I was honestly all set to hate director Steven Soderbergh’s comedy/drama “Magic Mike”, a film which finds “21 Jump Street” co-star Channing Tatum portraying a stripper. Given that the actor has a history of taking his clothes off for cash, it seems like the perfect fit. Still, it’s kind of hard to believe that someone like Soderbergh has crafted a movie like this, especially given the somewhat esoteric nature of his previous endeavors. At least the guy is willing to take risks.

Truthfully, “Magic Mike” doesn’t look that bad. Sure, it feels a little too much like your typical empty-headed romantic comedy, but given that Soderbergh’s in the director’s chair, I think it’s safe to assume it won’t be a cookie-cutter as its brethren. This isn’t something I would spend a lot of money on to see on the big screen, but if I stumbled across it on television or Netflix streaming, I might be inclined to give it a shot.

To clarify the plot, read this synopsis:

Magic Mike follows a wannabe stripper who goes by the stage name The Kid getting some guidance from Tatum’s Mike Martingano. Mike takes the newcomer under his wing and introduces him to the life of men who take their clobber off in front of women. Their group includes Tito, Ken and Big Richie. They’re all overseen by slightly nutty stripper-turned-club owner Dallas.

In addition to Tatum, the film also stars Matt Bomer, Alex Pettyfer, Olivia Munn, Cody Horn, and, yes, Matthew McConaughey. “Magic Mike” is currently scheduled to arrive in North American theaters on June 29th, 2012.