Collegiate Times

Image: 2012-07-25 17:18:23

Money, women and a good time drive the characters of Steven Soderbergh’s “Magic Mike” and seem to be luring in the audience as well.

This film has held its own in the midst of summer blockbusters as the movie to see for girls’ night out or just something different. How often do movie-goers get to see a film about an all male strip club?

Both Channing Tatum and Matthew McConaughey did not fail to deliver energetic and steamy performances in their roles. The plot, however, was not as exciting. It was predictable once it was obvious the turn the film was taking.

“Magic Mike” is a mix of two genres, comedy and drama. The writers could have steered it either way, but instead the movie is a mix of both, which results in an awkward clash. The storyline attempts to reveal the darker side of the stripping lifestyle, however it moves too quickly and does not flow well enough from scene to scene to make an impact.

Tatum played his typical character type as Mike, a ladies man who struggles to find his identity in a double life. His acting did not set a new bar for his career, but the dancing and playfulness wasexcellent in the film.

McConaughey was the strongest actor. His wild, money-oriented character, Dallas, was straightforward, exciting and tough. The other dancers were showcased in the choreography, but their characters were not developed throughout the film. Even though Adam (Alex Pettyfer) was a main character, he did not say much either.

The plot is simple. Mike is an aspiring custom-furniture maker who manages many small businesses by day then dances by night to save up for his own furniture business. 

He becomes a big-brother figure to Adam who just moved to town by showing him how to party, make easy money and pick up women in Tampa.

Adam is thrown onto the club stage where he quickly acclimates to the loads of money thrown at him and the attention of screaming ladies. After one act, he is welcomed into the brotherhood of dancers as “The Kid”.

Dallas, the club owner, coaches Adam on how to be the man on stage that fulfills each woman’s fantasy, and Mike takes him shopping for comical outfits and props to complete his act. Their rowdy performances do not shy away from the most ridiculous routines possible.

Of course, there has to be love story in the midst of the chaotic club scenes. Adam’s cynical older sister, Brooke, played by Cody Horn, captures
Mike’s attention. He promises her that he will take care of her brother as he dives into the lifestyle of a male stripper.

The partying lifestyle bonds Mike and Adam, but it all spirals into trouble as Adam begins to mix with the other dancers. Tatum’s character is challenged to protect The Kid and not lose Brooke’s trust.

For those still debating on whether or not to see it, do not set high expectations for the plot line or acting. “Magic Mike” is choppy, has an unnecessary monthly timeline and ends suddenly. 

It is ideal for an easy laugh or a group of ladies out to enjoy attractive actors strutting their stuff on the big screen.

A version of this article appeared in the Jul 26 issue of the Collegiate Times.