I’m Officially Over the Dad Bod: Revelations From Magic Mike’s Last Dance
BY JENNY JUNG
My first lesson of 2023: stop settling for the dad bod.
14 FEB - 2023
Not to objectify Channing Tatum, or conform to toxic beauty standards… But, damn he is HOT!
Recently, I joined my boss and her close associate for a drink at Bedford and Soda. A couple of drinks in, she asked me whether I would be interested in watching "Magic Mike's Last Dance" with her. I replied, "sure. Should I watch the previous two movies so I'm up to date with the plot?" I was quickly met with giggles and laughs. "No, there is no plot, Jenny. Just go and enjoy the hot guys," she said.
And that I did.
I honestly wasn't really expecting much. All I knew about Magic Mike was that it was about male stripping or something. Other than that, I knew Selma Hayek was playing the romantic interest in the latest film. I mean, for that alone, I had to see it. Can you believe she is 56 years of age? She is smoking hot! Tatum is 42 years old, by the way. That is a spicy 14-year age gap. I feel like the milf trope is not going anywhere anytime soon. But I digress. Today, we will be strictly appreciating Channing Tatum and why I am done with the dad bod (for now).
Max and Mike.
Selma Hayek and Channing Tatum At the Premiere of "Magic Mike's Last Dance".
What Is The Dad Bod?
Wow, I didn't realise how pervasive the history of the dad bod was... Turns out the term 'dad bod' was coined in 2015 by Mackenzie Pearson in her article for the "odyssey" named "Why Girls Love the Dad Bod".
She characterises this body type by describing a dude who gyms occasionally but also drinks heavily on the weekends and enjoys multiple slices of pizza. Basically, he's a guy who isn't overweight, but he also doesn't have washboard abs.
She also explains why she believes women are so interested in the dad bod. And, let me tell you, it’s brutally honest. I'm feeling a little attacked, but let's get into it.
Jon Ham
"Why Do Girls Love The Dad Bod?"
Apparently, the dad bod doesn't intimidate women, so they're much more approachable. It also means that we will automatically be perceived as the better-looking one in the relationship - ouch.
Next, she says, "No one wants to cuddle with a rock. Or Edward Cullen. The end". Fair enough, I have always enjoyed the cuddles.
Finally, the article writes that women like to imagine their futures with their partners early in the relationship. Therefore, we are getting used to his body, and there won't be any surprises down the line - eek. Despite everything, the attraction for dad bods also stems from the fact that it makes them seem more human, natural, and therefore, attractive.
Don't be too hard on yourself, though. Let me show you some hot dad bods to remind you that being attracted to this body type is absolutely justified.
Seth Rogan
Vince Vaughn
I cannot be the only person who was obsessed with Vince Vaughn. At one point in my life, I genuinely thought he was the hottest man alive, especially during his "Wedding Crashers" and "The Break Up" Era.
Vince Vaughn.
John Corbett
I mean... Need I say more? I am team Aidan til I die! He was the moment in Sex and the City, and I couldn't believe that his weight loss was celebrated the way it was! He was sexy from the first episode he aired in, and his toned dad bod was also quite excellent near the end of his SITC career.
John Corbett.
Gerard Butler
Gerard Butler was actually brought to my attention by one of my besties, and I couldn't agree more. Just look at him.
Gerard Butler.
Channing Tatum & Magic Mike’s Last Dance
Channing Tatum is my new parasocial husband. I'm declaring it now. It's strange because I have never been super attracted to the muscular type. I think I was just genuinely mesmerised by his first dance with Hayek. It was a very long and dragged-out scene where he gave her a $6000 worth "lap dance". However, I am glad I got to experience that.
The way he was picking her up and doing pull-ups with his crotch in her face definitely made me feel some type of way. It is now on my bucket list. Any takers?
I wish they gave us more, but apparently, compared to the previous films, "Magic Mike's Last Dance" is more focused on the storyline between the characters. If you appreciate the art of dance, you will enjoy the movie because the talent of all the performers was absolutely incredible. It was amusing that the rest of the dance crew had literally zero lines. But you know what they say, dance is the universal language of storytelling, and they definitely did a lot of dancing.
I also really enjoyed the laid-back relationship between Max and Mike. I thought it was well done. Rich woman hiring a male dancer for $60,000 and 3 months of his time to revamp her boring theatre into a once-in-a-lifetime male strip show? I'm on board.
Channing Tatum.
Am I Done With The Dad Bod?
Well, it's hard to say in definite terms. I will say, however, that I have been enlightened and inspired. Who knew watching Magic Mike would leave me questioning myself? I think I will always have a soft spot for the dad bod, but I am no longer opposed to washboard abs. I don't know why I ever was.
Thank you, Magic Mike!
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