Steven Soderbergh Revisits Male Bonding in “Magic Mike”
Set in Tampa, Florida, “Magic Mike” introduces us to Mike (Channing Tatum), a charismatic performer at a strip club owned by the flamboyant Dallas (Matthew McConaughey). Mike, known as “Magic Mike” on stage, takes a young, impressionable newcomer, Adam (Alex Pettyfer), under his wing. Adam, nicknamed “The Kid,” quickly embraces the lifestyle of a male stripper, reveling in the nightly parties and attention. However, as Adam gets drawn deeper into the world of excess and Dallas plans to expand the business to Miami, Mike begins to question his own career path and life choices.
Steven Soderbergh’s versatility is unparalleled. He effortlessly transitions between Hollywood blockbusters like the “Ocean’s” series, fact-based dramas (“Che,” “The Informant!”), cautionary sci-fi thrillers (“Contagion”), and multinational projects with A-list stars. Yet, he still finds time for documentaries about Spalding Gray (“And Everything Is Going Fine”), minimalist indie films starring pornographic actresses (“The Girlfriend Experience”), and action flicks with a Chuck Norris-esque female lead (“Haywire”). The director, who followed up “Sex, Lies, and Videotape” with “Kafka,” remains a force to be reckoned with. While his diverse filmography can make it difficult to pinpoint his true artistic identity, Soderbergh remains one of the most skilled filmmakers working today. With few exceptions, his projects are distinct from one another, yet all bear his signature touch. “Magic Mike,” while entertaining, is also a surprisingly thoughtful film.
Initially, “Magic Mike” might seem like a male version of “Showgirls.” It’s easy to imagine it becoming a cult classic for female audiences, a go-to for girls’ nights, thanks to its cast of gym-sculpted bodies and suggestive dance moves. While not a musical, the film features several amusing strip routines, opening with a group performance to “It’s Raining Men.” Like “Boogie Nights,” “The Lifeguard,” or “Saturday Night Fever,” “Magic Mike” explores the intoxicating world of an exotic profession, offering endless opportunities for self-expression and sexual escapades. However, it also acknowledges the inherent limitations of age; no one can subject their body to such demands forever. Substitute a pop star, a beach bum, or a disco dancer for a stripper, and “Magic Mike” becomes a worthy successor to these films. However, Soderbergh and screenwriter Reid Carolin don’t always follow the expected path.
Typically, in these types of stories, the naive newcomer transforms from a handsome but clueless kid into a confident superstar, only to be overwhelmed by the temptations that come with his newfound status. However, the focus of Soderbergh’s film is Mike, aka “Magic Mike,” played by Channing Tatum. He mentors Adam but also realizes the potential consequences of this seemingly carefree profession. Tatum, who played a significant role in “Haywire,” gets to showcase his multifaceted talents and serves as one of the film’s producers. He’s more refined than in his previous macho roles, displaying intelligence and sophistication that directors haven’t previously tapped into.
While Tatum’s gyrations in a thong will undoubtedly grab attention, he truly shines in the film’s witty and well-acted banter. His worthy opponent in this ongoing, sexually charged discussion is Cody Horn (Adam’s sister, Brooke). Horn’s portrayal of the disapproving older sister, a somewhat traditional role, suggests a promising future for the emerging actress. And Matthew McConaughey, channeling elements of Joe Dallesandro in “Lonesome Cowboys” and Joel Grey in “Cabaret,” seems to have secured a nomination in the “Best Supporting Actor” category.
Final Thoughts
The final scene reveals some inevitable weaknesses and hesitations, as the film attempts to express its reservations about the superficiality and limitations of the stripping lifestyle, the drinking, the good-natured pranks, the shouts, and the revelry that the characters have so thoroughly enjoyed throughout the film. However, overall, it’s a highly entertaining spectacle: don’t slip less than $20 into their underwear.