Magic Mike

"It's not really a feel-good movie but you really feel good after watching it," a friend overheard someone saying on our way out of the theater. I'd have to agree. For the following reasons:

1. Channing Tatum

I actually wonder how it is to see him dance in the flesh—literally—in front of me. And he has credible actual experience to fulfill the fantasy. So if you went to see this movie to feel Mike's beat, "Honey, dance for me and feel free to lead."

Don't mind the ooohh's and the aaahh's, it simply cannot be helped.

2. Matthew McConaughey
I can't think of any other actor who can play the club owner Dallas except this guy who rarely puts a shirt on. And he can grind, sisters. He had only one performance, but it's worth every second that it barely kept his thongs intact.

That vest hardly qualifies as a shirt.

3. Steven Soderbergh
His credits include the Ocean's 11 Trilogy, Contagion, Traffic, and Erin Brockovich, so this film isn't just an eye-candy for girls and the girls-at-heart. This film has a story to tell and it's not your typical rom-com-slash-dramedy.

Soderbergh didn't have a cameo. And I've decided to fill this post with half-naked men.

The supporting cast's stripper performances were a treat to watch even though they were non-existent to the story: Diesel (or whatever his current wrestler name) is Tarzan, a CSI: Miami agent's booty is shaking, and the werewolf pulls out a big shock—how can you not find them fascinating? Add to the support cast Olivia Munn and Cody Horn, who I think are relatable girls. (Sorry, guys, no photos of them girls here.)

Cock Rockin' Kings! It rained men indeed.

All of the above make Magic Mike not your usual date-night movie but a real treat to the girl—that is if boyfriend can sit through male strippers' rock abs, gyrating, thongs, and butt cheeks. Who knows, guys could even learn a thing or two here.

But honestly, this movie is better enjoyed with the girls to hear all sorts of reactions, from shrieks to giggles to jaw-dropping gasps to just plain laughs. That girlfriend fun is the real reason why it's a "feel-good" movie.


Magic Mike gets a six-point-five out of ten, for a guilt-free doze of testosterone and then some. I can't wait for the DVD.



*All photos from the official website, except for the first (YouTube Trailer).
**The video is not mine; found it on YouTube (where else?).