Magic Mike

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http://magicmikemovie.warnerbros.com/

The fact that Magic Mike is directed by Steven Soderbergh kinda tells you all you need to know about this film. For those who don't know, Steven Soderbergh is not exactly known for making light hearted, fun films. His previous films have included Out Of Sight, Erin Brockovich, Traffic and Che Part 1 and 2. So why the producers picked Soderbergh to helm a film about male strippers is beyond me.

Possibly the script by Reid Carolin is the reason the producers picked Soderbergh as this also takes itself way too seriously for a movie about male strippers. I'm not saying that strippers are just to look at and can't have a serious, intelligent side. But when you're going to see them perform, that's exactly what you want. And going to see a movie about them is kinda like going to see them perform. So your core audience is not going to want any accompanying story to detract from the stripping or to weigh it down. That's Magic Mike's problem right there. The story is far too heavy for the subject matter. 

Telling a story about a troubled drug addict is fine but not when your audience have turned up to watch a fun frolic with strippers. The actors are all very pretty but for me there was far too much of a serious story trying to be told which wasn't required. 

I (thankfully) have never seen Showgirls but I think Magic Mike might be the male version of that film. The stripping sequences were well choreographed and fun but the rest of the movie took itself too seriously. 4 out of 10.

Viewing Date - 12th July 2012

UK Release Date - 11th July 2012

Cast Overview:

Matthew McConaughey ~ Dallas

Channing Tatum ~ Magic Mike

Olivia Munn ~ Joanna

Alex Pettyfer ~ Adam

Cody Horn ~ Brooke

Director ~ Steven Soderbergh

Writer ~ Reid Carolin (Screenplay)