“Magic Mike”

Raucous “Boogie Nights”-like fun for “Fifty Shades of Grey” summer.

Years before “Step Up,” a 19 year old Channing Tatum was showing off his dance skills in another arena: he was a male stripper for 8 months. This Steven Soderbergh-directed movie, co-produced by Tatum, is based on that experience. Tatum outdoes himself, not just wowing with his impressive dance skills, but continuing to grow as an actor. It’s quite the follow-up to “21 Jump Street.” Talk about a body of work; or should I say bodies, considering  the  ripped mostly, naked bodies including  Matthew McConaughey, Alex Pettyfer, “True Blood’s” Joe Manganiello, “White Collar’s” Matt Bomer, “CSI: Miami’s” Adam Rodriguez  and wrestler Kevin Nash. McConaughey is especially brave in his showstopper and clearly has a blast as the stripper-turned club owner. 

Yes, this one rains men and many a naked butt. Ironically, the women (including Olivia Munn who is topless in her first scene and Elvis’ granddaughter Riley Keough) show even more flesh than the guys, though the focus and fun is all centered on the guys.

The story (do we really need one???) centers on Tatum’s Magic Mike who mentors a 19 year old (Pettyfer), schooling him on stripping, partying and picking up women.

This one’s all eye candy, humor and entertainment; though it has heart.

My sole complaint: this is the one movie of the summer that shouts out for 3-D. How could they not??!!!

 3 stars