Review of Magic Mike XXL (2015) by Jeff B — 26 Aug 2015

Though not nearly as magical as the first well-oiled hunk of entertainment, Mike's more Medium than Extra Large-grade second strip teases enough laughs and good times despite the false advertisement. Sure, many of the popular characters from Magic Mike strut and take their clothes off again to the glee of women on-screen and off. And sure, Mike tries his hand at a non-Adult Entertainment trade while wooing a young woman's who's not impressed with his, ahem, body of work. And surely sure, all involved are headed for a national contest that spotlights the best of the best in their field. While XXL recycles liberally from the last go-round and that well-traveled filmic road known called 'the competition,' however, the movie makes sure to keep the comedic tone as mellow gold as Magic Mike. This flick's not out to achieve world peace, but it's smart enough to know what made the first comedy such a surprise hit. This isn't Adam Sandler and Kevin James doing broad shtick as blue-collar guys forced to strip for money. This is a bunch of well-built ne'er-do-wells doing dramedy that happens to tip way farther to the funnier side than their last misadventure.

This R-rated comedy sequel charts the continuing adventures of male stripper Magic Mike (Tatum).

The audience wants for Matthew McConaughey's Dallas (he and Alex Pettyfer sat this one out), but the rest of the cast seems to have adapted his character's stoner coolness. The story presents a series of thinly framed misadventures that play out in long scenes. In no rush to get to the end, XXL takes its time and lets the takes play out organically. Seemingly laughing at their own machismo, the naturally funny cast seems to be having a blast even if some of the Magic goes missing during the long second act. Steven Soderbergh's assistant director Gregory Jacobs takes the directing reins, giving moviegoers a charming follow-up that doesn't re-invent the wheel.

Bottom line: Dancing in the Lark.