[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.