Magic Mike- has some sparkle

I admit it, when I attended opening night of Magic Mike, I wasn't going for the script.  I mean, come on, it is about male strippers.  It has Mathew McConaughey, who has been vying for this role his entire career, and JoeManGaniello from True Blood fame, along side of course, the true former stripper Channing Tatum.  Looking at the cast, tells you this isn't going to change your life, or move you into a new view of the world.  It is to Movies what Maraschino Cherries are to fruit -very little nutritional value and strictly there for decoration.
The good news is, it lives up to expectations.  There is several shots of male skin and some pretty good dance moves.  The story is thin, not surprising however, because once they get through all the performance numbers it leaves very little time for an actual plot to develop. 
It could have been better, I liked where they wanted to go with the story, and hoped it would have been focused on a BIT more.  Having said that, hey I am a writer, I live for stories, and look for them everywhere.  My group that I went with however ,was completely satisfied, appetites satiated as we walked out.
Overall, the scenery was worth the movie.  Channing Tatum did a better performance in this movie than I've seen, which was a plus.  Cody Horn, in my opinion did a stellar job as the older sister to Alex Pettyfer's character, Adam.  Mattew McConaughey was creapy for the record, which saddened my greatly.
For a fun girls night movie, this one works.  out of 5

Wanderlust is Wanderfully Fun!

Take a moment and laugh with the girls!

Wanderlust staring Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston is a fun whimsical comedy taking on job loss, career changes, and facing your inner fears. 

After two high powered people leave New York, broke and embarrassed, they head to Atlanta to move in with family.  They end up in a commune of free thinking hippies who invite them to stay and enjoy their free lifestyle.

Jennifer Aniston looks amazing, and her character is so enduring.  We’ve all had the desire to run away at one time or another and this story takes us along with them! 

Fun movie, even the guys may like, (Jennifer looks amazing) filled with great after lines- you know the ones, the lines you and girlfriends repeat for days after?

Paul Rudd is adorable as always, nailing normal and making the audience love him.  Fun film, great lines. 

X- Men First Class Surprisingly makes the Grade!

The X-Men: First Class

Ok for some of you, comic book movies are rather juvenile- but what can I say- I love juvenile!  

X- Men happens to be one of my favorites, and no not because of Hugh Jackman and his shirtless scenes, but because I love the idea of people special- taken in by a kind heart and taught that they are not alone. 

Sappy?  Maybe.  Who knew I could make super hero’s mushy.  The fact remains when the First Class movie started trailing- I had serious doubts.

Make that stomping fits.  How on earth would anyone be Xavier except Captain Bicard? (Patrick Stewart)  And what was this about Kevin Bacon somehow being a villain?  (I can’t get him past Ren McCormick, but that’s just me)

I resisted.  I pouted.  I had no intention of giving in to this wanna be X Men film.  Until I broke.

Surprisingly, I really enjoyed it.  The pieces of the puzzle did fit better and I liked the cast.  I enjoyed seeing the good in most of the now bad characters.  I loved watching Mystic embrace her hotness.  Laughed out-loud at the tiny cameo of Hugh as Wolverine.  I finished the movie wanting to re watch all the other films, which in my humble opinion, is what you are supposed to leave feeling.  Was it as good as the original?  Hello, nothing ever is, but it held it’s own nicely.  It captured my interest and kept me entertained.

Having said that, I am not a comic book junkie, so is it true to the comics of yesterday?  No clue.  All I know is it is fun and action packed.  It has a great message of following what is right even when your friends don’t.  It is tame, no extra sexy parts just for the sake of having boobs in the scene.  My daughter watched it with me and I only slightly cringed once.  (Concentration camp part)

This is a fun fairly family friendly film.  Novel concept!  A movie everyone can watch and adults won’t claw their eyes out?   Yep, it must be science fiction!

  3 out of 5