As a straight male in the prime of his youth, watching a film in which Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfr and other attractive 20-30something men prance around in thongs while women scream in ecstasy just doesn't sound like a good time. But Showgirls this is not. And if any award must be handed out for this film, I feel like it simply has to be Most Misleading Advertising Campaign to whoever marketed this blockbuster hit. This film is not some plotless comedy that serves as a vehicle for People's Sexiest Man of 2012 to strip off his clothes. This is an intelligent, well directed and extremely entertaining movie that I'd be willing to bet...wait for it...guys would enjoy more than women.
In a weird way, Magic Mike is the story of what it means to be a man in today's society. Are we supposed to be brimming with masculinity and obsessed with trying to dominate the women in our lives? Are we supposed to be financially successful? How long can we live a life of "fun" before we have to get serious? These are the questions that Magic Mike subtly poses throughout the film. But, the film is certainly more interested in keeping the audience entertained, which brings me to the stripping scenes. Now, granted, I'm not attracted to Channing Tatum (or any in the men of this movie) but I just cannot imagine how anybody would be turned on by the stripping scenes. With a single exception, the scenes are so over the top and cheesy that, in my opinion, it removes any sort of eroticism from the film. That's not a flaw- this was obviously Steven Soderbergh's intention- but it's just an observation I had. To be frank, if you are uncomfortable with watching this film because of the stripping scenes, I just have to assume that you're uncomfortable with your sexuality. Because, honestly, there is nothing remotely sexual about this film. And, if you are really worried about seeing (gasp!) a few male asses and a silhouetted penis, don't worry, Olivia Munn takes off her top within the first three minutes of the film.
Back to the "fun" aspect of the film, this movie, while occasionally serious at times and posing some interesting questions, is primarily a comedy. And a hilarious one at that. The film is genuinely amusing throughout and features a surprising compelling storyline, one that feels like a 2012 update of All About Eve set in the world of male stripping. The stripping scenes are so over the top you can't help but laugh (and wonder how the hell these men aren't being arrested for sexual harassment) and the non-dance scenes are just as amusing. Even the 'serious' moments in the film aren't all that serious. Magic Mike kept me constantly absorbed in the movie.
I also marveled at how realistic the film felt. In a more, shall we say, theatrical interpretation of this plot, we'd be forced to sit through dramatic speeches, over-the-top professions of love and wacky hijinks. Soderbergh, however, treats the film as if it's a documentary. Even the music in the film, which was one of the highlghts for me, comes from stereos being played in the film. This is a very natural movie, one that avoids the cliches of this genre and feels oddly refreshing.
The cast also sells the naturalism. The biggest shock in the film: how well Channing Tatum can act. Now, I never hated Channing Tatum but there was no denying he was a bit...wooden. I guess it just took a brilliant director to get a great performance out of him though! Maybe it's because the story is inspired by his own life, but Tatum delivers a performance in which he feels completely comfortable. Radiating charisma, likability and a genuine sweetness, I wish the Academy would seriously consider him as a Best Actor candidate. In supporting roles, Alex Pettyfr and (especially) Matthew McConaughey impress, despite the fact that I despised them in most other films I've seen them in.
By far the film's biggest problem is actress Cody Horn. Now, Ms. Horn has potential as an actress and I think, with the right material, will give a strong performance at some point. But, Magic Mike just isn't that film. Horn comes off as awkward, emotionless and, frankly, a little boring. Tatum and his fellow actors all give understated performances, and I suppose that's what Ms. Horn is going for, but she instead comes off as robotic. Take, for example, a scene where she enters the strip club and watches a man dance on the stage. The camera consistently cuts back and forth to the performance and her face. But what is she feeling? Angry? Upset? Disturbed? Indifferent? We can't tell from her face, and that is quiet distracting.
I also wish we got to learn more about the supporting strippers in the film. Other than Tatum's Mike, Petyfrr's The Kid, and McConaughey's Dallas, we learn very little about the men in the movie. While, yes, they aren't important to the film's overall narrative arc, it'd be nice to see them do a bit more on screen. They, in the end, feel like colorful supporting characters that never really do much. Especially since many of them are played by relatively popular and talented actors.
I really can't stress enough how much I recommend this film. I went in with relatively low expectations and came out completely surprised. As of right now, it certainly places in my Top 10 of the year and can see it making the final cut. It's a well directed, extremely entertaining film that's not nearly as brainless as the trailers would lead you to believe. Check it out.
OVERALL GRADE: A
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