MAGIC MIKE (2012)
This is just going to have to be one of those movies I enjoyed much more than I wanted to. Really, I figured it'd be worth the ticket price for the cat-calling alone. After all, how many movies really bring out the fat construction worker in drunk and happy women? But once we got passed Channing Tatum's ass and a couple dance numbers, something truly weird started to happen. I began--ye gods--to actually enjoy myself! And it wasn't because I'm a bad lesbian. It's because it's actually a damn solid movie.
Let's look at the facts. Channing Tatum, before his claim to fame on screen, used to strip for money. So he wanted to make a down-to-earth movie about the industry of male stripping. And then the plot bunny fell into the lap of Steven Soderbergh. Done. Let's face it, Soderbergh knows how to do bromances. And that was, essentially, the heart of this movie. A great bromance between Master Stripper Magic Mike (Channing Tatum) and his padawan stripper Adam (Alex Pettyfer). And then there's the tug-and-pull of drugs, sex, and partying way too hard. All the elements are there. The actors are all fantastic (and can do crazy things with their hips). The stripper clan, consisting of Joe Manganiello, Matt Bomer, Adam Rodriguez, and Kevin Nash were all fantastic. But three main characters really held their own--Channing Tatum was a great, charismatic Magic Mike, Alex Pettyfer actually proved to me that he could act, and Cody Horn pulled off a very organic, believable over-protective sister. And, of course, props have to be given to Matthew McConaughey. That man had a bad habit of rubbing me the wrong way but when he lets go and stops taking himself so seriously...he can pull it off.
I should stop there. I should. But I feel a feminist rant coming on. Nothing wrong with Magic Mike itself--in fact, they did a great job with their female characters. They had a good mix of all kinds of women--bimbos, drug addicts, but also strong, solid-on-their-feet women. Yeah, it was nice to see the female character telling her man to "shut up and look pretty." A little change of pace for Hollywood. My bone to pick has nothing to do with this movie...rather, with these types of movies. Movies about male sexuality. My problem is they're always so fucking good. We've got 8 1/2, Boogie Nights, Shame and now Magic Mike. Really good, solid movies that explore psychological issues and lots of bromance. So what have women got? Burlesque? If this is the best we can do, shoot me now.
This is my long way of saying: good movie, check it out. And if you don't check it out, look for the soundtrack. Damn catchy tunes.
I think I'm willing to give Tatum a chance after seeing how funny he was in 21 Jump Street. I may have to check this out.
ReplyDeleteHe's really enjoyable when he doesn't take himself too seriously. Same with basically all Hollywood actors.
DeleteI never cared Tatum, but I think I may have a special place for him after seeing this movie. I unexpectedly enjoyed it more than I thought I would. And I think Matthew McConaughey did so well because he simply played himself.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you there! To be fair, the only other thing I've seen him in is Haywire, so he's had a pretty good track record in my book so far. And McConaughey should play himself in every movie in that case!
DeleteAaarrrgggh! I want to see this movie in the worst way.
ReplyDeleteI'd take my wife, but we NEVER find the time to go together.
I can't see this alone, right? Right?
And wait....are you saying Burlesque wasn't good? But it wasn't like the preview wasn't immensely shitty or anything...
I'm with you there! My girl is bi, so I was definitely dragged to this one. It's a good date night movie, trust me. You can definitely see it alone. Just...don't sit in the back of the theatre.
DeleteCan't do it. Glad you liked it though.
ReplyDeleteTouche! It's shamelessness as an acquired taste.
DeleteI haven't had much desire to see this, maybe on DVD. But, I do appreciate Soderbergh's committment to sticking to his own terms. He's one director that isn't following someone else's pattern.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! Soderbergh always manages to surprise me. But in a good way. I appreciate it. You can definitely wait to DVD for this one.
DeleteWhat about Black Swan and Piano Teacher? I thought they were really good exploration of sexuality. Great review, I really want to see this film, looks like fun with solid acting.
ReplyDeleteOooh, good call! Black Swan was definitely one of the best explorations of female sexuality I've seen in a long ass time. I've never seen Piano Teacher, but now I think I have to get on that.
DeleteAnd thanks! I'm looking forward to your opinion.
Really great movie, but it's a bit more tough to watch than Black Swan. Another films about female sexuality that come to mind for me are Mulholland Drive, Repulsion and The Hours.
DeleteI'm looking forward to this movie, and I really like what you said about the eclectic mix of female characters.
ReplyDeleteThanks! It's a good one, definitely interesting female characters.
DeleteGood review M. I had a great time with this flick because I loved the style that Soderbergh gave off, the energy that he had with the stripping scenes, and the story that actually took me. Also, the performances weren't too shabby, either.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I agree--if Soderbergh knows anything, it's how to make a good, stylish movie. He's quickly moving up the ranks as a director I really admire.
DeleteI'm shameless all the way. I admit the only reasons I want to see this are Joe Manganiello and Matt Bomer, both of whom I adore and well, you know...*wipes drool off chin*
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear they have some solid acting and female characters I can respect. We need to do something about women's sexual exploration movies. Striptease tried, but fell into WTFery.
Agreed! I'm a dyke and I went to see Matt Bomer take off his clothes. He's just that pretty.
DeleteTotally! I want to see if you think the same about them. Looking forward to see what you have to say about it!