One of the highly-anticipated films of the year hit the box office this week. The film does not draw in its audience with superpowers, animation, fight scenes or dangerous stunts, but rather with seven shirtless men performing intricate choreography on a stage.

Steven Soderbergh’s Magic Mike teased women, and men, as soon as the first trailer appeared on television screens. Heartthrob Channing Tatum revealed his desire to make a movie about his past experiences as a stripper, so saying the film is a biography in some form would not be too far-fetched. The cast includes up and coming male stars from Alex Pettyfer to True Blood’s Joe Manganiello, as well as the beautiful Olivia Munn and Cody Horn who gives her best Kristen Stewart impression throughout the nearly two hour testosterone-filled experience.

When the film opened up, expectations were quickly lowered, but it did feature a pleasant scene for any straight men in the audience. Dreams of a fantastic film with great acting and chemistry with erotic dance sequences thrown in for good measure quickly vanished. Instead, the movie plays out like it’s the first real acting job for anyone involved. The exception is UT favorite Matthew McConaughey who provided the handful of laughs that kept me from walking out of the theater.

To be honest, there was another reason I stayed put. The reason hundreds of women and dozens of men rushed to the showing in the first place: strip scenes. Whenever the movie followed action inside the club, viewers are treated to witty dialogue, toned bodies, men in the buff and impressive dance moves from Tatum himself, which I must say was the greatest aspect of the film. If the director paid more attention to the story between the characters than he did the flashy dance sequences the movie would have been ten times better.

The actors had potential. But when you take soon-to-be famous men and reduce their amount of lines to nine or ten then you are bound to have a problem. Most of the actors are just used as props, and while I am positive half of the audience will not mind, the other half will wonder what exactly this movie was trying to accomplish. I was laughing at the movie, and many times for the wrong reasons. Every time I saw Ms. Horn on the big screen I could not help but think I was watching a Twilight film. Her acting was stilted, unconvincing and she seemed to be bored throughout. I still don’t know how that is possible though.

Yes there is some sort of plot buried within. Spoiler alert: a scenario involving illegal drugs, money, and people trying to collect no matter what it takes, but for two whole hours you are hoping pearly-white smiles and six pack abs will satisfy you enough to not demand your ten dollars back. This film will be the guilty pleasure of the year, this year’s Burlesque. If you go into the theater simply desiring to get hot and bothered by shirtless hunks then by all means buy your ticket now. If you are looking for a bit more substance, you are sure to be let down.

I feel I always ruin movies for myself. I go in anxious, waiting months to see it on the big screen, then when it does not live up to my expectations I consider it one of the biggest flops of the year. This could have been the case with Magic Mike, but honestly, the film does not have anything substantial to rely on.
Halfway through the film I gave up all hope on its possible potential. I felt like one of Tatum’s character’s clients. I was presented with a huge gift in very shiny wrapping, felt used and, at times, violated, but when it was all over I was left with my mouth wide open hoping for more, only to discover my money had be taken and I was left crying in my seat.

The film receives a grade of a C+. The C stands for one thing only…. charisma. Take my opinion if you want, but how many women do I think will listen to this review and avoid the movie? None!