TEXAS, USA —
Magic Mike's Last Dance
In the third and final edition of "Magic Mike," Channing Tatum reprising his role as the dancer with the magic touch. But when we first see him, he's bartending to make ends meet.
Salma Hayek, a.k.a. "Maxandra," plays a rich woman who hears about his special talents and pays him to come with her to London and re-vamp her newly acquired theater. His new show will showcase said talents, replacing a play. They recruit an Italian stallion and some London street dancers ... and there you have it!
So, what happened to Mike's old crew? Well, we see four of them once on a ZOOM call. This movie, for better or worse, focuses on his Mike's new pursuit as a stage director and Maxandra's pursuit of him.
Look, we don't go to these movies for male camaraderie, but it's sorely missing in MM3. That said, there's a lap dance to end all lap dances with Hayek ... and another theatrical dance with a ballerina, the choreography borrowed from the popular stage show.
In fact, the dancers in the movie are from the real stage show currently playing down the street at the London Hippodrome.
You might remember, Hayek was a last-minute replacement for Thandie Newton who left the shoot a few days in for "personal reasons." Clearly, Salma made up for lost time! She has great fun with the role. Channing is at least up to a 12-pack, maybe 24. Is that enough of a strip tease?
(Warner Bros. Rated R. Running Time 1 hr. 52 mins. In Theaters Only)
The streaming services are rolling out the Rom-Coms, too, including two starring featured actors from "Top Gun: Maverick!"
Somebody I Used to Know
Jay Ellis played 'Payback' in "Maverick."
In "Somebody I Used to Know, " he's the former flame of Alison Brie. She plays a reality TV show producer who's lost her job. So she goes back to her hometown, sees him and still feels the spark. The fact that he's now engaged to someone else? Just a little roadblock! Brie's husband, Dave Franco, directs from a script they co-wrote. I liked it a lot. Brie is a bright light (even if her character is sometimes unlikeable.) The is a fresh and unconventional rom-com.
It's streaming on Prime Video.
After Midnight
Remember Monica Barbaro from "Maverick?"
In "After Midnight," she plays a famous actress staying at a hotel in Mexico. Diego Boneta plays a hotel employee. They fall for each other but try to keep it under wraps. Funny anecdote here: He is a well-known actor in Mexico, and he was the one ducking the fans while shooting on location. I have not seen this one, but their chemistry looks cute.
It's streaming on Paramount+.
Your Place or Mine
I haven't seen this one yet either, but how about the pairing of Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher. Apparently, they've always wanted to work together! In "Your Place or Mine," their characters obviously have a past, even if it was just for one night. Years later, they end up trading apartments and re-kindling feelings for each other.
It's streaming on Netflix.
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