La Bare - B

Rated R, 90 minutes

"La Bare" an entertaining, occasionally revealing look at the famous male strip club

"La Bare" is the real, untold story behind the dancers that helped inspire the Matthew McConaughey hit "Magic Mike." An enjoyable, behind the scenes documentary that's directed by actor Joe Manganiello ("Magic Mike" and "True Blood") in his debut as a director, the film goes behind the curtain, behind the stage and behind the magic of the world's most popular male strip club, La Bare right here in Dallas, Texas. Featuring a unique ensemble of the club's most popular dancers, the documentary takes a provocative look into their rockstar lifestyle and offers a front row seat to their lives, loves, laughs and losses. An entertaining, often fascinating look at the world of male stripping, "La Bare" is revealing in that it highlights the differences between men and women. Men are strictly visual and prefer big, busty women, while women prefer to enjoy a little show with their beefcake. It also highlights the many personalities and the reasons why these handsome men do what they do - some to earn a quick buck, some for the women, and others for legitimate business reasons. Speaking of which, one of the most fascinating characters Manganiello shows is Randy "Master Blaster" Ricks, who not only holds the Guinness World Record for longest consecutive male dancer (34 years and counting) but also takes it so seriously he mentors the younger guys and has his own successful male stripping business, with his own Mom answering the phones. Though the documentary was put into motion no doubt by the success of "Magic Mike," that film really owes its inspiration to these guys, who obviously know how to put on a show. Though "La Bare" often serves as an extended ad for the club itself, the documentary can be enjoyed by both sexes and is also an insightful look at the business of guys who take their clothes off for a living. Just put the dollar bills away until you get to the club.

Wes's Grade: B