Channing Tatum returns as the hot stripper, but his biggest mistake was to leave his bros behind. This sequel starts with his bartending life in Miami. After an extremely hot “dance” number with a rich socialite (Salma Hayek Pinault), she convinces him to come to London to create one last blowout show. What gave the other films their heft (in addition to the flexing bare torsos) was the interaction among the dancers. This time, the former crew is relegated to a cameo moment, while the new crew remains a largely anonymous band of generic hunks. That means the real story is between Tatum and Pinault (in a modern angle her character is a mature woman). Luckily their chemistry sizzles, but their relationship boils down to lots of dull drama. Since it’s directed by Steven Soderbergh, there’s some depth to the performances, but let’s be real: The main reason for this series is for the flashy dancing hotties. This time, the choreo is impressively snappy, but lacks much passion or playful fun. That sums up the movie too: Good dancing but empty gestures. 
(1.5 / 5)
