Magic Mike Directed by: Steven Soderbergh Starring: Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Matthew McConaughey Rating: R Release Date: June 29, 2012
TRAILER SCORE: 8/10
Thoughts by TSR: I never have a definitive answer when it comes to my favorite director, but one name that always springs to mind is Steven Soderbergh. He can bounce between genres better than most, one of many things I love about him. A male stripper movie isn’t necessarily something I’d expect, even from Soderbergh, but nothing the director of Schizopolis does should ever be a complete surprise.
One thing that is a bit of a surprise is that it looks like a (relatively charming) romantic comedy. I didn’t expect that, but I do suspect this non-red band trailer is leaving out some of the more, well, interesting aspects the film has to offer. Whether or not the rom-com ends up being the primary focus, I do think the comedic tone is here to stay. I’m thrilled to see Soderbergh doing another comedy. I thought The Informant! was among the funniest films of 2009, so hopefully there are similar results this time around.
As for the cast, it includes two gentlemen completely in their element. One is Tatum, drawing from real-life experience as a male stripper. The other is Matthew McConaughey, drawing from real-life experience as a perpetually shirtless man. Both, unsurprisingly, look good. Alex Pettyfer is more of a question mark (though he doesn't look bad here). I liked the work Soderbergh got out of non-actors Gina Carano and Sasha Grey, so if anyone can get a decent performance out of one of the dullest pretty faces around, it’s him.
If Magic Mike is going to be one of Mr. Soderbergh’s final films before a sabbatical, as he's said, at least it appears he’s going out in style.