Movie Review of Magic Mike XXL - review by Chelsea Richardson

Runtime: 115 minutes

Rating: R

Chances are, even if you have not seen the first Magic Mike, you know the general synopsis of Magic Mike XXL. Directed by Gregory Jacobs, whose resume also includes the Ocean’s trilogy, Magic Mike XXL features the return of the “Kings of Tampa” group from the first movie (Channing Tatum, Joe Mangianiello, Kevin Nash, Adam Rodriguez and Matt Bomer) and man are at it again! 

Three years ago, Mike Lane (Tatum) vowed to retire from the stripper life while at the top of his game. Luckily for us, a visit from the remaining Kings of Tampa leaves him with the burning desire for one last performance. The men set off on a final road trip to Myrtle Beach for the annual stripper convention. Along the way, they make stops in Jacksonville and Savannah where they make some  new friends in addition to reviving a few old aquaintences. 

A pleasant surprise to the screen was that of Jada Pinkett Smith in the role of Rome, Mike’s employer from the days before he was magic. This stand out performance by Smith brought a confident and sassy female character into the mix as the perfect “queen” to tame the “Kings of Tampa.” 

Throughout the theater, viewers seemed to have mixed feelings towards the film. Many felt it did not compare to the original for the simple facts that there were fewer dance scenes in addition to the surplus of clothing the actors kept on throughout the 115 minute run time. However, they all seemed to be in agreement that regardless, the movie was still entertaining. What it lacked in dancing, it made up for in humor and a visually pleasing leading group of actors.  

The film gains its “R” rating through the obviously sexual content and overall nature of the storyline with an assist by profane language. The plot was not the driving factor in people attending this movie. More people will go to see the plot of the Minion Movie than that of this one, but in comparison to the first, Magic Mike XXL, had a more developed storyline that is sure to leave the audience entertained. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the new routines guaranteed to take the Kings of Tampa out of the industry with a bang.