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Sunday, August 5, 2012

[7.00/10] Magic Mike (2012)


Magic Mike (2012)

Brief review: After last year's exceptional horror drama "Contagion" and his girl-power-fueled spy thriller, "Haywire", from earlier this year, Steven Soderbergh brings us yet another cinematic winner - "Magic Mike" - an inventive erotic comedy with a touch of romance, that despite its predictable script, by-the-numbers story and an unexpectedly sudden ending, never fails to engage and inform its audience. Soderbergh gives us an intimate, yet very interesting look at what it's like to be a male stripper and sell yourself, with all the positives and negatives. Watching half-naked hunky men dancing and taking their clothes off can't be a guy thing, can it? Therefore, "Magic Mike" should be considered purely as a chick flick, though not a cheesy one. The strip dance routines are sexy, entertaining, glamorous, and nicely-choreographed, and definitely will appeal to the female part of the audience, while the male part of it will envy the male strippers' popularity, good looks and super-fit bodies. Direction-wise, "Magic Mike" is impressive to say the least. Soderbergh uses his typical 'simple, yet slick' filming style and trademark yellowish cinematography to make sure he's recognizable enough. All the actors involved are perfectly cast. Channing Tatum has finally lost his stiffness, delivering the performance of his career as the smart and hard-working Dallas, plus, Pettyfer, Horn, and McConaughey shine on screen.

Overall summary: It feels a bit incomplete because of its abrupt ending, but Soderbergh's "Magic Mike" still benefits from its thoroughly original concept, spot-on execution and attractive male cast, that captivates the viewer with their charisma, sex appeal and, of course, talent.

12 comments:

M. Hufstader said...

Great review! I did love me some Magic Mike despite myself. Even though it is mostly a chick flick, I have met some men who enjoy it too for the characters and the script. Also, I had no problems with the abrupt ending--the movie, at least, ended before it wore out its welcome. And gotta agree with you about Channing Tatum--good to see him dropping his stiff act.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

M. Hufstader, thanks a bunch. I appreciate it.

Well, I'm a guy and I enjoyed it too so... who says chick flicks are strictly for women? :)

To me it felt a bit incomplete, and left me a bit unsatisfied, but the rest of the film kind of compensated this fault.

Glad we agree about Channing. I always liked him and I'm glad to watch him improving his game. :)

Unknown said...

I've never really been a Channing Tatum fan and have outright dismissed him many times, but lately he seems to be losing that stiffness he had in since Step Up and She's the Man to about last year.

I admit that a cast of hot men half naked is what intrigued me the most. I mean after all the gratuitous female nudity and scanty costumes, it's about damned time for there to be men in this position.

Your review is very thoughtful, honest and I love that you are open-minded enough to not dismiss it. That is why you are one of the best reviewers out there. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I may check it out on NetFlix, as I like Soderbergh, but watching half naked men is not my thing.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Alex, watching half-naked men is not my thing either, but I still enjoyed it a lot. See it for the story, the characters and the direction then.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Mwl, knowing it's about make strippers, I was on the fence whether I should see it or not, but at the and of the day, I decided to give it a go, and wasn't disappointed.

The guys in the film looked great, I must admit that. I also thought they were quite brave to show their bodies like that.

As for Channing, I know you're not a fan of him, but you'll be surprise to see him stealing the entire show. :)

Maurice Mitchell said...

I definitely don't watch movies for half-naked guys. That said, I saw The Full Monty and enjoyed it. Maybe this is in the same category.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Maurice, well the guys in this one look definitely better than those in the "The Full Monty", but the movie ain't as funny. Still worth-seeing though.

Software Area said...

great review thanks boss software world

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Software Area, thanks. You're welcome. ;)

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing this movie
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George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Rony, you're welcome.