Magic Mike XXL (16) ***

The biggest bulges in the new Magic Mike are in the plotline of this flaccid but occasionally fun sequel.

Most female fans won't really care, but the darkness of Steven Soderbergh's first film, which made it unique, is sorely missing here.

Based loosely on Channing Tatum’s own experiences as a stripper, Magic Mike was a surprise break-out hit in 2011, but this sequel is merely going along for the ride.

Soderbergh is back as producer and cinematographer, but hands over the directing job to long-time collaborator Gregory Jacobs, who struggles with a plot-free script.

Three years after leaving the 'male entertainment' scene for good, Mike has a respectable business but is a little bored and has just had his heart broken. When his former crew, the Kings of Tampa, passes by, it's doesn't take much to persuade him to whip out his thong for an airing.

The Kings are headed to the national male entertainment convention at Myrtle Beach where they want to put in one last great performance.

Along the way, Mike finds possible new love when he meets Zoe (Amber Heard) and visits the new club run by Rome (Jada Pinkett Smith). 

The story lacks direction and certainly doesn't come out well in comparison to the first film. 

Still, an up-for-it cast manages to bring on the sex appeal and the personality, especially Tatum, who's having a ball in the lead role. 

Amy (15A) **** 

It's the documentary that has the music industry reeling and which does not flinch in depicting the various demons that lead to the death of Amy Winehouse at just 27 years old. 

When Winehouse was found dead at her home in Camden in 2011 from alcohol poisoning, fans all over the world lamented the death of the music diva already regarded as an all-time great thanks to smash hits like Rehab and Back to Black.

Amy is a stirring, brilliantly made film, yet it sometimes feeds into the very media frenzy that it sets out to condemn. 

It looks at her music career but also the torturous personal problems that contributed to her demise – her battle with bulimia, her ill-fated relationship with Blake Fielder-Civil, her addictions to heroin and crack cocaine, and the dependency on alcohol which ultimately cost her life.

We learn that Amy’s blood reading was 45 times the drink-driving limit when she died. But the film goes beyond shocking facts like this to show the very personal stories, achievements and relationships Amy had in her life.

Heartbreakingly, it also features interviews with dismayed childhood friends, music associates and family members as they recall losing the Amy they loved to a fog of addiction and fame.

Director Asif Kapadia, who last brought the tragic story of Ayrton Senna to the big screen, said showing how Amy’s songwriting mirrored her own life was a priority. The voice is striking and the music stunning, yet it's rarely allowed to take centre stage – especially in the second half, when this becomes a film about a woman's downfall.