Ep 5. I Don't Want to Miss a Thong

Spoilers with Kevin Smith is a television series that breaks down various plot points, twists, and turns in entertainment media. In season 1 episode 5, titled "I Don't Want to Miss a Thong," Smith dives into the world of cinema once again.

This episode is focused on the recently released flick, "Magic Mike XXL." With a star-studded cast comprising of Channing Tatum, Joe Manganiello, Matt Bomer, and more, the film is a sequel to the popular 2012 movie "Magic Mike." The movie follows the eventful road trip of a group of male strippers as they embark on a one-last-hurrah type of journey.

Smith brings on an array of guests to talk about the film, its story, and its characters. He is joined by various guests such as his co-hosts, Marc Bernardin, and Chris Jericho, and his daughter, Harley Quinn Smith. Critics, fans, and some cast and crew from the film also make appearances.

The episode kicks off with the host and his guests discussing the film's opening dance number. They all agree that it was a captivating start that immediately engaged the audience. The dance sequence was choreographed to perfection, according to Kevin's guests, and set the tone for the entire film.

As the episode progresses, Smith and his guests deep dive into the characters' arcs throughout the film. They discuss the relationship between Mike (Channing Tatum) and Roma (Jada Pinkett Smith), which took seven years to come to fruition. The group also unpacks the character of Richie (Joe Manganiello) and his quest to find happiness in his personal life.

One of the other characters that are spotlighted is Ken (Matt Bomer). The group discusses his character's perceived arc and how the film tried to follow up on it. They also discussed how Bomer's background as a Broadway performer made him excel in the musical numbers in the film.

The show's guests generally praised the direction of the film. They termed Gregory Jacobs' directing a smart move given Steven Soderbergh's involvement in the 2012 film. The group also appreciated the cinematography, which was stunning, according to them.

One of the standout features of the film that is discussed was the infectious soundtrack. The group agreed that the music contributed to the success of the movie. Smith's guests lauded the diverse music selection and how the songs were weaved naturally into the film.

Towards the end of the episode, the group talked about the film's reception among audiences. The group noted that this was a movie predominantly made for a female audience but that men also enjoyed viewing it. They discussed the possibility of a third film in the franchise, which many fans are eagerly hoping for.

Overall, the episode showcases a good amount of analysis, fun banter, and insightful commentary. The guests, including Smith's daughter, make for an entertaining and enlightening discussion on the film, its characters, music, and everything in between. For fans of the film and Kevin Smith's work, this is an episode not to miss.