Magic Mike XXL

 MAGIC MIKE XXL

Director  : Gregory Jacobs

Year : 2015

Genre : Comedy

Rating : **1/2

While Steven Soderbergh's 2012 box office hit 'Magic Mike' was essentially a human drama under the guise of a rambunctious chick flick, it's sequel 'Magic Mike XXL' gives it's target audience exactly what it wants - much more sparkling thongs, oiled abs and a lot less character development or narrative contrivances. Once again loosely based on the early stripping career of star Channing Tatum, the film sees most of the Kings Of Tampa (original stars Alex Pettyfer and Matthew McConaughey do not return) re-uniting for one last party - the annual strippers convention in Myrtle Beach. Along the way, the boys bump into numerous groups of women who are more than happy to cram handfuls of dollar bills into their impossibly tight posing pouches while they ponder what life will be like after the convention. 

With previous director Soderbergh now working behind the camera as cinematographer and editor, former first AD Gregory Jacobs takes control of proceedings and to his credit, he captures more than a few eye-catching moments of gyrating hips and ridiculously horny females. But there is a notable absence of edge in 'Magic Mike XXL' that really detracts from the story and character arcs that returning screenwriter Reid Carolin built up so well in the original 2012 movie. Without this aforementioned asperity, the film only has it's costumery and many dance scenes to go by and while these may be passably entertaining, at two hours, 'Magic Mike XXL' ironically runs out of steam relatively quickly. Of course Tatum makes for a charismatic lead and the other guys in the group are all likable and individually funny but while it's cast have a huge amount of fun in their respective roles, I didn't have a huge amount of fun watching them in 'Magic Mike XXL'. There are moments here and there which are a good laugh but not enough to warrant an overlong running time and a distinct lack of character or plot. A disappointingly raucous sequel to a surprisingly controlled and impressive original.