Magic Mike XXL vs Terminator Genisys: Eli's summer sequel slugfest
CBC's film critic compares Channing Tatum's 2nd stripper drama with Arnie's action epic reboot
It's a Hollywood-sized box office bruhaha.
It's Fourth of July weekend south of the border, and two major studio pictures are squaring off on the crucial date in the moneymaking calendar.
In one corner, Channing Tatum is tempting audiences with his chiseled chest in Magic Mike XXL, the second film about male dancer, Mike Lane. This time, fate (pelvic) thrusts him out of retirement to lead a crew of strippers on a gyrating tour.
In the other corner stands Arnold Schwarzenegger's glistening Terminator T-800 in Terminator Genisys, the fifth reboot in the sci-fi epic that sends trusted lieutenant Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney) back in time to save a battle-hardened Sarah Connor (played by Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke.)
The male-stripper sequel earned $9.3 million US on its opening day, compared with Terminator, which took in $8.9 million US.
CBC's film critic Eli Glasner points to plot holes as a potential problem.
"In Terminator Genisys the spelling isn't the only thing that's convoluted," warns Glasner. "Even more unsettling is Arnold's makeover from unstoppable killing machine, to Sarah's protector."
Despite doing it in their skivvies, Magic Mike XXL appears to be the best-suited movie to win the popcorn punch-up.
"Don't get me wrong,"says Glasner, "the finale has more grinding than a skateboard convention ... but what gives this guilty pleasure its groove is the loose and relaxed atmosphere."
Magic Mike XXL and Terminator Genisys are in theatres now.
Get Glasner's full blow-by-blow review in the video above.