(USA) Action/Adventure. Directed by Jon M. Chu. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Bruce Willis, Channing Tatum, Lee Byung-hun, Adrianne Palicki. Category IIB. 110 Minutes. Opened Mar 28.
(USA) Crime/Thriller. Directed by Steven Soderbergh. Starring Rooney Mara, Jude Law, Channing Tatum, Catherine Zeta-Jones. Category III. 106 minutes. Opened Mar 14.
(USA) Comedy/Drama. Directed by Steven Soderbergh. Starring Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Matthew McConaughey, Cody Horn. Category III. 110 minutes. Opens Sep 27.
Containing neither dramatic conflict nor much emotional development, “Magic Mike” teases more than it puts out—as far as narrative goes, at least. However, thanks to interesting characters, funny scenarios and most importantly, beefcakes aplenty, Steven Soderbergh’s male-stripper comedy is nevertheless an unstoppable crowd-pleaser that will have no problem turning you on.
USA. Category IIB. Toy makers Hasbro and mindless entertainment makers Paramount Pictures once again join forces (after tag-teaming it on the insipid “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”) for yet another nostalgic toy-cartoon adaptation, but as bad as it may sound, this is actually a surprisingly fun good guys vs. bad guys romp, with all the generic clichés and character stereotypes thrown in for good measure. Just check your brain in at the door.
“Step Up” has all the makings of a rehashed, tiresome attempt at the teenybopper dance flick. The predictable clichéd plot of poor-boy-meets-rich-girl-and-they-dance-away-all-obstacles is refreshingly reconstructed through raw, explosive dancing and a hot urban soundtrack. The story evolves as carefree bad boy Tyler is forced to undertake 20 hours of community service at an arts school. This is where he stumbles into headstrong ballerina Nora. After witnessing Tyler’s natural dancing ability Nora undertakes him as her practice partner.
