Writer: Naseem Randhawa

Writer Ratings:
Overall:
Cast:
Plot:
Effects:
Cinematography:

Watch this if you liked: “Showgirls” & “Sex, Lies, and Videotape”

Walking into a cinema with the initial impression that what one is guaranteed with in "Magic Mike" is only hunky shirtless men, countless flexing muscles and cheeky one-liners, may get more than they bargained for as this Soderbergh soiree has a simmering plot that's on par with the heat on screen.

Partly based on Channing Tatum's early years as a stripper before he became a movie star, the story follows Adam (Alex Pettyfer), as an unemployed 19-year-old who lives with his sister (Cody Horn). After Adam gets fired from his new job at a construction company, he meets his ex-co-worker; the friendly Mike (Channing Tatum) who introduces him to the world of stripping set amidst drug use, indecent proposals and romance. The movie is equally balanced when it comes to the flashy strip scenes and the serious story arc which delves deeper on how Mike dreams of making it big as an entrepreneur, with several of his ideas depended on the cash flow he receives from dancing at the nightclub in order to leave the past and start working on his morally modest future.

As if the two male leads aren't already enough, the screen is set ablaze with the introduction of more male strippers in the form of Joe Manganiello ("True Blood"), Matt Bomer ("White Collar") and Adam Rodriguez ("CSI: Miami"). Of course no male-stripper movie would be complete without the man who appears shirtless at least once in almost all of his movies; Matthew McConaughey, who basks in the glory moment where his 'shirtless-ness' is finally understandably justified as the hilarious club emcee and owner, Dallas.

Topped with his trademark Soderbergh like plot style in evoking favourable performances from his male cast (while the female cast are completely overshadowed), be sure to also look out for the cleverly choreographed dance performances set to popular songs; "It's Raining Men" (a Dubstep remix) and Madonna's "Like A Virgin" which are some of the more memorable highlights of the film, trust us.

"Magic Mike" is a not-so-trashy 'flashy' tale that not only caters as a visual feast for the ladies, but also has a balanced story arc that is gripping enough to satisfy the male perspective. So, sit back, relax and enjoy the show!

Cinema Online, 02 September 2012