley Tucci Praises Christina Aguilera's Acting Debut In 'Burlesque'

When Eminem decided that his status as a superstar musician gave him the credentials to become an actor, the result was “8 Mile,” an Oscar-nominated instant classic; Mariah Carey’s 2001 bomb “Glitter” might just be the worst movie ever made. Somewhere in between, we’ve had Britney’s “Crossroads,” Whitney Houston’s “The Bodyguard,” 50 Cent’s “Get Rich or Die Tryin’,” and dozens of other boundary-defying debuts. Now, it’s time for Christina Aguilera to finally make the move – and one of her famous co-stars thinks Xtina has what it takes.

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“I hear she’s wonderful,” explained Stanley Tucci, the accomplished veteran actor/writer/director of more than 80 movies and TV shows, who has been cast alongside Aguilera in “Burlesque,” also starring Cher, Kristen Bell and Cam Gigandet. “I’ve been talking to some of the people at the studio, and everyone is thrilled with her.”

Written and directed by Hollywood vet Steve Antin, the film tells the story of a small-town girl (Aguilera) from Iowa who moves West to unleash her angelic voice, then ends up starring in a neo-burlesque club on Sunset Boulevard run by Cher’s character. A few weeks into shooting, the excitement over Aguilera’s first acting gig has manifested itself in nearly daily leaked photos and video from the set, depicting a simply-dressed Aguilera in character.

Tucci has heard good things about Aguilera’s performance so far, but won’t witness anything with his own eyes for another few weeks. “I don’t know [how her acting will be], because I haven’t been there yet. I don’t start until January,” he explained. “They’re shooting [now], but I start in January.”

Currently, Tucci is getting some amazing buzz himself for playing a twisted serial killer in this weekend’s “The Lovely Bones,” a role that could secure the actor’s first Oscar. Coming off that acclaimed performance, the versatile character actor can’t get much more polar-opposite than joining Aguilera’s flick.

“I play Cher’s right-hand man, confidant and best friend who helps her run the burlesque,” Tucci explained. “And Christina Aguilera plays the ingénue. It should be really fun.”

“They sing and dance,” he said of Cher and Christina. “Luckily, I don’t.”

As for the music in the film, Tucci said he had not been briefed yet on whether Xtina will be performing other people’s songs, her own new compositions, or even some old classics. “No, I don’t know,” he explained. “I’m sure we’ll be hearing about it soon, though.”

Source: MTV Blog