This takes place in Florida. A 30 year old male stripper Magic Mike (Channing Tatum) meets young Adam (Alex Pettyfer) who has no direction in life. Mike takes him under his wing and gets him to be a stripper. He also romances Adams' sister Brooke (Cody Horn). But Adam gets hooked on drugs and things get dangerous.

First let's get the nude issue out of the way. There is only one full frontal in the movie--it's off to the side, is partially blocked and is probably faked. It's also very funny. There's mostly butt shots only but all are from Tatum, Pettyfer and Adam Rodriguez. This movie is NOT about the nudity. The movie moves slow (although I was never bored) and main events happen off screen OR are never explained! Still the movie works. For one thing all the acting is good. I was surprised at how good Tatum was. I never thought he could act till this. He captures his character perfectly. Pettyfer was equally good as Adam. Even Matthew McConaughey was good as the group's owner named Dallas. The strip acts themselves are incredible. All the guys are in good shape and Tatum shows some moves that are jaw-dropping! However they're not shot in an exploitive fashion. They're done in a matter of fact way that actually makes them seem quite funny. This movie (script wise) shows us nothing new but it was well-made and entertaining. This is not just for women and gay men--I think everyone would enjoy it. I give it a 7.

Unless you are going to go into the business end of it like Matthew McConaughey does male stripping is definitely for those just entering legal majority and a bit beyond. You get old mighty quick in the game as Channing Tatum in the title role realizes. He's got a day job and he's saving his money to start a business.

On that day job is Alex Pettyfer who hasn't got it as together as Tatum does. So when Tatum brings him into the male strip club to work for McConaughey, young Pettyfer becomes an instant star. His sister Cody Horn is concerned for him because he's also a bit of screw-up. She hopes that Tatum will keep him somewhat in line. She kind of likes Tatum herself.

A person I know who is in this line tells me Magic Mike was better than he thought it would be. Both of us were prepared for something truly trashy and Magic Mike wasn't that at all. The characters were both real and engaging though if you want to see some erotic male dancing than this is a movie that will provide.

I'd check this out, but don't bring the kiddies.

Mike Lane (Channing Tatum) is a roofer by day and stripper by night. Joanna (Olivia Munn) is his outgoing sex partner. He dreams of making custom furniture. He gets saddled with college dropout Adam (Alex Pettyfer) who got the roofing job on Craigslist. Adam is an aimless slacker sleeping on his sister Brooke (Cody Horn)'s couch. Mike takes Adam under his wing hustling and then throws Adam out onto the dance floor. Dallas (Matthew McConaughey) runs the strip club and the troupe called Kings of Tampa.

Director Steven Soderbergh gives this movie his indie sensibilities. The movie isn't as energized as I thought it would be. It's grungy with longer scenes. The music is restricted mostly to the clubs and montages. It leaves an overall sense of sadness. He also saturates the movie with a yellowy color which adds to the depressed feeling. Channing Tatum is solid and McConaughey is McConaughey. Pettyfer is a bit too cold and distant. Cody Horn is a bit cold too which is great as the older sister but not so great as the love interest. Olivia Munn actually brings out a fascinating character. I just expected more flash and less coldness.