As the usual trend goes, most sequels perform just as well or better financially than their predecessor. However, that doesn’t mean they receive better reviews than the original, which leads to the inevitable downfall of a tent pole franchise. Sometimes though, production crews and the people behind it can be more careful how they prepare the next chapter in the story. Has it always proven to be successful? Most likely not because there is also a fine line between taking the time to prepare a story of equal or better quality and taking too much time. For the Magic Mike (2012) series, it seems like the film crew wanted to make this one different from the past entry. Despite the cast mostly remaining the same, the production was able to keep things feeling new.
The sequel starts with Mike (Channing Tatum) returning to his original dance crew after he received news that Dallas (Matthew McConaughey) and original trainee Adam (Alex Pettyfer) went off to perform in China. On top of that Brooke (Cody Horn) has left Mike as his lifestyle was not for her after all. So with that all said, Mike joins Rich (Joe Manganiello), Tarzan (Kevin Nash), Ken (Matt Bomer), Tito (Adam Rodriguez) and Tobias (Gabriel Iglesias) on a ride to basically find their next place to perform. The script was once again written by Reid Carolin as like the last film. This time, instead of being focused more on Mike and Adam and his intimate relationships, the attention is now on Mike and the bromance he has with his buddies. In a way, it became more of a road trip film than strictly just an adult entertainer and dance film.
Directing the feature this time was Gregory Jacobs, who has served as a first assistant to most films. One of his earlier film credits was a second assistant to Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991). The execution to the narrative is on point with its predecessor. Since things didn’t turn out as planned where the original movie had ended, it was time for Mike to get back to basics. This allows for more development between the character and other supporting characters that only got a little exposure in the prior entry. Now, this allows Rich, Tarzan, Ken and Tito to shine more in their own way. This also allows for more comedic moments to come through for the guys too. For example, Rich (Joe Manganiello) feels like he’s getting to old and is concerned his days are numbered in his career.
Mike has the same concern but is again, looking for a romantic interest. The part of the screenplay that doesn’t add up are some character connections. Like why is Tobias still hanging with the guys if his connections were the cause of some of the plot turmoil from the prior film? There’s also some minor characters that show up played by Jada Pinkett Smith and Elizabeth Banks who don’t really add much to the plot. There’s even appearances from Amber Heard, Andie MacDowell and Donald Glover. The interactions most of these characters have between each other feel genuine and the comedic elements definitely help solidify that. Again though, the series is still not directed towards a straight male audience so in general, it still may not be appealing to all of the masses.
Visually speaking the sequel is just as strong in that department. Returning to shoot for this entry is Steven Soderbergh as the director of cinematography. Despite a lot of the scenes now being on the road, the shots are well lit and work within the narrative’s structure. The dance choreography was again top tier considering the type of movie genre that it is. For the ears, music was also kept consistent although not preferred. Again there was no film score as the soundtrack was the source that dictated what the audience would hear in specific scenes. It’s not bad or inappropriate for the type of movie that it is but a competent film score certainly helps give a movie more dramatic impact when needed.
The sequel is surprisingly a little more entertaining to watch even if the premise is not so much. There is still only a soundtrack to hear and some characters seem sort of unnecessary to keep. However, the acting is still solid, comedy is a bit stronger among the main cast and the dancing is obviously just notable as it was before.
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