Magic Mike and Ted - early reviews

[JasonEvans]

Quick sum-ups for folks interested in seeing these new flicks this weekend.

Ted - while it has moments of true hilarity, the plot of Ted is so thin, underdeveloped, and obvious that the movie drags at times and there is little story to keep you really engaged. There is more story depth in a typical episode of Family Guy... I am serious. That said, the humor is quite funny and follows the Family Guy theme of lots of pop culture references and being an equal opportunity offender. Everyone gets skewered in this thing. It was not quite as raunchy as you might imagine, but is still certainly an R-rated film with lots of drug references and tons of cursing and sexual innuendo though little actual nudity). Family Guy fans, who have come to expect this kind of thing from Seth McFarlane, will probably enjoy it (though they may check their watch a few times to see how long it has been) but I think the film will struggle to find a much wider audience. Then again, Family Guy sometimes pulls in more than 10 million viewers. At $8+ per ticket that would be an $80 mil film, which ain't bad for a relatively cheap comedy.

A couple extra notes-- props to Seth McFarlane for giving us a legit explanation for Ted and how he interacts with society. That part works and I really doubted it would. Also, I strongly recommend watching at least a little bit of the 1980s Flash Gordon with Sam Jones as the lead. It will help you with this movie... I promise.




Magic Mike - I feel like this film has been marketed as fun and sometimes funny. It has moments, but the plot contains a lot more drama and dark kinda stuff than the marketing lets on. I compare it to Boogie Nights. Boogie Nights was about the seedy side of porn. Magic Mike is about the seedy side of stripping. Of course, most would consider porn to be seedier and darker than stripping so, as a result, Boogie Nights is seedier and darker than Magic Mike is. There isn't quite as much drug use. There isn't quite as much of characters going to a dark, troubled place. And, perhaps as a result, the film isn't quite as good as Boogie Nights was. Magic Mike's story lags at times and the movie never really goes anywhere special. In fact, I am at a loss to explain how characters are better off in the end than they are at the beginning.

All that said, Channing Tatum is a remarkable dancer and he looks fabulous in this film. He's easily the best part of it. Matthew McConnaghey should be arrested for looking that good at age 43! My wife was swooning a bit (although she says it makes her a bit sick when people our age look that good because neither of us do). I thought Alex Pettyfer was blaah -- but then again, he always is in his roles. Of special note, be sure to watch wrestler Kevin Nash when all the guys are dancing -- he is just horrible and they often try to hide him to the side of the stage. He isn't even trying to dance some of the time. It is quite funny if you pay attention to it.

Be warned-- Magic Mike is a HARD R. There is a lot of nakedness, sex, and drug use in the film. It is not quite the "girl's night, good time out" movie that the marketing has led you to believe. It is a good film, but not a great one.



-Jason "seeing Amazing Spider-man tonight... I'll let you all know how it was" Evans

[brevity]

Be warned-- Magic Mike is a HARD R.

No need to get so graphic, Jason. We don't need to know the shape of things.

I read somewhere that they went with the title "Magic Mike" because "Anthony Weiner" was already taken.

Don't know who Kevin Nash is, but I'm glad to see he's following in the grand tradition of Alex Van Halen (1:40 mark).

Interesting you did the Boogie Nights comparison. I half-expect to see Matthew McConaughey high out of his mind, playing the bongos naked. Not like that would ever happen.

Thanks folks, I'll be here all week. Don't forget to tip your dancers.

[DevilWearsPrada]

Quick sum-ups for folks interested in seeing these new flicks this weekend.



Magic Mike - I feel like this film has been marketed as fun and sometimes funny. It has moments, but the plot contains a lot
All that said, Channing Tatum is a remarkable dancer and he looks fabulous in this film. He's easily the best part of it. Matthew McConnaghey should be arrested for looking that good at age 43! My wife was swooning a bit (although she says it makes her a bit sick when people our age look that good because neither of us do). I thought Alex Pettyfer was blaah -- but then again, he always is in his roles. Of special note, be sure to watch wrestler Kevin Nash when all the guys are dancing -- he is just horrible and they often try to hide him to the side of the stage. He isn't even trying to dance some of the time. It is quite funny if you pay attention to it.

Be warned-- Magic Mike is a HARD R. There is a lot of nakedness, sex, and drug use in the film. It is not quite the "girl's night, good time out" movie that the marketing has led you to believe. It is a good film, but not a great one.



-Jason "seeing Amazing Spider-man tonight... I'll let you all know how it was" Evans

I went to see Magic Mike last night with some of my girlfriends!! The entire theatre was almost filled at 1045pm. I saw 5 males in attendance. As the previews ended, and Magic Mike began, the ladies started clapping and chanting.

As a Dance Major from college, Channing Tatum was completely awesome with all the right "Dance Moves." I loved all the Male Revue scenes, and even the relationship with Mike and Brooke. The movie had to show the Dark side of the adult entertainment industry, with alcohol, drugs and sex. The character Nora, with the Pet Pig is actress/model, Riley Keough (Elvis Presley granddaughter, Lisa Marie's daughter).

Matthew McConnaghey was a hoot and so entertaining throughout the entire movie. He had the best lines, especially with his Texan accent. He sang, played the guitar and bongos, and did one heck of a Dance/Strip! Is there anything he cant do?

This movie is very entertaining for the ladies, and certain gentlemen. Not an Oscar movie, but an A for entertainment value for us, ladies!! The Eye Candy, gets AAA+++.

I had my tips ready! lol

[BD80]

... Matthew McConnaghey was a hoot and so entertaining throughout the entire movie. ... He sang, played the guitar and bongos, and did one heck of a Dance/Strip! Is there anything he cant do? ...

Act.

[sue71, esq]

I saw Magic Mike this afternoon.

Other than the eye candy... I mean scenery... I mean... yeah that's what I meant. Well anyway, other than that, can I get those 2 hours of my life back please?

[JasonEvans]

I saw Magic Mike this afternoon.

Other than the eye candy... I mean scenery... I mean... yeah that's what I meant. Well anyway, other than that, can I get those 2 hours of my life back please?

I wrote:

Magic Mike's story lags at times and the movie never really goes anywhere special. In fact, I am at a loss to explain how characters are better off in the end than they are at the beginning.

You were warned. Eye candy and little else.

-Jason

[sue71, esq]

I wrote:


You were warned. Eye candy and little else.

-Jason

I know, I know. I'm going to blame my friend I went with. She really wanted to see it and I think somehow she liked it. Go figure.

[Newton_14]

I saw Magic Mike this afternoon.

Other than the eye candy... I mean scenery... I mean... yeah that's what I meant. Well anyway, other than that, can I get those 2 hours of my life back please?

I wrote:


You were warned. Eye candy and little else.

-Jason

My wife had been planning for weeks to go see Magic Mike yesterday (she is a huge Matthew M fan), and was all set to go until yesterday morning. One of her friends who saw it Friday night, texted her and said it was too raunchy and borderline X Rated. With that she decided to wait until it comes out on DVD so she can FF through the seedy parts but still get her fill of Matthew.

Sounds like her friend was right. It does sound like the marketing misled the public a bit on this one.

[sue71, esq]

My wife had been planning for weeks to go see Magic Mike yesterday (she is a huge Matthew M fan), and was all set to go until yesterday morning. One of her friends who saw it Friday night, texted her and said it was too raunchy and borderline X Rated. With that she decided to wait until it comes out on DVD so she can FF through the seedy parts but still get her fill of Matthew.

Sounds like her friend was right. It does sound like the marketing misled the public a bit on this one.

See, now I wouldn't have said too raunchy or borderline X. Instead, I would say boring.

[DevilWearsPrada]

Ted and Magic Mike are great opening weekends for R rated movies.

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment...,5339589.story

"Magic Mike" was undressed by"Ted"at the box office this weekend, as the movie about a debauched teddy bear dominated ticket sales at the multiplex.

"Ted," an R-rated raunchfest from "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane, opened with a strong $54.1 million, according to an estimate from distributor Universal Pictures. "Magic Mike," loosely based on star Channing Tatum's experience as a stripper, also overperformed with a robust opening of $39.2 million.

I enjoyed Magic Mike (the Dancing and club scenes)! I appreciate good choreography with great music, costumes and great looking Men!!! I did have a Dance scholorship in college, and was on 3 Dance teams during that time! I really want to see the movie again, but on DVD, for the DANCE scenes, and hopefully the deleted dance scenes and bloopers on the DVD.

I am planning to go see TED this week or either Tyler Perry's movie. I enjoy good comedy. I rented 21 Jump Street at the Red Box last night for $1.28. It was Funny stupid, but I still enjoyed it. Love seeing Channing Tatum!!! (related to him, through my Tatum Birth Family)!

I would recommend Snow white and the Huntsman!

[DevilWearsPrada]

The Kid's (Adam) sister (Brooke) in the Magic Mike movie, is played by Cody Horn. Cody is the daughter of Alan Horn (chairman of Walt Disney Studios), and Cindy Harrell Horn (former Supermodel from the 70s and 80s, and is from Durham, NC).

Cindy Harrell Horn is on the the Board of Visitors for the Duke Nicholas School of Environment. Cindy is from Durham. She was a model of the Wilhelmina Agency in the late 70s and 80s.

I remember meeting her, because she went to the Prom with John D, and went also with my next door neighbor, Cindy W and her date, Keith. (Alamance County, not Durham). I was years behind them in school, maybe elementary school. I think Cindy Harrell was a Miss Durham Junior Miss, or NC Junior Miss (Teen Princess usa). Her daughter Cody, is in the movie Magic Mike.


This video is from UCLA Public Health and gives good information about what Cindy is doing for the Environment.

http://vimeo.com/21419537

Enjoy!

[PSurprise]

The Kid's (Adam) sister (Brooke) in the Magic Mike movie, is played by Cody Horn. Cody is the daughter of Alan Horn (chairman of Walt Disney Studios), and Cindy Harrell Horn (former Supermodel from the 70s and 80s, and is from Durham, NC).

Cindy Harrell Horn is on the the Board of Visitors for the Duke Nicholas School of Environment. Cindy is from Durham. She was a model of the Wilhelmina Agency in the late 70s and 80s.

I remember meeting her, because she went to the Prom with John D, and went also with my next door neighbor, Cindy W and her date, Keith. (Alamance County, not Durham). I was years behind them in school, maybe elementary school. I think Cindy Harrell was a Miss Durham Junior Miss, or NC Junior Miss (Teen Princess usa). Her daughter Cody, is in the movie Magic Mike.


This video is from UCLA Public Health and gives good information about what Cindy is doing for the Environment.

http://vimeo.com/21419537

Enjoy!

I think my brain just exploded.

[UrinalCake]

I remember meeting her, because she went to the Prom with John D, and went also with my next door neighbor, Cindy W and her date, Keith. (Alamance County, not Durham). I was years behind them in school, maybe elementary school. I think Cindy Harrell was a Miss Durham Junior Miss, or NC Junior Miss (Teen Princess usa). Her daughter Cody, is in the movie Magic Mike.

This video is from UCLA Public Health and gives good information about what Cindy is doing for the Environment.

The following video gives a more succinct description of this relationship:

[CDu]

My wife recently watched Magic Mike. Let's just say that her review of the film was much less kind than Jason's review. Absolutely zero meaningful plot, totally not worth the ticket. Basically, a raunchier Coyote Ugly (and possibly less story line, if that's possible) but with hot guys instead of hot girls. I wasn't planning on seeing it to begin with, but her review removed any doubt (and I don't think there was actually any doubt) that I won't see it.

I am, however, intrigued by Ted. I'm a big fan of Seth MacFarlane's work, and I'm interested to see it in a non-cartoon format.