Movie Review - Magic Mike

Magic Mike (2012) * * *
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Stars: Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Matthew McConaughey, Joe Manganiello, Matt Bomer, and Olivia Munn

From IMDB:
"Mike, an experienced stripper, takes a younger performer called The Kid under his wing and schools him in the arts of partying, picking up women, and making easy money."

My Thoughts:
Magic Mike is an interesting film, in that it has a far deeper storyline than the trailers lead one to believe. Mike is a creative soul who wants to open his own business making unique furniture made from one-of-a-kind found objects.  To reach that goal, he works as a constructions worker, does mobile auto detailing, and dances at a strip club, all to try to save enough money to one day realize his dream.  He meets a young guy who is down on his luck, and inducts him into the strip club and into a whole new way of life.  The story unfolds over the next three months, as Mike himself grows more and more disillusioned with his current lifestyle and begins to realize that his dreams and goals have shifted, even as The Kid sinks deeper into the party lifestyle of drugs, alcohol, and casual sex.  Mike wants desperately to connect with someone, but nearly all the women he meets only want him for sex - except for The Kid's older sister, who initially wants nothing to do with Mike, and is concerned about her younger brother.  As the two spend time together, a fragile bond begins to develop, until one disastrous night when everything nearly falls apart.  Mike realizes he needs to make a decision, but is unsure which path he should take - easy money, or a shot at a real relationship.

 Magic Mike is not a movie for everyone.  The stripping scenes are fun and crazy, and the guys are hot.  However there is a lot of swearing, and some drug use.

I quite enjoyed the film for what it was, but Bob completely hated it.  So if you go see it, be warned that Magic Mike is a little darker and deeper than what the trailers lead you to believe.  However, you might go for the strippers and end up staying for the story.  I give it three stars - it was a decent film.

Have you seen Magic Mike?  Leave a comment below and let me know what you think.