PRINTMovie Review: Magic Mike
Hollywood hunks put on an exciting show
Warner Bros. Pictures
June 30, 2012 | 12:00 p.m. CST
Mike dreams of creating and selling custom furniture, but the reality of his career is far beyond the comfort of a living room. Magic Mike (Channing Tatum) is writer Reid Carolin’s most recent protagonist. The movie takes viewers wonder by wonder on a ride into the mysterious world of a male stripper.
The opening scene places Mike awkwardly waking up from a threesome where he and one of the women can’t remember the other’s name. This comedic situation is telling of the raw humor that weaves its way through the rest of the movie.
Related MovieAfter befriending young and innocent Adam (Alex Pettyfer), Magic Mike and his crew of Hollywood hunks Dallas (Matthew McConaughey), Big Dick Richie (Joe Manganiello), Ken (Matt Bomer), Tito (Adam Rodriguez) and Tarzan (Kevin Nash) show the newbie the lucrative business of teasing and pleasing women after the sun goes down.
With intriguing cinematography by Steven Soderbergh, Magic Mike feels like a successful cross-genre film. The laughter seems natural, and Tatum predictably can’t leave the screen without falling in love. However, the film unearths a bit of deeper meaning as well. Quirky camera angles expose the audience to both Magic Mike and Adam’s search for what’s important in the world.
Although some of the dance routines were uncomfortably reminiscent of a high school show choir, the acting came naturally because Magic Mike was loosely based on Tatum’s earlier real-life stint as a male stripper. It was perfect for the macho movie star to show off both his acting and dancing talents. The rest of the cast similarly presented a no-surprises, no-disappointments show.
The creativity of the storyline and the cinematography, however, redeemed the integrity of the movie for whatever else it lacks. Magic Mike is raunchy, fresh and, in the end, slightly addicting.
Vox Rating:
