Magic Mike XXL Lacks Magic

DETROIT (WWJ) - When Magic Mike arrived in theaters for the first time back in June of 2012, women everywhere were swooning. So it's no surprise that he and the rest of the guys are back in Magic Mike XXL. What is a surprise is how disappointing their return to the big screen turned out to be.

Now, don't get me wrong. I've been waiting for this film to hit theaters ever since the previews started running weeks ago. And, I made sure to be in my seat extra early for the preview screening. Yes, I was that excited. But, my excitement was short lived. Why?

First of all, I think the movie would have been much, much better if the storyline and the script would have been developed more. With much of the movie focusing on the guys' adventures on their way to a stripper convention, there were plenty of opportunities for them to get into "trouble" along the way, which would have made for some fun times for the audience to enjoy. Instead, the most fun the audience gets has already been shown in the trailer; i.e., Magic Mike's hot dance scene with sparks flying is one, and Big Dick Richie getting up close and personal with a cooler in a gas station is another.

Then, by the time the guys finally arrive at the convention, the movie is practically over. And that would have been just fine if there had been enough of a reason to wait for the finale. However, although the climactic dance scene was "different," it lacked excitement and was unbelievable. And where were all the other dancers? After all, Magic Mike's longtime friend, Rome (Jada Pinkett Smith), had to pull some strings to get them into the already-full convention, so there should have been some screen time given to at least a few other dancers. And on top of all that, even though I knew beforehand that Matthew McConaughey was not in the movie, I think not having him back as the guys' manager, or in some other role, was a major misstep. He was sorely missed.

In other words, Magic Mike XXL lacks magic.

See you at the movies!

Follow Terri on Twitter @TerriJLee

Member:
Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA)
Detroit Film Critics Society (DFCS)
African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA)
Digital Arts, Film & Television (DAFT)
Detroit Chapter, National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)