In an audience composed primarily of women, “Magic Mike” provided the perfect getaway from their everyday routines.

No clothes, no waiting. The movie begins with Mike (Channing Tatum) appearing on the screen. Immediately, he walks to the bathroom naked.

After that first scene, one instantly gets an idea of how the rest of the movie is going to pan out. Judging by the overall response, the audience enjoyed it.

I should’ve known that I was in for an estrogen fest. I was immediately annoyed when one side of the theater was laughing at the cute guy on the screen’s jokes, as if they were subconsciously trying to get him to notice them. I was also disappointed when I was the only one in the theater who laughed when, about halfway through the movie, Mike waltzes in dressed as Marilyn Monroe.

When it comes to the gorgeous man candy, this movie delivers beyond anyone’s expectations. As far as plot goes, it’s a little disappointing. At least, at first it was.

Mike picks up Adam (Alex Pettyfer), a 19-year-old punk who is in need of money and guidance. Adam immediately finds himself on the stage of an all-male strip club, run by a performer named Dallas (Matthew McConaughey), and he is immersed in the culture of the business.

The beginning was full of clichés–the first dance routine was to the song “It’s Raining Men”–and it was a dry, stereotypical, newcomer-meets-expert-and-romance-happens kind of movie.

The plot gets interesting, however, when Adam takes up ecstasy and, in turn, getting the strip club in financial trouble because of it. Suddenly, things get very real.

According to an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the entire cast of Magic Mike did their own moves on stage. There were no stunt or body-part doubles. That was absolutely fantastic to me–that these actors were at least true to their roles. And there were more returning extras for this movie than in any other movie.

Yes, “Magic Mike” first comes off as “Coyote Ugly” with a male cast, but, all things considered, it is a good work of cinema with genuine eye-candy.

RANKINGS

JESS CABE

Magic Mike (Channing Tatum):

I’ve never been attracted to Tatum, and his utter lack of acting ability has always made me avoid his movies. But the man can move.

3.5/5

The Kid/Adam (Alex Pettyfer):

I like my men a little grungy and a little less “perfect” than the rest of the cast. Seeing him awkwardly undress during his first performance was one of the highlights of the movie for me.

4/5

Big Dick Richie (Joe Manganiello):

He will forever be Alcide from True Blood to me, and I like my werewolves brawny and shirtless.

5/5

Dallas (Matthew McConaughey):

McConaughey brought just the right level of creep and scum to this role, but his cheesiness outshone his hotness.

2/5

KATIE FINLON

Magic Mike:

Easily my favorite. He dances very well, he’s an intelligent businessman, he’s not a jerk…and just look at him.

5/5

Dallas:

Plays the guitar, danced to “Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy,” and was also an OK and very built dancer. He, however, was kind of a jerk to Mike when he wanted to get all the credit for moving the business to Miami.

4/5

Adam “The Kid”:

Very cute and very attractive at the beginning, but I didn’t like him not caring about anything and liking drugs too much:

2/5

Big Dick Richie: The pump Richie uses, true to his name, scared me away at the beginning. He’s cute, though.

3.5/5

SARAH CONTRERAS

Magic Mike:

I’ve never thought of Channing Tatum as particularly “sexy,” but I sort of see the appeal now. Though he may not be my sort of handsome, the man can move. His obvious enjoyment of dance and female attention is infectious and makes Mike the most fun to watch.

4.5/5

The Kid:

There is something about The Kid’s newbie enthusiasm that charms me, but I’d rather sit him down and play video games with him than watch him wiggle around. He’s too young and sweet to get me all riled up, but I guess some ladies are into that.

3.5/5

Big Dick Richie:

The name kind of says it all, doesn’t it? Richie is brawny and tan, with a chiseled jawline and crazy sensuality to boot. This man is pure sex. If all firemen looked like him, I’d be committing arson all over town.

5/5

Dallas:

It’s the role this man was born to play. Dallas is cheesy and raunchy, the combination that women are afraid to admit they fantasize about. It’s a far cry from mellow romantic comedy lead, and I’m never looking at this surfer-dude the same way again.

4/5