Upon hearing its storyline and viewing its trailer - a movie like this would be judged as being catered towards a female audience or even for gay men for that matter. But after actually sitting down and viewing this film from start to finish – I found out that it could also be enjoyed by straight, male audiences. Beneath its male stripper front, the movie actually plays out as a very intriguing drama about friendship and light hearted romance that forms itself as a quality little film that captures your attention and interest till the very end.

The actors/actresses that were cast for each individual role played their parts exceptionally well. Making their characters seem believable and incredibly realistic with emotion. Channing Tatum was fantastic due to his physical fitness, male charm and outstanding dance techniques that never fail to please the audience. Something he carried with him from the hit dance movie “Step-up”, which made Channing Tatum a perfect choice for this particular role.

Channing’s co-star, Alex Pettyfer also did fantastically well in his role playing a young man being taken under the wing of Channing Tatum’s character and introduced to the striptease lifestyle. Alex brings more of a rugged look to his character along with his boyish charms - making him mature but innocent at the same time. The completely opposite from Channing Tatum’s clean-cut and confident image. But upon seeing these two young, talented actors on screen and watching the chemistry between them as they play two close friends, living the same crazy life – the results are stunning and well balanced out.

The movie also stars Matthew McConaughey who plays the strip club owner. His role was to be the club’s host and all-round entertainer. Due to his strong Texas accent, good looks and confident personality, Matthew never fails to be a crowd pleaser and gives a 100% performance in any role you give him – especially in this movie.

Most movies of this particular theme often portray themselves in either two ways - seedy or glamorous. Both hyped beyond realism. But this movie does not fall into either side. The movie works well at balancing itself directly down the middle, perfectly - giving the movie a true sense of realism.

Even though I enjoyed this movie very much and loved all the actors within the film – I have mixed feelings towards the closing of the film. I thought the ending was slightly odd. Even though the story made complete sense and we all know where the characters would go from where it left off – we are still left wanting more. The closing of the film comes unexpectedly. Just when you thought there would be a couple more scenes – the movie just cuts off to the closing credits, leaving you satisfied but raising an eyebrow.

RATING: 7/10