“Magic Mike XXL” is a film that knows exactly what it is and embraces it wholeheartedly. It’s a movie light on plot but heavy on abs, filled with men who seem to have a persistent shirt allergy and simple, straightforward goals.
I went into “Magic Mike XXL” without having seen the first “Magic Mike.” A quick read through the Wikipedia plot summary sufficed to get me up to speed. The story picks up three years after the events of the first film, with Mike now running a modest custom furniture business. His life takes an unexpected turn when his old friends from the Kings of Tampa roll through town on their way to the Myrtle Beach Male Stripper Convention. They convince Mike to join them for “one last ride,” setting the stage for a road trip filled with camaraderie, dance routines, and plenty of shirtless moments.
Magic Mike XXL: A Film That Knows Its Identity
As the crew travels, they encounter various people who either assist them or require their help. A significant setback occurs when they lose their MC, leading them to a club called Domina, run by Jada Pinkett Smith’s character. Here, they recruit Stephen “Twitch” Boss and Donald Glover, adding fresh talent to their troupe. They also spend a night at the elegant Southern mansion of Andie MacDowell, entertaining a group of middle-aged women in need of some excitement.
The movie is devoid of substantial conflict. The biggest concerns are whether their froyo truck will make it to Myrtle Beach and if they can come up with new routines for the convention. Big Dick Richie’s quest for a woman who isn’t intimidated by his enormous equipment is another humorous subplot. These minor conflicts provide a light-hearted backdrop to the main focus of the film: the bond between the characters.
A Road Trip Full of Dance and Camaraderie
At its core, “Magic Mike XXL” is about bros being bros. The friendship among the characters is genuine, free from competition, and filled with the kind of banter that only old friends can engage in comfortably. But there’s another layer to the film – a heart that acknowledges and celebrates the female gaze. During the dance sequences, women of all shapes, sizes, and races are shown as the focus of the dancers’ attention. This inclusivity is never treated as a joke. The film recognizes that the female gaze is a powerful thing, and it indulges it without judgment. The male entertainers are for everyone, and the film respects that notion.
Lighthearted Conflicts and Genuine Friendships
A poignant scene between Donald Glover and Matt Bomer highlights this respect. Glover’s character sings and raps about how all they need to do is ask the women what they want and then give it to them. There’s no predatory gleam in his eye; instead, there’s a hint of sadness that women have to go to a club and pay a man to ask them what they desire.
In the genteel Southern mansion, the boys don’t just entertain the older women; they help them articulate their wants and needs. This interaction is filled with respect and a touch of humor, facilitated by a fair amount of wine. Jada Pinkett Smith’s character refers to the female audience as queens, deserving to be visually pleasured and worshiped by her dancers. It’s a matriarchy where respect for men is paramount.
Ultimately, “Magic Mike XXL” is a film about hot dudes on a road trip, finding places to take their shirts off and dance for the enjoyment of others. There’s dancing, some talking, and then you find yourself wanting less talking and more dancing because that’s what you’re there for.
Channing Tatum: The Perfect Dude
Channing Tatum, once again, proves he is a national treasure. His character, Mike, is portrayed as the perfect dude. He’s smart, has a business, is funny, considerate, self-deprecating, and, let’s face it, looks incredible. Tatum’s charm and physique are undeniable, and he delivers a performance that’s both appealing and relatable.
Some men might argue that such media depictions of men create unrealistic expectations. While Tatum’s physical appeal is undeniable, it’s important to note that men have far more opportunities to see themselves in various roles in media. Female actors often face stricter physical expectations and have a shorter window of “desirability” compared to their male counterparts. The objectification in “Magic Mike XXL” is a rare instance in a media landscape that overwhelmingly favors male perspectives and roles.
So, is this film just a case of turnabout being fair play? Not exactly. The Kings of Tampa are in control throughout the movie. Unlike female strippers in movies who often appear sad or forced into their roles, the Kings are cheerful and empowered. This portrayal is a fantasy, and it’s clear that the movie isn’t striving for realism but rather offering an escapist delight.
The film introduces a new kind of critic-proof genre – “experimental fluff.” It’s a movie where the aesthetic playfulness and charm overshadow its lack of a substantial plot. Directed by Gregory Jacobs, with Steven Soderbergh serving as producer, cinematographer, and editor under pseudonyms, the film is deliberately designed to be as close to a non-movie as possible while still being a movie.
The story is minimal: Mike and the remaining Kings of Tampa – Ken (Matt Bomer), Big Dick Richie (Joe Manganiello), Tarzan (Kevin Nash), and Tito (Adam Rodriguez) – embark on a road trip to compete at a strippers’ convention in Myrtle Beach. The film’s narrative is picaresque, resembling a comic epic with Mike leading his crew on a final adventure.
Along the way, they visit various places, meet people, and engage in erotic escapades. These set pieces feel like self-contained episodes, adding to the film’s whimsical and fragmented nature. They compete at a gay strip club, unwind at a beach party, and stop by a next-generation strip club run by Mike’s old flame, Rome. They even crash a party at a woodland house hosted by Andie MacDowell, where they charm the middle-aged women in attendance.
Acknowledging Absences and Lacking Romance
The film “Magic Mike XXL” doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the absence of Matthew McConaughey’s character, Dallas, who left the group (implying McConaughey wanted too much money). Mike’s romantic interests in the film are intentionally lackluster, emphasizing that the real romance is between the audience and Tatum’s body.
The dance sequences in “Magic Mike XXL” break out into the wider world, creating a blend of semi-realistic road movie and old-fashioned musical. There are solos set in Mike’s workshop, a gas station convenience store, and several musical numbers that feel more like concerts. The final act, set at the stripper convention, is a self-contained spectacle, showcasing each dancer’s solo routine.
Soderbergh’s cinematography adds a sense of grandeur to the performances, reminiscent of classic musicals. Jada Pinkett Smith presides over this section of the film “Magic Mike XXL” with a commanding presence, adding a theatrical flair that elevates the sequences.
Does Magic Mike XXL Work as a Film?
Does “Magic Mike XXL” work as a film? Intermittently, and sometimes brilliantly. The script by Reid Carolin touches on themes of appreciating beauty, sexual indulgence, and the importance of listening to women. The movie characterizes the dancers as angels of mercy, delivering pleasure and joy to the women they entertain.
The best parts of the film “Magic Mike XXL” – the extended dance sequences – have a dreamlike quality that’s intoxicating and fun. The quieter scenes feel more like a minor Robert Altman film, capturing regional details and atmospheric nuances. The leading actresses – Smith, MacDowell, and Elizabeth Banks – shine in roles that allow them to be joyous and lustful.
However, the film “Magic Mike XXL” does have its flaws. Some scenes feel aimless and half-hearted, and there are underdeveloped themes related to gender politics and race. The absence of McConaughey’s intense commitment is noticeable, and the gay strip club scene feels perfunctory. While Tatum is a standout dancer, not all his co-stars match his level of talent.
Despite these shortcomings, the film’s charm and likability make up for its structural and tonal inconsistencies. For audiences looking to watch nearly naked guys dance, “Magic Mike XXL” delivers on its promise. It’s a film that embraces its identity and invites viewers to indulge in its fantasy world.
Conclusion: A Playful and Exuberant Ride
In conclusion, “Magic Mike XXL” is a film that understands its purpose and fulfills it with playful exuberance. It celebrates the female gaze, the bond between friends, and the joy of dance. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it offers an entertaining escape and a visual feast that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re there for the abs, the dancing, or the camaraderie, “Magic Mike XXL” is a ride worth taking.”
