“Magic Mike’s Last Dance” Review
Salma Hayek Pinault (Left) and Channing Tatum put on an incredible dance show in “Magic Mike’s Last Dance,” the final film in this trilogy.
When I told people that I liked the first two “Magic Mike” films and was going to see the third one this week, everyone gave me the look that said “Parker, you’re a straight man. Why do you watch those movies?” Well, first of all, I love the director. Stephen Soderbergh was one of the frontrunners of the 1990s movement of independent cinema and has crafted so many fantastic films including “Sex, Lies and Videotape,” “Erin Brockovich,” the “Ocean’s” trilogy, “Che” and “Contagion.” So of course I’m going to see a film he’s directed.
Secondly, I know I’m not the target audience for this series. I know that. However, that doesn't mean that I can’t enjoy it. I go see Disney animated films despite the fact that I have no children nor do I object to women going to see steroid-spiked, testosterone-fueled action films that are primarily geared towards men. If you look past the obvious eye-candy on display, the “Magic Mike” films are surprisingly engaging with choreography that surpasses some modern musicals and an interesting protagonist with big dreams and a passion for what he does. It just so happens that what he’s passionate about is doing erotic dancing. Now that I’ve defended myself, “Magic Mike’s Last Dance” is a perfectly serviceable ending to this trilogy. While it doesn’t equal the first two, there’s an undeniable passion, both in front of and behind the camera, to this film that will entertain most who see it.
After losing his furniture business during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mike Lane (Channing tatum) has taken up bartending and renounced his talent for dancing. After meeting Maxandra Mendoza (Salma Hayek Pinault), the owner of a prestigious theater in London, at a fundraiser, Mike and Max develop a passionate relationship which turns into a creative partnership. With the theater that Max owns having been performing the same dull play for years, Max is ready for a big change and hires Mike to direct a dance spectacular that will blow people’s minds.
I think the vast majority of people who are going to see this movie are women and their significant others who are getting dragged to the theater. With this demographic in mind, I think this is going to be satisfying because of how fast-paced and energetic the dance sequences are. These choreographic marvels are the biggest reason to see this film with some of these dance sequences being jaw-dropping. One example comes at the film’s climatic performance which sees Channing Tatum and an incredible ballerina (Kylie Shea) doing an incredible dance sequence in water that serves as a brilliant metaphor for the turned-on audience. It is some of the best dancing I’ve seen in a while, bursting with sexuality and filled with stellar passion.
As for Channing Tatum, he’s an actor that a lot of people underestimate. Between “21 Jump Street” and its sequel, “Dog,” “The Hateful Eight,” “Logan Lucky” and “Foxcatcher,” how many good performances does this guy have to give before you give him his credit. Between his excellent moves and his infectious passion for both dancing and directing, you’re really on Mike’s side as he tries to find a new path in his life.
Despite marvelous choreography and Channing Tatum continuing to charm as Mike, this is the weakest film in the trilogy mainly because it doesn’t feel like the final film, despite being marketed that way. The musical sequences certainly go big, but the rest of the story doesn’t follow the same path and “Magic Mike’s Last Dance” feels like just another film in the series. If there were bigger stakes in regards to Mike’s dilemmas, I think this could have been an excellent end to the series. As is, it’s fine on its own but then there’s no reason why it should be the ending.
I also have mixed thoughts on the chemistry between Max and Mike because, while I love Channing Tatum and Salma Hayek Pinault in this film, I buy their professional relationship way more than their romance.
While “Magic Mike’s Last Dance” isn’t going to attract new viewers, I still think that Soderbergh made a relatively entertaining film that will appease fans of the first two films. It’s got good dancing, funny dialogue and enough passion to make you feel like you’re watching a fun spectacle.
