Review: Magic Mike

Following the documentary Bully, Magic Mike was, in my opinion, a triumphant "Fuck You!" to the dastardly MPAA. As revealed by This Film is Not Yet Rated, the MPAA is a distinctly homophobic and sexist institution managing the arbitrary decision on what is considered "appropriate or inappropriate". This is particularly evident by the base objectification of women without providing them an equal service, amongst many other issues. Unlike Magic Mike, not many films eroticize the male, giving the female audience a disadvantage when seeking a good, old-fashioned, sexy good time. Studios seemed to be under the impression that there was no demand for such entertainment.

They were proved wrong by an overwhelming enthusiasm from critics and fans alike. Droves of women haven't appeared at theaters this viciously since 2004's Sex and the City, and critical response to Magic Mike has been relatively positive, making Mike a champion for the first round. Still, when the glitz and hype is stripped away (pun intended...had to), is there anything left to marvel at?

Other than a few (morbidly obese, gelatinous monsters barely passing for) audience members, the plot was able to sustain interest when the crew wasn't getting down in the nightclub. Director Soderbergh makes the film zippy enough, cascading through human interest concepts that make the film a solid good time. Still, there's a strong Boogie Nights feel to the plotline that never quite takes off. Unfortunately, it would have served as the film's strongest card to play beyond the gimmick.

But let's be real, like Playboy, no one is seeing Mike for the story. The stripping is electric and sexy, often relentless through an appropriately eclectic cast of men. It still plays it safe enough not to offend male and conservative viewers; none of the scenes are too race to offend, other than a brief blurry shot of a penis being pumped (it's as unappealing as it sounds.) To prepare viewers curious- no, Channing Tatum does not go full-frontal here. In fact, none of the stars do; not to discount the sex appeal of the movie.

Everything outside of the strip club makes for breezy, forgettable popcorn chick-fare. Don't expect a Devil Wears Prada sleeper hit here; from the acting to the storyline to the direction, everything gets a "pretty good" response, never surpassing said status. What's most impressive about Magic Mike is the new way of sexualizing the male figure, giving the women a chance to be in control. If anything, Mike should be remembered for the opportunity it could open up for the film industry. Studios can fully recognize the marketability of sexualizing the perception of men, which is a pretty great achievement in itself.

Grade: B-