Magic Mike XXL

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.

"It's not bro time, it's show time. Are you guys ready?" It's been three year since Mike (Tatum) last danced. He runs a successful business and is looking to make a great life for himself. When he hears that the rest of the Kings of Tampa want to give up the life too they all decide there is only one way to retire. The boys head to Myrtle Beach for one last performance. First thing I have to say is that I am a man, so this review is done from my point of view. I thought the first movie wasn't as bad as I was expecting, but to me it was just cheesy and actually pretty much what I expected. I do remember there was enough comedy in it to keep me interested. This movie seemed to play on the women will watch the hell out of this so it doesn't matter what we do. As far as that thinking goes, it worked. My wife really liked it, but I'm not sure if she liked the movie or just liked watching the movie. This is a movie that is pretty much review proof, either you want to see a movie about male strippers or you don't. Not much else to say. Overall, not as good as the first one, mainly because this one had no real story. On the other hand I am a guy, not the target audience, and the only reason most women watch is not for the plot. I give this a C.

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.

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.

90% of this movie begs the question - Why?

Why is the dialogue so drawn out, yet adds nothing to the plot? Why is one boring scene entirely unlit? Why can't Amber Heard make eye contact? Why is Michael Strahan here for 5 minutes? Why barely use Twitch in a movie about dancing? Why are they littering while driving?

I give that 90% of the film 3 stars.

BUT I give Joe Manganiello's dance scenes 10 stars. His performance to "I Think I Wanna Marry You" will be a special memory for the rest of my life. Thank you, Joe.

My suggestion to the viewer is to fast forward directly to the last 30 minutes.