In The Last Showgirl, Pamela Anderson makes an unexpected comeback and delivers an unexpected performance in a movie about a woman striving to declare that she still matters—and is more than just her looks.
Anderson plays an old-school showgirl at an old-school Vegas casino, whose life is turned upside down when she learns the show she has performed in much of her life is shutting down.
Anderson acts with a purpose, and clearly this is a personal parable for her. Many of us have likely written off Pamela Anderson as the former Baywatch bombshell, a show that hasn’t been relevant in nearly three decades; here, she proves that she is more than just looks. Anderson’s performance here reestablishes her as an actor worth paying attention to; if this is what she is capable of, we will all benefit for years and roles to come.
The movie itself is… okay. Well done and efficient in its storyline, it benefits from a fine supporting turn by Dave Bautista. The two have great chemistry, and it’s good to see Bautista in a role that doesn’t rely on his physicality.
However, the story itself is fairly basic and feels like a less compelling version of Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler or other similar movies. There is enough drama and conflict to keep this thing afloat, but not enough new or commanding to warrant a premium ticket.
Review by Erik Samdahl unless otherwise indicated.