There are few films as specifically revered by the small online niche of Film Twitter as Magic Mike XXL. The Gregory Jacobs-directed Channing Tatum project is a feminist bastion in an industry that never seems to find the bottom of its depraved depths. This video, lining up speeches with choreography – sex with conversation – finds sensitivity in the juxtaposition.
Jessica Phillips’ video essay takes the film’s two strongest elements (its colloquial philosophizing and its physicality-drenched dancing) and piles them on top of one another. It’s the same sentiment as the film: creating the perfect partner is about layers.
Magic Mike XXL’s strengths come from its willingness to be earnestly devoted to its audience’s pleasure, however silly or crude that pleasure may seem to judgmental observers. This essay makes that work even more potent, pushing the verbal and visual aspects of this together.
Related Topics: Feminism, magic mike xxl, Video
