Magic Mike's Last Dance

2 out of 5 stars

Short Take: The phrase comes from the film industry, originally, and it means a short bit of recording or “something that only takes a short time,” especially if a longer version may be done later.

Short Take review: A short review of a film with potential discussion points

Summary: For fans of Academy Award-winning director Steven Soderbergh, it is hard to imagine that he would have one of the most successful franchises of his illustrious career with an anthology of a male stripper. In this third instalment of Magic Mike, Channing Tatum (Logan Lucky, Dog) reprises his role, trying to get things right in the post-COVID era after his business ventures went south. As he bartends for the rich and famous, the former dancer is introduced to Maxandra Mendoza (Salma Hayek Pinault). After a brief love affair, the wealthy socialite offers him a chance to remake his life. As they head to London, the pair begin a new venture that will rearrange their lives as they look to upset the theatrical establishment.

Review: This franchise is meant to humanise the male stripper industry and attempts to empower women in the process. This third film does capitalise on Tatum’s dancing abilities and stays true to the themes of the previous chapters with less originality. Hayek and Tatum have believable chemistry, but the overall believability of their relationship does stretch any reality. Even though the franchise did need a next-level experience to progress the storyline, this fairy tale journey moves from the exceptional to the bizarre. Yet, for the dancing fans of these characters, this will fulfil all the fans' needs. While this is a rather pedestrian episode for this series and filmmaker, it will provide the closure needed to complete Mike’s story.

Reel Dialogue: Do you have to love dancing to appreciate Magic Mike?

No, but it might make you appreciate the film and your existence. Know that the artistry of Steven Soderbergh’s film focusses on the dancing skills of Channing Tatum. It is no different than watching the breakdancer busking in the city park, walking through a sculpture garden, enjoying a well-produced film or even going through the local botanical gardens. Art comes in various forms, and the appreciation manifests in different ways. It is why some love contemporary dance, and others only can appreciate classical theatre.

The more profound question is, why do humans create art at all? It is a complex idea, but the simple but profound answer is that a creative God forms us. The true master artist inspires the best of art. The human form and the rest of nature arouse the artist in us because it is part of our DNA. The created are creative because we are the artistry of the master creator.

'But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.' - Isaiah 64:8