SHOWBIZ BEAT MEDIA

Sm Aura Premier BGC was the venue last February 6 for the advanced screening of Warner Bros. Pictures’ newest offering: Magic Mike’s Last Dance.

Channing Tatum reprises his role as Mike Lane, who, after a failed business, ends up as bartender in Florida. There, he meets Maxandra Mendoza, a wealthy socialite originating from London, played by Salma Hayek. After a magical night together, she decides to take him with her and spearhead her latest theater project.

The film opened in Philippine cinemas last February 8. A limited edition tumbler was given to selected invitees, mostly members of the media and Tiktok influencers, as well as free popcorn. 

There was a short program before the movie started which was hosted mainly by Markki Stroem as well as a radio personality from Monster RX 93.1, the co-presentor of the screening together with SM Cinemas. There was a trivia game wherein the winner will be picked by being the first to reach the hosts in front, call Markki “daddy, and of course, give the correct answer.

The main strength of the premiere night of Magic Mike’s Last Dance is also the strength of the film itself: performativity. It is conscious of what it is and panders to the audience. You mostly know what to expect and the film certainly delivered in the dance department. Mike’s flexible abdominal movements will give a caterpillar a run for its money. What is refreshing about this installment in the series is the presence of the narrator, which is established at the very first frame, and will be crucial to the storyline later on.

A scene that really stood out was the flash mob at the bus. Hayek, who is known more as an actress than as a dancer, does have very fluid moves as Maxandra becomes both the ensnared and the ensnarer in Mike’s presence.

Magic Mike’s Last Dance is the fitting end to the threequel, elevating lap dance to a theatrical nature and showing dancers and non-dancers alike that any dance, imbued with artistic integrity, can change you and heal you.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from Warner Bros