There’s a thin line between campy and just plain bad. At times “Woman on Top” nearly crosses the line, but I wouldn’t call it a bad movie. It has the occasional redeeming moment. If you have expectations you’ll probably be disappointed, but I wouldn’t go as far as to call it a bad movie. I’d recommend this if you’re looking for “fluff” that requires no thought to understand, maybe to watch while you’re cleaning.

If you like this, make sure to check out “The Boy From the Basement” by the same author. Both are similar, yet worth-reading, I never felt as if I was reading the same book twice.

I’d give it 3 1/2 stars if possible. It’s far from a perfect film, but it does have some moments that make it worth it.

Even if the subject of women in history fascinates you, you most likely won’t enjoy this book. The author’s “voice” was irritating to say the least. If you’re looking for an easy read, look elsewhere, it would be easier to read first-hand accounts written in cuneiform than wade through the slang in this book. I don’t think anyone enjoys extremely dry historical texts, however there must be a midpoint between that and feeling like you’re reading a very old high school newspaper gossip column. The stories of these women are fascinating, but there are many better sources that give much more information.

I mostly enjoyed it as I was reading it, but as I reflect I start to like it less. The ending was abrupt and if just that part had been different I would’ve liked it a lot more. I don’t want to spoil anything though. The work seemed immature in a way, like the author hasn’t developed her skills to their fullest. (I say this as a fourteen-year-old and an aspiring writer, so it’s certainly not a dig at young writers.)

Interesting concept, but a terrible translation.

It would be four stars, if the woman who created this (Liz Goldwyn) wasn’t in front of the camera as much. She went on about her self-image issues, yet it seemed more as if she was fishing for compliments. At times she seemed to act as if she understood everything about these women’s lives, when she was actually trying to project her own glamorized ideas onto the real stars. I did actually enjoy it. There were a lot of clips from burlesque legends’ routines, and they all had such unique personalities; the interviews were wonderful when they took the center stage. I’d check it out just to learn more about these fascinating women.

It’s not my favorite Margaret Cho stand-up, but if you’re a fan you’ll definitely enjoy it.

Heart-warming, but not in a saccharine, Hollywood way.

Overall, a good movie. In my opinion, it would’ve been better without the overdramatic music.