MAGIC MIKE’S LAST DANCE – “One big thrusting misstep”

MAGIC MIKE'S LAST DANCE

 Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

 Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

 Caption: (L-r) SALMA HAYEK PINAULT as Maxandra Mendoza and CHANNING TATUM as Mike Lane in Warner Bros. Pictures musical comedy “MAGIC MIKE’S LAST DANCE,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release.

RATING

DIRECTOR

Directed by: Steven Soderbergh (Magic Mike – 2012)

MAIN CAST

• Channing Tatum as Mike Lane
• Salma Hayek Pinault as Maxandra Mendoza
• Ayub Khan Din as Victor
• Juliette Motamed as Hannah

SYNOPSIS

It is a sequel to 2015's Magic Mike XXL and the third and final instalment in the Magic Mike trilogy.

Mike Lane takes to the stage once again when a business deal that went bust leaves him broke and bartending in Florida. Hoping for one last hurrah, Mike heads to London with a wealthy socialite who lures him with an offer he can't refuse -- and an agenda all her own.

REVIEW SUMMARY

Sadly, Magic Mike’s Last Dance is one big thrusting misstep. Yes, it’s safe to say that this franchise has lost most of its magic at this point. And no, it’s not due to a lack of six pack abs or seductive dance numbers – by any means. The reason things fall flat can be attributed to the laughable plot and awkward tone of it all. You see, while things start inspiring enough with a genuinely affecting chance meeting, it quickly turns into a straight up screwball comedy. But, with the tone never following suit, the movie is always at odds with itself. Sure, things get cheeky and light time to time, but there’s a stubborn seriousness that our director is always dragging along. Themes of women empowerment and finding life’s spark are presented, but ultimately amount to very little when all is said and done. I mean, the paltry dialogue and measly character development don’t help matters either. What does help, however, is the film’s fun finale. This is where the audience will ultimately get what they came for – the sultry “show.” And let’s just say that the new crop of gentlemen that have been assembled know how to please their audience. And, for his part, Channing Tatum continues to impress with an excess of charm, charisma, and passion. What can I say, he’s got moves and he knows how to use ‘em. If only they were put to use in a better movie. So, in the end, it’s not the sweetest send off for ‘ol Magic Mike, but rather a limp finale.

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