Magic Mike XXL

I'll be honest: as a female I just wanted to see beautiful male bodies dancing- that's what I came for, not the plot, not the story line, not even the acting really. Loved seeing Channing work his amazing body!!! A very talented, watchable dancer. Loved the convenience store routine with Joe. Loved the finale scene with Channing and tWitch. There were some good moments and some funny moments here and there. Could it have been better, sure. And by that I mean more dance time- with less clothes on- for Channing, Joe and and Matt. This is why I liked the first one better- at least their pants came off more often! The fact that both movies did well at the box office speaks to the market for more (even better done) movies that showcase male entertainers for the viewing pleasure of women (and men) who appreciate it.

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.

I forget who recommended MMXXL, but I'm glad they did.

Let's get this out of the way; yes, there's ripped dudes dancing, but that takes a backseat to the core of the film's message.

This is a road trip movie about grief and loss, healing, and finding strength through friendship. Every character has clear and distinct motivations. And each character has their own challenges that they must overcome in order to compete in the film's climactic dance competition.

Slowly as the posturing stops and the walls come down, is when we learn what each character is actually going through and how much this trip actually means to each of them.

Joe Manganiello, for example, as an insecure dude who is starved for intimacy was incredibly endearing, and his dance sequence in the gas station is hilarious.

Even Tatum does a decent job here. Sure, the script doesn't give him a ton to work with. However, his interactions with one of the only other main women in the film comes across as very respectful and even tender. It's refreshing to see a platonic relationship depicted this way between a man and woman, especially in a film such as this.

Should you seek this movie out? Absolutely. You might be surprised how relatable it is. Temper your expectations a little, and just enjoy the ride.

So on the surface this is about some dudes dancing with not much else. However, if you look under the surface and get into the message it's trying to convey you will see that these guys are worshipping women. We are queens, we are beautiful no matter our size. The men worship the women and it's lovely to see. It isn't all sleaze and sex. It's about laughing, comradeship and boosting women. Can't be all bad.

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.