On Friday night, I went and saw Magic Mike with my friend Alix and follow bloggers Jamie and Betsy. It was pretty hilarious, but before I get to that, I have a few things to say. Surprise!
(Photos: Magic Mike © 2012 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.)
I caught quite a bit of flak from male friends about seeing this movie – “Why are you going to see that?” “You are so shallow.” “Have fun at your stripper movie!” On the way home, Alix relayed a similar story (We also discussed the general nastiness of male strippers, but that’s another story for another time). Her male coworkers/friends said things like “I thought you’re better than that” and “I didn’t realize you’re so superficial.” Seriously, boys?!? Seriously???
I’m sure they’ll say they were just kidding, and on some level, I’m sure they were, but it also has that oh-so-familiar stink of a double standard. I mean, in Columbiana, did running around in her underwear and/or catsuit make Zoe Saldana a better contract killer? Of course not, but Zoe Saldana looks darn good in underwear and/or a catsuit. Name the last time a woman being topless in a movie added depth to her character? Yeah, that’s what I thought. A number of years back, I watched Blade Trinity with a group of guy friends and could not hold my tongue when it came to the gratuitous, Jessica Biel shower scene. Me: “How on earth did that advance the plot?” Them: “Dude, she’s hot!!”
Well, now it’s our turn. Dude, Channing Tatum is hot!
And they all look pretty good with their clothes on too.
I’ve been racking my brain and I cannot think of another movie in recent times that has been so openly directed toward women (and gay men) when it comes to the hotness factor and/or makes men so uncomfortable. Can you? Sex in the City was the best comparison I could come up with, but that still really isn’t comparable. Men just rolled their eyes and said, “I’m not going.” They didn’t have such a visceral reaction – “just kidding” or otherwise.
As for the movie, it was entertaining. Not exactly what you’d call deep (even when it tried to be) or all that substantive, but I think we’ve already established that wasn’t why we were there. I’ve heard rumors they are going to make it into a Broadway musical and that there are talks of Magic Mike 2. Obviously there is a market and the guys are just going to have to get used to sharing blatant objectification.
Channing Tatum is HOT!!! That is all!!
I saw it last Friday with one of my mom friends and the show we were going to sold out so we went to the later show and found a line just to get into the theater of mostly women. I agree that it really lacks any type of plot but I found it entertaining.
1. Ohhh my goodness the pictures!
2. Like really, they’re all just really hot. Especially Channing.
3. Preach, girl!
I think you make a lot of good points. Female nudity has become so ubiquitous in movies that it’s not even an issue anymore. Female objectification is just expected. And you’re right, it’s just gratuitous, it doesn’t advance the plot. Also, to guys that think girls should be “better than” seeing this movie, or because they see it they’re “shallow” – PUH-LEASE. Recognize the double standard.
HOLY GOD PLEASE LET THERE BE A MUSICAL. possibly starring Taye Diggs.
(shallow, me? hehe.)
but yes, excellent point about the double standards. men get uncomfortable when the tables are turned on them! hopefully we can get to a point where they just roll there eyes at movies like this, as women do at movies like Underworld. (really? you need to fight werewolves in skintight leather? okay.)
So, I take it you would recommend it? I want to see it . . . not just for the eye candy but also because it’s directed by Steven Soderberg, whom I love.
Oh yeah, definitely. If nothing else it’s just a fun, silly movie to see with friends.
I really enjoyed it, even when it got all serious in the middle/end. You are absolutely right about the double-standard, and boys, you’re just going to have to get over it! Or, get to the gym and then take your shirt off, and we’ll ogle you too.