Magic Mike Movie Review

Magic Mike (2012)

Rent Magic Mike on Amazon Video
Written by: Reid Carolin
Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
Starring: Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Matthew McConaughey, Olivia Munn, Joe Manganiello
Rated: R
Watch the trailer

Plot
A male stripper teaches a younger performer how to party, pick up women, and make easy money.

Verdict
It had potential to craft an interesting character study about the types of people that do this type of work, why, and for how long but the movie never delves into it. For most of the movie I kept wondering when we would get into the plot. I had heard the story was good and with it being a Soderbergh film I gave it a chance, but I was disappointed. There isn't much story and even less plot. Conflict finally appears right at the end, but it's forced.
Skip it.

Review
Mike strips by night, works construction by day, we're told has a detailing business, and parties the rest of the time. I assume he sleeps at some point. Stripping is a stepping stone for him to make good money to chase his dreams. The problem is that it's a stepping stone that engulfs you. It ends up stunting your dreams. It's fun, the money is good, and you start treading water.

Channing Tatum plays Magic Mike.

The color grading is distracting. The exterior scenes are very yellow. I assume the effect is trying to invoke sunny Florida, but it doesn't work.

Matthew McConaughey plays Dallas.

Mike meets a kid, Alex, and helps him learn the ropes. The proprietor of Mike's club is Dallas (Matthew McConaughey). Dallas is a cautionary tale. He's an image of what Mike will become if he doesn't get out of the life. It's not a bad thing, but it's not what Mike wants to be. McConaughey does a great job in a limited role. This was one of McConaughey's earlier roles after reinventing himself and starting the 'McConaissance.' When Dallas starts a sentence with "Alright, alright, alright." it's difficult not to think of his carefree character in Dazed and Confused.

Where is this going? I kept wondering what's the point. Mike can't escape this life, he's mentoring a new stripper, and there are hints of a love interest. The first two thirds of the movie is mostly partying.

Conflict arises when Mike's protege Alex gets into trouble. What I don't get is why the people Alex owes money to come after Mike and toss Mike's house. The only reason I can see is that it helps further the plot. Mike pays off Alex's debts, and that's out of guilt the movie forces into the story. I didn't believe it.

What I think is the plot comes in really late. Mike's future aspirations are unlikely and he's faced with a decision of chasing his dream or remaining comfortable. I had heard this movie had a good story despite what appears on the 'cover,' and with this being a Soderbergh film I figured this would be worth a watch.

The dialog never quite hits the mark. I think this was going for raw and awkward, but it feels forced and fake.

This could paint stripping as a stepping stone that becomes a dead end, a thrill dulled over time, but the movie doesn't do that. At the end we get a bit about how Mike is disappointed with the direction of his life. Mike realizes he's tired of the life, and that ending leaves a lot to be desired.