Magic Mike XXL’s scenes hang adequately in sequence: some uninteresting, some entertaining, and all of them tongue-in-cheek. It is unfortunate (depending on your point of view) that the film is consistently unsubstantial, the gratuitously drawn-out “plot” existing primarily to orchestrate a series of dramatic tableaux.

The usual suspects are nice enough, barring a slightly strange Jada Pinkett Smith, but there is a McConaughey-shaped hole in this line-up.

It is the film’s self-awareness and sense of humour that acts as a life raft, carrying the movie into more likeable waters.

Nonetheless the film ultimately rests upon its finely sculpted laurels.

Lacking the grit of its predecessor, Magic Mike XXL has been stripped to its “core” appeal. Bulging biceps and famous abs can only do so much; sometimes less is just less.  

RATING: 2/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Channing Tatum, Matt Bomer, Joe Manganiello, Kevin Nash, Adam Rodriguez, Amber Heard, Jada Pinkett Smith, Andie MacDowell

DIRECTOR: Gregory Jacobs

WRITER: Reid Carolin

SYNOPSIS: Three years after Mike bowed out of the stripper life at the top of his game, he and the remaining Kings of Tampa hit the road to Myrtle Beach to put on one last blow-out performance.