Gia Coppola's drama gives the pop-culture icon a chance to go deep as a Vegas showgirl taking her final bow. Whether it works is another story

There’s a scene in “The Last Showgirl ” where the namesake showgirl, Shelly ( Pamela Anderson ), auditions for a man whose voice we hear offstage. “Age?” he asks before the music starts. “Oh. A gentleman never asks a lady her age,” she says breathily with a nervous smile, then adds, “36? Sorry, I lied. I’m 42.”

Pamela Anderson, Kiernan Shipka, Jamie Lee Curtis and director Gia Coppola discuss making "The Last Showgirl," a tribute to Las Vegas dancers to which Anderson could relate.

Pamela Anderson delivers an acclaimed performance in Gia Coppola's "The Last Showgirl," challenging preconceptions of aging actresses.

Pamela Anderson, Brenda Song and Kiernan Shipka are a fun trio in "The Last Showgirl." And Miley Cyrus's new song makes it worth watching the film.

She's the best part of this underwritten and over-the-top film about a Vegas dancer whose show closes up shop.

Anderson's long-awaited return to the silver screen is a subtle middle finger to those trying to destroy artistry