Dance films are not usually the strongest of performing movies. Musicals tend to fair better with audiences but that’s because it has songs people can sing along to. Dance films that focus solely on the moves used to create a dance number are not as highly regarded. For some reason there tends to be less investment in the story or they are less unique. Honey (2003) was an okay film but wasn’t propped up and praised for its storytelling. A few years later, Step Up (2006) would arrive starring someone unknown at the time that would end up being revered for this particular feature shortly after. It’s kind of surprising but sometimes it takes time for the appreciation to be given. After all, although not all dance movies are seen as great cinema, hard work still goes into it.
The star being referenced here is none other than Channing Tatum. The plot here is about Magic Mike (Tatum), an up and coming entrepreneur hoping to make his mark on the world. One day on his side job he meets Adam (Alex Pettyfer) who gets taken under his wing at another one of his side gigs. This separate side gig is where he got his alternative stage name i.e. Magic Mike, as a male stripper. Initially hesitant, Adam becomes entangled with the profession and starts working with Mike and his partners Dallas (Matthew McConaughey), Richie (Joe Manganiello), Ken (Matt Bomer), Tito (Adam Rodriguez) and Tarzan (Kevin Nash). Reid Carolin who had one credit before this but is best known for starting this franchise, wrote the script. The film was also directed by Steven Soderbergh who directed the original Gray’s Anatomy (1996) and Erin Brockovich (2000).
The narrative itself definitely is more developed than other dance movies. Additionally, there’s a personal connection to it. This film could in other words be called a loose adaptation of Channing Tatum’s life in some ways as he too used to be male stripper. So to that, there’s some relatability to the story. There only seems to be two hang ups on the screenplay and it is an unresolved subplot involving Mike trying to obtain a loan. The other being the audience demographic. In this day and age, sexuality is no longer seen as something taboo as it used to be. However, the idea of straight men going to see this may not be as intrigued. To confirm the male stripping isn’t on screen the entire film, but it’s also not something every moviegoer might want to see. Overall though the characters are fleshed out pretty well for the story.
Magic Mike although maybe seen as crude to some because of his dance profession, is a solid person with a decent conscience. The character really does try his best to do the right thing and take care of Adam at the same time. Of course with that though, Mike has his own vices to figure out – like does he really like Joanna (Olivia Munn) or is he really attracted to Adam’s sister Brooke (Cody Horn). He also has to contend with how his partner Dallas does some of his business dealings – like involving hustler Tobias (Gabriel Iglesias) and his unknown shady connections. They are situations one can get involved with of which can complicate one’s life. All around the acting is done well from all actors cast within the feature. Those who enjoy McConaughey will obviously get their fill of his southern drawl.
From a visual perspective, this is one of the few times the director is also the cinematographer. Soderbergh also took care of the camerawork which in all honesty makes his life easier as he doesn’t need to tell someone how to take the shot, he just does it himself. The dance choreography and sequences are all done well too, partially thanks to Tatum having the experience already and not having to have someone do his own stunts. All of it is well put together and flows nicely. The only component that is nonexistent in this movie is the musical score. There was no composer to the film as the tracks are applied to the dance numbers. Could music be played in other scenes? Yes, but it seems for this case that was omitted.
The target audience may be questioned by some and film score enthusiasts will be disappointed. This also doesn’t hurt the films ability to entertain. The dance sequences are well shot with good cinematography, the acting works and the story is interesting for its loose adaptation of the main star.
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