Magic Mike XXL

Brimming with a refreshing energy and setting the stage on fire with its erotically charged aura, Magic Mike XXL is a definite improvement over its predecessor that fully embraces its strengths, is well aware of its limitations, and discards almost everything that it can do without to deliver a romp ride that's light, simple & pure delight from beginning to end.

Set 3 years after the events of the first film, Magic Mike XXL finds Mike running his own furniture business like he always wanted but a part of him still misses that old profession. Things are set in motion when he receives a call from his former mates and learns that they've been abandoned by Dallas and plan to bow out with one last performance and decides to join them in their endeavour.

Directed by Gregory Jacobs, Magic Mike XXL trims out everything that stopped the previous film from stretching its arms & legs, and travels a better aligned route. Also, unlike the original, all the subplots head in the same direction as its central storyline, characters get more room to breathe, and there's a sense of history & togetherness in the group's bonding that's genuinely felt in their interactions.

The plot takes the structure of a road trip movie that covers the themes of life, love & friendship as it moves ahead and the music & dance numbers are in perfect harmony with each other and is one key element that makes it blissful on so many levels. Images are more sleek, dance choreography undergoes a major upgrade and it simply packs the right amount of energy & erotica that makes a stripping performance great.

Coming to the performances, the absence of Matthew McConaughey doesn't hurt the film much as his absence is rarely felt. Channing Tatum makes excellent use of the leading spot and contributes with a physically exhausting yet downright seductive performance in his reprising role. Manganiello gets more screen time than before and does well with what he's given while the newcomers are no slouch and ably play their part.

On an overall scale, Magic Mike XXL has XXL times the magic & charisma of its predecessor and is a worthy follow-up by all means. Its simple storytelling & lighthearted flair may not impress those looking for a deeper inspection of the male stripping profession but its testosterone-fuelled atmosphere, lustful moves, beefy allure & surprising evolution into an unabashed celebration of female desire turns it into one of the most enjoyable & entertaining delights of its year.

2012's Magic Mike wasn't exactly about the stripping. Sure, it features a lot of it, but the real center of the movie was the lifestyle of its main character, Mike. This latest installment showcases more of the crew and how they put up the show. It's more choreography driven than some commentary, which actually made it more appropriate to this material. It still has the stunning style of the first one, though it mostly feels quite forced, but if the movie tries to be itself, then there it actually shines. Magic Mike XXL indeed brings much of what you expect from it.

While the first movie basically shows the art of its aesthetics, this sequel rather shows the art of stripping. The story isn't quite remarkable; it's so simple that it's nothing more than an excuse to show more of these acts, which is both a good thing and otherwise. But really, that's what the target audience really came here for. Just like the first one, it's all atmosphere than following a plot. We just see these characters trying to get along, hint some commentary, and do some stripping. The difference however is the stripping is the real showcase, as in the direction and choreography improves within that aspect which makes these performances speak what this movie is truly about. People would immediately think that this would only appeal female viewers, but even as a straight man as I am, I would actually be impressed by the choreography displayed on those scenes.

The direction does try to keep Soderbergh's style going in this sequel, though only eschewing the intense sepia and welcoming other colors on the daylight. The new style is sometimes indefinite, specifically the vague lighting in some scenes, but then, the movie eventually breaks the pretense once the characters start dancing on screen, having more focus on their moves, and of course, bodies. Star, Channing Tatum, still has the charm as he always has. The other performers also get their characters expanded, staying natural whenever they bond and fight off on screen, treating them beyond than typical eye candy compared to the first one.

Many may call Magic Mike XXL a totally needless sequel or a cash grab for those who seek for more endless dose of shirtless men, but I believe this movie actually exists to make up for its own value. The story may not be as meaty as its predecessor's, but it shows everything what its audiences actually wanted for it. And it is done elegantly, proving that stripping apparently has more to offer than just lust for flesh. It sounds incredibly weird if you say it that way, but looking at these performances seems like this is an art that we didn't see coming. Again, there's nothing remarkable about the story, though if you're curious about the appeal of this career, then it gives a room for fascination.

Mike (Channing Tatum) is working his dream of making furniture but he's barely scrapping by. Dallas has left the Kings of Tampa behind and the guys are looking for one last blow-out. Big Dick Richie (Joe Manganiello), Tarzan (Kevin Nash), Ken (Matt Bomer), Tito (Adam Rodriguez), and MC Tobias (Gabriel Iglesias) are going on a road trip to a convention in Myrtle Beach run by Paris (Elizabeth Banks). When Tobias gets hurt in a crash, Mike recruits Rome (Jada Pinkett Smith) who brings along Andre (Donald Glover). Mike falls for Zoe (Amber Heard) but the guys are joined by her mother Nancy Davidson (Andie MacDowell) and her friends.

I like the first thirty minutes or so. It kept some of the Soderbergh style. I like Manganiello who is very charming and a little funny. I love him in the convenient store. It's the most innocent fun and I wish the movie stays with that feel. The movie should stay with the six guys having misadventures on the road on their way to the big gig. Then it tries to replace Matthew McConaughey with Jada Pinkett Smith. Matthew stole the first movie. Jada seems to be trying to repeat the feat but it's not the same. Then it tries to inject Glover in with the group which only jumbles up the chemistry once again. The Andie MacDowell section is interesting and it would be great as a companion scene to other more humorous scenes. The last thirty minutes is a long series of stripper performances. I'm sure it's orgasmic for middle aged girlfriends drinking their wines but it gets pretty boring for me. I like the first act but the movie loses a little bit of chemistry when it sets aside Iglesias.

Magic Mike XXL doesn't have much in the way off a plot but instead offers a surprisingly laid back and heartwarming film that's a fun celebration of male entertainers and the much needed joy they bring to people. It's also just really nice to spend 2 hours with these characters.

Channing Tatum gives a great lead performance, unafraid to make fun of himself and all the better for it whilst still having a sense of authenticity. The rest of the cast all have a genuinely believable chemistry that makes their friendship and communion really endearing.

Gregory Jacobs' direction is really good, always making sure the film looks nice and saturated to maintain the engaging yet easy going vibe. The pacing is strong overall, it does feel it's runtime but is always enjoyable and ends at the right moment.

Is this Shakespeare? No. Is this some boring Oscar winning movie? No. It's just a hot, sexy, hilarious blast. I saw this movie in the theater when it came out, and the whole audience was having a great time. Sometimes, you need something light and sweet! I will say, tho, if you are straight guy, you probably won't like it, because it definitely was not made for you. Enjoy!