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Three years ago, women flocked to theaters to see Channing Tatum in Steven Soderbergh’s male stripper movie, Magic Mike—a film that, while certainly entertaining, was much darker and heavier than expected. But that’s not the case for the follow up, Magic Mike XXL, a wild and crazy romp that’s everything audiences were hoping to see in the original.
Magic Mike XXL finds Tatum’s Mike building the custom furniture business that he always dreamed of owning. But when his old friends show up for a visit on their way to the annual stripper convention in Myrtle Beach, he begins reminiscing about the good old days. Since their old club owner has left to start a new show overseas, it’s the end of the road for the lovable band of male entertainers—so, as they prepare for their last big performance, Mike decides to come out of retirement to join them.
Remember a few months ago, when women were working themselves into a tizzy over Fifty Shades of Grey? While Fifty Shades was about as sultry as a root canal, Magic Mike XXL is everything that it wasn’t—and more. It’s playful and seductive with jaw-dropping dance scenes that will leave women in the audience screaming, clapping, and quite possibly passing out in their seats (if the rowdy advance screening audience is any indication). The choreography is absolutely mesmerizing—and when the men finally give their final performances, they hold nothing back.
While the dance numbers are wildly entertaining, though, the film also maintains a solid sense of humor. Sure, it has its share of dramatic moments—moments that, admittedly, make the pacing drag a bit. But, for the most part, it’s a road trip stripper comedy, with a band of buddies traveling through the south, getting into all kind of silly stripper shenanigans on their way to their last hurrah. And it’s clear that the cast had a whole lot of fun in the process.
Granted, the film isn’t with its flaws. No one (not even Jada Pinkett Smith) can really fill the void left by Matthew McConaughey’s Dallas. And some of the direction choices are distracting (Channing Tatum should never be blurry—ever). A few more dance numbers would have been nice, too—especially from the charming and extremely talented star. But, then again, a few more dance numbers might have made the film hazardous to viewers’ health—and theaters probably would have had to have paramedics standing by throughout the film’s theatrical run.
With its over-the-top routines and its fun-loving cast of eye-candy, Magic Mike XXL is an outrageously entertaining male stripper comedy. While guys may reluctantly admit that they enjoy the comedy and camaraderie, it’s the perfect pick for a wild girls’ night out—preferably at a theater that serves fruity cocktails.
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