The Wattage Meter: How bright are these stars shining?
A guide to the wattage of stars in the news this week
CHRISTINA AGUILERA: 40 watts At least Aguilera’s role opposite Cher in "Burlesque" will never be disparaged as badly as Mariah Carey’s in "Glitter," although both films bear the same let’s-kick-her-flagging-career-in-gear motivation. That’s not entirely fair. Aguilera still belts them out, even though critics describe the rags-to-riches film as one long music video, and one dangerously cribbing "Glitter"’s star-struck storyline.
CHER: 60 watts<br> Her face may again be at every grocery checkout, but it's on the cover of career-positive Vanity Fair, rather than career-negative tabloid exposés on celebrity facelifts. And then there’s the (mildly) positive reception for her role in "Burlesque." But rather than opening a new chapter in her life, as "Moonstruck" did years ago, this all feels like yet another bookend.
LINDSAY LOHAN: 60 watts<br> Let’s accentuate the positive: Lohan has been cut from her part in a biopic about former porn star (and later anti-porn activist) Linda Lovelace, the reason being that the troubled Lohan is basically uninsurable, according to the director. Even with this trifle of (apparently) bad news, Lohan can still grab headlines and even uncover the shortcomings of the insurance industry. That’s an amazing feat if you think about it.