Russell is born again!!! Praise Lilith! He is my favorite, after all. Even with blood on his chin. Okay, ESPECIALLY with blood on his chin....

Best quote of the show: "Never, you bible-banging cunts!" From the rebellious Eric, who finds his resolve rather dissolved after partaking in the red lily of the valley...ever notice how cults ruin everything? Even the god-like.

Alcide recovers quickly from, first, the death of Debbie, and second, his attraction to Sookie. Who's made out of rubber? I'm made out of glue! Along those same wolfy-lines, Martha sees the light after the new alpha, challenged by Alcide, offers eight-year old Emma "V".  Giving drugs to a third grader? New low.

Arlene misses Terry while Terry faces his dark monster. Holly tells Arlene to stand by her man. And the sergeant gives Terry a rousing speech that included the line, "Suicide is for Muslims." Yeah, right. And we're walking, we're walking....

Meanwhile, Lafayette faces Jesus' grandfather in Mexico, and don't worry--he didn't drink the water. Couldn't is perhaps more appropriate; his mouth was sewn shut. Jesusito carried quite a bit of family baggage, didn't he?

Sookie's faery powers are finite...so the bitch decides to waste them. Stupid girl. Jason's very sweet though. He not only brings her breakfast in bed, he tries to save her from herself.

My bud, Sam Trammell, is A-MAZING hunting down the bad guys. Merlotte's feeling like humanity can't get out of their own way. Like Sookie, he dreams of normalcy but normal is crazy...not sure if anyone's noticed that lately. But if Sam were human, would he have found that hater in the hospital, undoubtedly saving Luna's life in the process?

Tara comes face to face with her abuser/mother, who brings on a carefrontation in Fangtasia. "Momma" blames Tara for becoming a vampire; sounds familiar on this end. A few weeks ago, this writer had a similar moment with her own maker, who blamed her for having cancer and therefore, hurting the family. Yup. Tara's pain is real. And so is Pam's.

Will we see Pam's reason for skeptism this season? Did her mother sell her into prostitution as a human? Her father? All I know is, the Emmy snub proves one thing: Emmy-committee myopia. Get your eyes checked, people!

And farewell Christopher Heyerdahl! So sad to see you go.  Anyone else think that the Lilith meet-n-greet led by Salome looked like a vampy, campy Manson family? The drugged "blood" was like an LSD-induced blood-pact justifying the murder of women and children...helter skelter indeed. Luckily, a ghost from Eric's past shows up in a Dickensesque mash-up. Will the skeptical Ebenezer Scrooge aka Eric the Viking vamp change his ways? Survey says....you'll have to wait until next week!

Jessica and Jason, no longer sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G? That's what happens when you shoot your girl in the head. Bet your bottom dollar Jess goes back. And the cycle of abuse continues! Thank you very much, True Blood writers....

Hoyt, dear-heart, you don't want to hurt others because of your own misery. Again, some inconsistent character-drawing this season that leaves a tinny-taste in the audience's mouth after our fifth taste of True Blood. But that's what happens when you get too used to a good thing. Inevitably, "[E]very hero becomes a bore, at last...."



TRUE BLOOD & PHILOSOPHY" WE WANNA THINK BAD THINGS WITH YOU, the 2010 and 2011 editions, are available everywhere books are sold, including iTunes, Amazon & Barnes & Noble--and, in multiple languages.

The insert shows the scene this morning as police and terrorized victims of the The Dark Knight Rises premiere in Aurora, Colorado try to make sense of what happened. While politicians scramble to issue statements in support of those effected by the tragedy, social media sites like Twitter and Facebook are abuzz with the news. What's perhaps most shocking, however, is the lack of attention the victims themselves are receiving overall. Entertainment Weekly's Facebook page is loaded with posts about the recent Emmy nominee announcements, but nothing acknowledging what happened. It was much the same for the Twilight fan killed while waiting in line last week at San Diego's Comic Con.

There's something very wrong when pop culture fandom has become a life-threatening pursuit. A movie theatre should be one of the safest places on the planet. Everyone is seated. People are there because they want to be there. The mood is usually happy in anticipation of the fun about to be had. Seeing larger-than-life images on a giant silver screen filled with beautiful people in magnificent surround sound is a true experience. One every American has come to love in the 21st century. 

Another advent of the 21st century? Americans killing other Americans. Not in war. Or battle. The new phenomenon is one that, ironically, started the superhero craze.

After 9/11. it was clear that the only monsters we had to fear were other humans. And so, the decade of superhero escapism began. We were helpless to stop the death and destruction of 9/11 as ordinary human beings, but superheroes, especially ones like Batman and Iron Man, were just like us. Yes, they were super at being heroes, but they weren't aliens or mutants or science experiments. With just a fancy utility belt and cape, Batman could thwart even the greatest of villains. With his bare, very human hands. Iron Man has a special suit. But underneath the suit, he's still just a regular guy doing extraordinary things. America's zeal for "regular guy" superheroics is apparent in the now billion-dollar industry its created. Comic books, the founding venue for all superheroes, are mainstream. Comic Cons, or Comic Conventions, are popping up across the country like Taco Bell stands. It's a fast, easy way to reclaim agency over a situation that, though brought on by humans, seems beyond human control.

Some of the emerging questions from the last decade ask about Evil: What is it? Where does it come from? And how can we stop it? All much too simplistic to truly answer. And that's part of the problem.

We're so distracted by sparkly, rich vampires and caped crusaders that we've let ourselves forget who created evil. It's not God. Or the devil. It's you. And me. All of us. 

As soon as news of the shooting broke out, political pundits on both sides of the bi-polar political fence began blame-shifting from right to left. Somehow, amidst the dead and severely injured, the 2012 election became the focus. Gun legislation was being called into question. People on the left said the shooter was a member of the Tea Party. People on the right thought a 30-year storyline containing the villain Bain was in direct reference to one of their party members. People! Get it together. American citizens died today. More than 50 have been injured,  including a four-month old baby. Forget the politics. To even bring partisan agenda into the mix is an insult to the family and friends of the victims, as well as to the American people.

We need to stop looking at screens of all sizes and start looking at each other. When a woman can't safely stand in line to see a film, we have a real problem. When sitting in a dark theatre becomes a place of terrorism, we're in serious trouble. As a society, we've got to put aside pop culture and take a cold, hard look at who we are and why we have people like this young man killing innocents. It's not because of Batman. It's not because of violence in videogames. It's because mental illness has become pervasive in American life.

Does anyone wonder why? Why so many are on anti-depressants, sleeping pills, and other anti-psychotic drugs? The number of prescriptions for each is the HIGHEST it's ever been. Stricter gun legislation wouldn't have prevented what happened. Being liberal or conservative is irrelevant. Our humanity is what's in question. And we need answers as to why that is. Soon.

Something has happened to us. But we're all too distracted to notice. Maybe it's environmental pollutants. Maybe it's beef. Vaccines. Factory emissions. Whatever the cause, it's clear our human physiology has been compromised. Brain chemistry is more off than on in the 21st century. Though the medical community is fond of blaming mothers, there is a preponderance of increased AD/HD, bi-polar disorder, depression, manic behavior, autism, and other serious health concerns with no explanation as to WHY. If you start asking, there will be an answer. But if you continue looking for ways to escape reality, we'll quickly find ourselves in the unenviable position of being caged by our own ignorance.
 
And ignorance is the excuse of the apathetic. That's the real danger....

To help the victims of today's shooting and their families, please visit the Colorado chapters of the American Red Cross website below. And be safe. There can be no justice for the lives taken, the innocence lost. Neither can be given back. All we can do is move forward with a greater awareness of each other:

http://www.coloradoredcross.org/detalle_noticias.asp?SN=200&OP=210&id=12557&IDCapitulo=Q4Q26NY21N

A bit of a teaser for you this week via the insert. Something wicked this way comes, and it's certainly not The Authority.

Poor Chris Meloni. I knew that was coming so was unable to post my review of 5.5 before 5.6...too many spoilers. But isn't that why you read these reviews???

Russell is back! And with a vengeance. He's quite right about the hipocrysy behind The Authority. But Roman was also quite right about Russell's sadism. Sadly, Roman is now...incapcitated. And all of his chancellors, just standing around and watching. Caught by surprise, you say? It was unexpected? Uh huh. Keep watching. It ain't over 'til it's over. That's why the best quote of both shows belongs to Russell Edgington, played invigoratingly-well by one of my all-time favorite actors, Denis O'Hare:

"You are idiots! You're no better than humans with your absurd magical thinking...."

A close second (also from Russell)? "Peace is for pussies!"

Speaking of which, a baby-vamp girl fight??? Oh yes! But Jess was overpowered by Tara, even though Jess is older. The thing is, Eric isn't just strong because he's 1,000-years old; he's strong because as a human, he was a real, live Viking! Tara kicked butt as a human; it only makes sense her human power is magnified as a vamp.

And "Miss Pammy" is earning that Emmy again! You can see the damage all over her--from her exaggerated hair, to her red leather outfit, to her vampy-shade of lipstick. She seems to be both attracted and repelled by her progeny, like a real mother might be who was forced into having a child by unfortunate circumstances...also known as life. The nuanced performance better get at least a nod, or the people on the committee are sleeping through the season.

There really is no rest for the weary; Lafayette is summoned to his mother's bed side after seeing a frightening vision of Jesus' head with a stitched mouth. Kind of horrific, actually. Guess who's going to Mexico! No margaritas on this trip though. Lafayette will have to face Jesus' crazy brujo grandfather next episode.

"The Evil" plaguing Terry is called an "Ifrit." Now, an "ifrit", pronounced "ee-f-reet," is a fire demon that lived outside of Arab society but could sometimes marry within that society; in Egypt, ifrit's were shapeshifting demon-dogs who would lure unsuspecting innocents into the desert to be lost forever. Just to be clear, the word "ifrit" is derived from the very ancient Afro-asiatic language family that spawned not only Arabic, but Urdu, Farsi, Turkish, Egyptian, and, oh, look at that, Hebrew. Guess what the word for "Hebrew" is in the original language? "Ivrit." Pronounced "ee-v-reet." Are you picking up what I'm putting down???

The evil demons were symbolic for Jews, openly villified in Arabic and Islamic cultures. Think about it? Desert-dwelling demons who could shapeshift to lure innocents away, changing them forever? Or evil demons who lived on the fringes of Arab society and sometimes married within it? All I have to say to that is: Oy vey.

I very PUBLICALLY defended you, True Blood, when you used a Hebrew-esque language while portraying a blood ritual. TB-writers, you can't be ignorant of the blood libel myth with all the research you've been doing on Lilith. For reals, people. I'm so very disappointed in you. All of you. You'd better turn that storyline around because right now, it's looking like Season Five has not-so-subtle anti-Semitic themes. Yuck.

Would you like some hate with your Trublood? Um. No, thanks.

Sam and Luna survive the hick-shooting and so does Emma, who ran to her grandmama's house for sanctuary. Martha, seen in the insert (a scene from a future episode), recognized her wolf-cub grand-daughter immediately. You've seen Martha in action in earlier episodes...what do you think she's going to do now that her blood is being threatened again? Never come between a mother and her cub--whether human, wolf, or a little of both.

Jason and Sookie find the Faery nightclub and get some much needed clarity; in the books, it's other Fae who kill their parents, not a vampire attracted to Sookie's blood. But whatever works. You can be sure that we'll learn the identity of the mysterious vampire by the end of the season--whether or not that revelation will evoke audience satisfaction is yet to be determined.

Sookie removed Alcide's glamour-puss. Will there be more hot scenes between the two? Stay tuned!!!

Sam saves Andy from the owner of the aptly named, "Stake House," on the phone with the hick-hate-crimers when Andy approaches the counter. The hick-haters, in a weird turn, save the apparently suicidal Hoyt from certain death just outside of Fangtasia. Bet you a ten-spot Hoyt dons an Obama mask and begins shouting, "Yes we can!" in upcoming episodes. FORWARD!

Salome? The ring leader of the fanged-religious right? Or, is she Lilith herself? Whatever she is, whoever she is, she drives the plot this season. The puppeteer pulling vampy-strings--even Russell Edgington's.

Gotta love the imagery at the end of 5.6--Nora is prostrate in the shape of a cross--inverted by the camera angle as it turns. Could that mean that 5.6 is a turning point in the Season? No! That's not obvious at all. Not at all....

Sarcasm aside, I still hold out hope for 5.7. Although 5.6 is titled "Hopeless." Well, it certainly lived up to its prophetic name.

Don't forget to read more philosophical philanderings in TRUE BLOOD & PHILOSOPHY: We Wanna THINK Bad Things with You in two editions and multiple languages, available at major book retailers everywhere, including iTunes, Amazon and B&N for your iPad, Kindle, Nook, or favorite tablet technology!

Wes Anderson...I love you. You are a true genius. And I will forever be indebted to you for creating some of the most delightful characters I've met in a long time. Well, at least since your last live-action film in 2007, The Darjeeling Limited. Though your Fantastic Mr. Fox in 2009 was also rather delightful. As was The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou  and The Royal Tenenbaums. Lovely all around.

There's no real criticism for such a film. From start to finish, you can't help but watch the eccentric cast of characters evolve and unfold in often unexpectedly charming ways. There was an explored sense of subtle nostalgia that was utterly mesmerizing. From the old house, to the toy record player, to the quaint "khaki scouts" with mini canoes and adorable pitch tents--one almost felt as though the cast were at play--part lost-boy adventure, part found-girl advent. Delightful. Once again.

Kara Hayward (Suzy Bishop) seen in the insert with co-star, Jared Gilman (Sam Shakusky), is stunning. Beyond the surface, like Suzy, Kara has a deep intelligence often frustrated by social gender expectations. She has written and published poetry; she is also a member of the genius organization, Mensa. From the wealthy Andover, Massachusetts, first settled in 1642, the bewitching Hayward never acted professionally prior to landing the role in Moonrise. And neither had her diligent co-star, Gilman.

Gilman, a New Jersey native, recently had his Bar Mitzvah; Gilman and Hayward were so convincing  because both were about age 12 during filming. One fan put it best, "I wish my life were a movie directed by Wes Anderson." So do I.

Anderson perfectly captures the complexities of girl-life; if you're at all intelligent and creative, you'll be seen as a problem. And though young men are given leave to express anger physically, when a young lady does the same, she's often considered "troubled." The theme of the film was about exactly that. Being troubled. Or, "emotionally disturbed" as Sam was classified by Social Services, played exceptionally well by the incomparable Tilda Swinton.

Robert Yeoman is one of my very favorite cinematographers; not only has he worked with Anderson on almost all of his live-action films, he has also portrayed in perfect pictures films like Martian Child with John Cusak, Whip It with Ellen Paige and the acclaimed Bridesmaids with Kristin Wiig and Maya Rudolph. Moments like when Laura (Frances McDormand) and Walt (Bill Murray--an Anderson alum) talk in bed are realistically expressed through shots of the ceiling light fixture in the night-filled room. Realism. So magical through Anderson's eyes.

Anderson co-wrote the script with Roman Coppola; yes, son of THAT Coppola. The film is filled with famous faces like Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Harvey Keitel, Jason Schwartzman, and Bob Balaban, who plays the best neurotic I've ever seen. You know and love Balaban from movies like A Mighty Wind and Best in Show.

A very DELIGHTFUL 10/10 on the Housel-scale for this mid-summer charmer. Moonrise Kingdom premiered at Cannes in May, set for a limited release in the States; yet Moonrise finds its independently funded $17,000,000-budget rewarded with both critical and audience acclaim nearly two months later to the tune of just under $50,000,000.

Anderson, take me to your leader! I'm ready to board the Mother-ship....

"Let bygones be bygones, bi-girls be bi-girls...." Once again, Pam's got the best quote of the show!

The fourth episode, like number three, spells E-M-M-Y for Kristin Bauer van Straten, whose maternal relationship with baby-vamp, Tara, has almost
recreated her more cynical, pragmatic character into something more…well, human. Pam’s relationship with Eric is repaired but he still releases her given he has an auto-stake attached to his chest and could die at the whim of the Vampire Authority any moment. HBO’s adaptation of Charlaine Harris’ novels vary from the original books, like with Tara being turned into a vampire this season, but it’s clear that the ancient Viking-vamp isn’t going anywhere. And yet, the scene between Eric and Pam—as a vampire-parent and child—discussing how Tara is now their progeny and future, is very touching.

Bauer van Straten is truly able to show her acting prowess this season; as a human, the character of Pam was shrewd,
understanding very clearly where her place was in society. A poor, single woman at the turn of the twentieth century, Pam had few choices. Marry an equally poor man who might love her but might not, or, use her beauty to secure her future in the only way poor, single women could: through prostitution. It’s still that way today, too. Very few of the women in the porn  industry come from wealthy backgrounds; though prostitution is now illegal, it’s a thriving business filled with people who “choose” the job because their life-choices are limited.  Like Pam.

And though marriage seems like a better alternative, it was far from equal prior to the passing of the 19th amendment in 1920. Even then, it took decades more before marriage (and divorce) law reflected the respect all human beings deserve but women didn’t receive. All of this social history is reflected in Bauer van Straten’s performance. Pam’s not heartless or  cold; she’s just from a different era. 

In the meantime, her maker is dealing with his own struggles. Eric and Bill are freed by the Authority on the condition that they retrieve Russell Edgington. The auto-stakes strapped to their chests can be activated at the touch of a fingerprint on a touchscreen. Yes, there is an app for that. The two want to enlist Sookie’s help but come upon Sookie seducing Alcide. Eric
takes it in stride but Bill is clearly hurt, which is typical with his selfish persona. Bill just had sex with Salome in episode three. Do what I say, not what I did? Um, okay Bill. Maybe the auto-stake will get triggered by accident? Not going to happen, but a girl can dream. 

Speaking of Sookie, after Lafayette’s demon failed to kill her, which was after she confessed her many crimes to her brother, she heads back home to get drunk. Not something we’ve seen from Sookie before. And when Alcide
shows up, the audience gets a real treat: Sookie and the hunky (magical) werewolf get romantic. Finally! Every supernatural being within 100 miles wants Sookie. And though we’re hopeful that Alan Ball & Co. haven’t forgotten about the were-tiger, Quinn, it does look as though the supe-world has been simplified for television. More hot scenes with Joe Manganiello and Anna Paquin? Yes, please. Stay tuned!!!

Jason and Andy get invited out for a night on the town by the local hand-in-your-pocket judge. The limo is full of beautiful girls, too beautiful. Their destination turns out to be part of faery land, but apparently, the ill-time effects Sookie faced last season don’t exist anymore. Convenient. That is, until Jason and Andy get thrown out. Oops. An even bigger "oops" is what happens next. Are Jason and Andy dead at the hands of a couple of leather-clad faeries? Of course not! But they are going to have one hell of a hangover….

The reappearance of Hadley, cousin to Sookie and Jason, wasn’t as clever as it could have been. In the books, Hadley becomes vampire and is eventually killed. Now, she gets to wander around a faery night club serving drinks. If I were Hadley, I’d prefer death. 

Sam Trammell is one of the best actors on a show full of amazing talent. I love his character; in many ways, it’s Sam Merlotte who grounds the entire storyline. His frank assessment of his bar food was refreshing in episode 4: When asked what he might recommend from his own menu, he said, “Honestly, nothing.” You’re awesome, Sam! But what wasn’t awesome was finding his two shifter-pals shot dead in the head. Is it the werewolves? The vamps? Or maybe someone from Sam’s past? I can’t reveal the answer. But I can tell you it’s going to get good. Sam is a nice guy, but if you back him into a corner, he's a real *cough, cough* animal.

The Vampire Authority seems to be having a little meltdown, as seen in the picture insert with Chris Meloni. When you begin torturing and killing your own chancellors, it doesn’t bode well for the future of your organization. Look for more surprises from Salome and Christopher Heyerdahl. Things are about to get even bloodier.  

And poor Terry. Hasn’t he been through enough? Nope. “The Evil” is coming…and that roof is on fire! Actually, TRUE BLOOD SEASON FIVE is on fire. There’s so many twists and turns, you never know what’s going to happen next. Though TRUE BLOOD & PHILOSOPHY is a good place to find answers, available in multiple languages at all major book retailers worldwide, including Amazon and iTunes! 

Tune in again next week for more TRUE BLOOD reviews!!! Until then, stay thirsty, Vampirazzi….


 
 
 

There they are. The three musketeers. From the right, Channing Tatum, Matthew McConaughey and TRUE BLOOD wolf, Joe Manganiello, are the main attractions of MAGIC MIKE, directed by Steven Soderbergh and produced by Soderbergh and star, Channing Tatum. But the photo to the left isn't from the movie; it was taken at the MAGIC MIKE premiere last week. Who's a lucky girl??? And it keeps getting better!

Aside from the incredible physical aesthetics--or "eye candy" for the pedestrians out there--MAGIC MIKE has an even more incredible heart at its centre--and all thanks to Tatum's courage in sharing his very human vulnerability.

Brit Alex Pettyfer plays the part of a very young man aptly named Adam--not more than 19--and angry at the world, in classic denial of reality through an unearned sense of entitlement consistent with today's GenMe that makes him unemployable, and in almost every other way, unable to create and/or sustain consistent relationships. He can't even hold a job in construction. And he doesn't live with his parents, but on his sister's couch. That is, until he meets Magic Mike. Mike is played well by Channing Tatum, who was also mentored by an older male stripper in his early life. Pettyfer's character is loosely based on Tatum's experience in the male entertainment industry in Tampa, where the film is also set.

What I absolutely loved about the film was the display of Tatum's true athleticism--that boy can dance! And he was about the only one who could. Though Joe Manganiello is my favourite under-dog on TRUE BLOOD, he lacks the flavor Tatum has in spades. But Manganiello is cast as "Big Dick Richie"--the in-ur-endo is cameoed in the film a la penis pump. In other words, Richie didn't have to dance. No one really did with Tatum on set.

Matthew McConaughey is known for his laid-back Texas charm and was cast perfectly as Dallas, the seedy, egotistical strip club owner taking advantage of his employees by making promises he'll never keep. Kind of like the old flame you wish you could erase from your past. McConaughey does pull some classic stripper moves toward the end of the film--stuff you might have seen at an all-male revue in the 1980's--nothing like Tatum's "Step Up" moves, but consistent with McConaughey's character so fun to watch. A little premiere gossip from McConaughey and Tatum: McConaughey, who is now expecting his third child, proposed (and is now married)  to his long-time girlfriend and baby-mama at Tatum's urgings. McConaughey also credited Tatum with being the "$41-million man," admitting that his own star-status has never earned that in an opening weekend.

Tatum's love interest in MAGIC MIKE is Brooke, played by Cody Horn (who also played "Brooke" on TV's White Collar with MIKE co-star, Matt Bomer). Horn is the daughter of former Warner Bros. President, Alan Horn, now the Chairman at Disney. By the way, Warner Bros. was the domestic distributor of MAGIC MIKE. Ah, nepotism.

Reid Carolin, writer for MAGIC MIKE and friend of Tatum's talented wife, Jenna Dewan (daughter of Daryll Dewan, 1972 running back for Notre Dame), wrote the screenplay based on Channing Tatum's early experiences; Tatum doesn't have any writing credits, but based on the realistic elements, he should. Tatum, Dewan and Carolin (a Harvard and NYU grad) are partners in two production companies, including 33andout Productions and Iron Horse. Tatum has been quoted in recent interviews saying he doesn't want to be involved in any film he doesn't have some creative control over. And judging by his prolific work in the last four years, that was a good decision. His first project debuted at Tribeca in 2010, a rivoting documentary called EARTH MADE OF GLASS.

MAGIC MIKE isn't what audiences might expect; it's not just about a bunch of half-naked guys. The film is really a story about personal evolution. Have you ever felt stuck, wanting to move forward, but not really knowing how? If you're a human being, chances are good the answer to that question is a resounding YES. Tatum's on-screen portrayal of his off-screen experience is relatable to almost everyone, whether you can dance or not. And the entertainment value in MAGIC MIKE is beyond reproach, thanks to the keen cinematography of Peter Andrews and the excellent editing skills of Mary Ann Bernard...both of whom are pseudonyms for the hardest working director in Hollyhood, Steven Soderbergh.

The parallels with 1983's Flashdance are hard not to notice, though. Both films are about strippers who work construction during the day and strip by night. Both films feature strippers who are extraordinarily talented dancers. Both are driven by the protagonist's sense of wanting more personally and professionally. Both have unlikely romances. And both involve the dark and dirty underbelly of the stripping industry. Luckily, Tatum never dons an off-the-shoulder sweatshirt or leg warmers.

Props go to Olivia Munn (Attack of the Show, The Newsroom), Matt Bomer (White Collar), Kevin Nash (WWE), and Adam Rodriguez (CSI: Miami, The Dark Knight Rises) for their fun performances. Alex Pettyfer (I Am Number Four) was also very good as Adam; his performance was so convincing, that as a parent of a similarly aged young man, I actually became frustrated with him. 

The film's budget was under $7-million, mostly fronted by Soderbergh and Tatum. The film opened to the tune of $40-million at the box office; to date, it's earned almost $65-million. There is no one in Hollyhood who deserves the success more than Tatum. To go from nothing to where Tatum is today took unimaginable guts, smarts, and talent. I predict Tatum will be one of Hollywood's top leading men in the next decade, replacing guys like Tom Cruise, George Clooney and Brad Pitt--all of whom are hovering at or around age 50; they'll always be popular sex-symbols but like Soderbergh says, when you become a brand, people will get tired of you. Nearly 20 years their junior, Tatum is poised to become one of the most powerful leading men in Hollywood. You heard it here first!!! 
 
All in all MAGIC MIKE earns top billing on the Housel-scale, a perfect 10/10! Yup. MAGIC MIKE is #PopCultureProfessor APPROVED! Worth every dime, the film is a summer MUST-SEE.