Directed by Steven Soderbergh and inspired by the story of lead star Channing Tatum's (Step Up, Dear John) real life as a stripper prior to becoming Hollywood royalty, Magic Mike is indeed a movie to brighten the day of most ladies!
The always-charming Matthew McConaughey is little less ‘distinguished’ than usual as Dallas, who runs the Xquisite male stripper joint in Tampa, Florida. This is where 'Magic Mike’ (Tatum) works at night to boost his income as a builder's labourer and hopefully earn enough money to follow his dream of owning a small furniture design business.
On the building site Mike meets 19-year-old Adam (Alex Pettyfer of I Am Number Four). Mike takes him under his wing and the boys quickly form a friendship. Mike decides to invite Adam to see his ‘other workplace’ and naturally it's not too long before Adam gets a chance to become part of the entertaining floorshow.
It's not long before Adam's protective sister Brooke (Cody Horn) finds out. Her disapproval of both Adam's new evening job and of Mike is immediately obvious.
However, this IS Hollywood, so naturally Mike takes a shine to Brooke. Unfortunately any ideas of romance end abruptly when Mike’s lifestyle begins to lead Adam astray.
Ladies will be happy to know that there is major screen time devoted to the male strippers and they deliver funky and energetic moves in their hot dance routines.
So much so that the little romantic story is hardly noticed. However, I don't believe that the girls will really care!
Channing Tatum produced "Magic Mike" and provided stories from his own pre-fame stripping career to beginner screenwriter Reid Carolin.
Matthew McConaughey is delightful as Dallas, the Xquisite Club's slimy head stripper and MC. After a stream of hit roles in Tropic Thunder, The Lincoln Lawyer and Killer Joe, his believable vanity is quite brilliant!
Major love story? No. Extreme action and adventure? No.
However, this movie is about gorgeous guys making girls smile!
Go see ‘Magic Mike’ if you’re female and liked: Step Up (2006), Coyote Ugly (2000), Boogie Nights (1997), Striptease (1996) or 21 Jump Street (2012).
Magic Mike is in cinemas now
http://magicmikemovie.warnerbros.com/