Not actually a bad film, but it ends as superficially as it begins, never really investigating the world it depicts with anything other than a cursory nod. Whilst the stripping is enormous fun, and you *really can* see where Tatum's reputation comes from, the character dynamics are shallow, and the story has very little to offer, other than 'stripper decides to take control of his life, grows up and gets his girl'. Given the film's initial unapologetic attitude towards the profession, it seems strange that it would shift in tone so wildly about half way through. The predictable storyline aside, the performances are enjoyable (if not altogether impressive), and it was nice to see not just that Tatum could hold a film on his own, but that Alex Pettyfer could in fact act. But both of them were eclipsed by Matthew McConaughey as Tatum's business partner, who chews up every single scene he's in (one of them with added bongo drums). It's a shame that the subplot involving him developing the business outside of suburban Tampa isn't followed up on. It's a shame that a great deal isn't followed up on, from a logical impact of Tatum's bailing Pettyfer out, through to Pettyfer's own decline. His beauty on display may have been highly impressive, but his character never ultimately matters. It's definitely a film of two halves, one more consistent than the other. We never really learn anything substantial about any of the characters (McConaughey offers the most but is never allowed to shine as fully as he might), and what passes for character development is painfully superficial. Cody Horn is woefully underused as the sister/love interest, who never really influences either of the leads with anything other than an aggressive pout. The dance sequences are genuinely impressive, as are the strippers physiques, and it would be churlish to suggest the film doesn't have any entertainment value. As long as you don't demand anything more of it than enjoyment of the bodies on display, you should enjoy yourself.