[Review] Magic Mike XXL

The first Magic Mike wasn't just novel eye candy (for those into that stuff). Aside from being very well-shot, it had a great sense of humor and some surprising depth within its narrative--regarding recession effects and drug abuse. Magic Mike XXL doesn't really bother with much of a compelling plot. It's more of a superficial victory lap(dance).

If you saw the last one, you'd know that Mike (Channing Tatum) has since left the dancing world behind (he was real serious about it). And now he's working a regular 9-to-5. BUT(T) THEN... he receives a phone call from the old dancing crew inviting him back, which completely screams: "We need a sequel."

Mike joins the party without any hesitation whatsoever, and in turn, the whole film appears to be pretty forced and empty, and it's unable to capture the... (don't say magic, don't say magic) lightning in the bottle of its predecessor. The script isn't as slick and it's crowded with scenes that don't go anywhere, which makes the film feel half baked and lengthier than it actually is. Oh yeah, and there's no Matthew McConnaughey here. Sure, the dance sequences are a tad more elaborate and more frequent, but that'll only to the trick if that's all you came for.

5/10