Chiming in a little a late, but Magic Mike is probably better than what you expect.
I went into it expecting a "Hollywood" treatment on the subject. You know, Hollywood catering to 14 year old boys -and older men with 14 year old mentalities. Shallow. Superficial. Linear plot line. Trite humor. "Action" in place of dialogue and acting. Instead, the film strives for a more of a European treatment. It doesn't quite make the leap, but it is earnest -and ultimately endearing- for its effort.
Perhaps if a European studio had been put in charge of production they would have made the full leap to an intriguing, adult, slice of life, bit of drama. -Instead you get a cheerful, 'close.'
Everyone involved does their level best within the limited framework they're given. There are moments when the story and characters are not convincing or authentic. But just as I thought, "alright. Here we go..." things take a turn for the better. And there are smatterings of insightful moments where the characters and situations are quite convincing and authentic.
A great deal of credit has to go to Channing Tatum and the cinema photography . The young kid's descent is visually framed in a way that makes him appear more multi-layered and nuanced than the thin script provides. And Tatum is exceptional. Only falling a little short of convincing in his most tearful moments.
Now if Tennesse Wiilliams and director of The Last Picture Show had a hand in this..........
!!!!!
We would be talking movie gold.
But short of that, this was a B movie with a B+ effort.