XXL reunites several characters from the first film, adds in a few more good ones, and follows them all to Myrtle Beach for a Male Stripper Convention. While the first film was more about the strippers, this is very much about the audience, and therefore very much about women and the female gaze.
Both films were shot and edited by Soderbergh, though this one was not directed by him--this was directed by his longtime Assistant Director Gregory Jacobs. Still, I'm delighted to notice Soderbergh's thumbprints here and there. That was a nice throwback Warner title card. That cold open, no credits? Perfection. Those slow zooms? Nice.
Overall, however, this is a completely different film from the first Magic Mike. It's an excellent sequel, and it's more than capable of delivering what the more basic audience wants as well as catering to more sophisticated tastes.
Also, this movie is pretty darned feminist.
Do it.
5/5