Pub.lished Movie Reviews
The Full Monty (1997)
Who knew that guys dancing and stripping could be so incredibly funny?After being laid off from a steel factory, Gaz, played by Robert Carlyle, is hit with the devastating news that his wife intends to sue him for unpaid child support. In a desperate bid for money, Gaz and his friend Dave, portrayed by Mark Addy, concoct a plan to stage their own male strip-tease act. They rally four additional men to their cause, including their former foreman played by Tom Wilkinson and a security guard played by Steve Huison. The group pledges that their act will be a cut above the rest as they are willing to go "the Full Monty" - which means to strip completely naked.
"The Full Monty" seamlessly integrates an incredibly funny comedy with grave themes such as unemployment, fathers' rights, depression, impotence, homosexuality, body image, working class culture, and suicide. A poignant statement from one of the jobless characters, "A few more years, and men won't exist," reflects the grim reality of their situation. Once a bustling British manufacturing town celebrated for its steel, Sheffield has now seen its mills shut down, leaving men to languish in the dreary job center where no jobs are forthcoming. Their roles in life seem to have been whittled down to consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, engaging in tomfoolery, and eschewing child support payments they can't meet.
"The Full Monty" is a brilliant comedy about eccentric men just doing their thing. It harks back to the late 90's and early 2000's when a slew of these charming, low-budget films about peculiar friends joining forces to accomplish a common goal surged in popularity. Sadly, this genre has somewhat faded away, but "The Full Monty" remains a shining example of its charm and appeal.
- You are uncomfortable with content relating to unemployment and financial hardship.
- Sexual content and nudity cause you discomfort.
- Themes of suicide, depression, and body image issues could potentially trigger you.
- You are not comfortable with the use of strong language.
- You are under the age of 15. This film contains scenes and themes that may be inappropriate for younger viewers.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "The Full Monty"? Is this a film about male strippers or a guide on how to survive unemployment in Britain? I mean, these guys go from steelworkers to Chippendales in 0.5 seconds. And talk about job transition, huh?
And I love how they’re worried about their bodies not being perfect. Have they ever seen an average middle-aged man? The dad bod is a trend now, guys! They could have made a fortune just by being average Joe!
And then there's the audition scene. It's like watching the world's most awkward episode of Britain's Got Talent. I mean, who knew that the secret to a successful audition was a good pelvic thrust?
And let's not forget the scene where they all start dancing in the unemployment line. Nothing says "I'm ready to rejoin the workforce" like an impromptu dance routine. It's not exactly what I would put on my resume, but hey, whatever works!
So, in conclusion, "The Full Monty" is a lot like life. It’s confusing, a little embarrassing, but ultimately, you have to take the plunge, bare it all and hope for the best.
Strictly Ballroom (1992)
Aficionados of "The Full Monty" will appreciate "Strictly Ballroom" because both films share thematic elements of self-discovery, the underdog triumphing against the odds, and the exploration of societal expectations. They both use humor and heartwarming narratives to explore the transformative power of dance, while offering commentary on class structure, personal growth, and non-conformity. Moreover, both films are set in working-class communities, feature ensemble casts of quirky characters, and offer a blend of comedy and drama that is both entertaining and emotionally engaging.
Shakespeare in Love (1998)"The Full Monty" and "Shakespeare in Love" are both British films that blend comedy and drama to tell compelling and heartwarming stories. They are characterized by their excellent scripts, winning performances, and empathetic portrayals of their characters. Buffs of "The Full Monty" will appreciate "Shakespeare in Love" for its similarly quirky humor, its exploration of themes like love and identity, and its creative blend of historical fact and fiction. Both films also won numerous awards, including Oscars, further attesting to their high quality and broad appeal.
Waking Ned Devine (1998)"The Full Monty" and "Waking Ned Devine" are British comedies that revolve around ordinary individuals resorting to extraordinary measures in order to overcome financial struggles. They share a similar blend of humor, heart, and social commentary, with quirky, endearing characters and narratives that are as touching as they are funny. Devotees of "The Full Monty's" comedic take on serious societal issues and its celebration of camaraderie will definitely appreciate the similar themes in "Waking Ned Devine."
Chocolat (2000)"The Full Monty" and "Chocolat" are similar in the sense that they are heartwarming, character-driven films that explore the transformative power of community, individuality and self-acceptance. They are set in small towns and revolve around a group of misfits who challenge societal norms and conventions. Each film balances humour and drama, with a strong emphasis on human relationships and personal growth. Thus, fans of "The Full Monty" would appreciate the similar themes, storytelling style and emotional depth found in "Chocolat".
Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)Buffs of "The Full Monty" will appreciate "Bridget Jones's Diary" due to both films' distinct British humor, engaging characters, and heart-warming narratives. Both films tackle serious topics such as body image, self-esteem, and societal expectations with a comedic yet empathetic touch. They also feature charmingly flawed protagonists who, despite numerous missteps, ultimately triumph in their personal journeys, offering a delightful blend of laughter and sentiment.
Billy Elliot (2000)Both "The Full Monty" and "Billy Elliot" are British films that blend comedy and drama to explore the impact of socio-economic struggles on personal identity and dreams. They are set against the backdrop of industrial decline in Northern England, featuring likable, working-class characters who find empowerment and self-expression through unconventional means - stripping in "The Full Monty" and ballet dancing in "Billy Elliot". These films share a similar tone, humor, and heart, and both offer inspiring narratives about overcoming adversity, challenging societal norms, and the transformative power of art and performance.
Finding Neverland (2004)"The Full Monty" and "Finding Neverland" are poignant, heartwarming films that blend comedy and drama in a uniquely British style. They’re both about underdogs overcoming obstacles, and they share a focus on themes of friendship, fatherhood, and the power of imagination. The films are driven by strong character development and remarkable performances, particularly from the male leads. Therefore, if you love the humor, warmth, and emotional depth of "The Full Monty", you will likely also appreciate these same qualities in "Finding Neverland."
Calendar Girls (2003)"The Full Monty" and "Calendar Girls" are British comedies that beautifully blend humor with heartfelt and inspiring narratives. They revolve around ordinary individuals who, in response to personal or communal crises, resort to unconventional means - stripping for the former and nude calendar photoshoot for the latter. They share similar themes of camaraderie, empowerment, self-confidence, and stepping outside of comfort zones, all while dealing with societal pressures and personal insecurities. The witty dialogues, realistic characters, and the charming British countryside backdrop in "Calendar Girls" will surely appeal to those who enjoyed the humor and warmth of "The Full Monty".
"The Commitments" (1991):If you loved "The Full Monty", you might enjoy watching "The Commitments", a musical comedy-drama film from Ireland. It's about a group of working-class Dubliners who form a soul band. The film takes a fun, poignant look at how their dreams intersect with the realities of everyday life. Plus, the incredible tunes are an added bonus.
"About a Boy" (2002):Fans of "The Full Monty" often appreciate "About a Boy" for its British humor and heartwarming plot. Starring Hugh Grant, the film is based on a novel by Nick Hornby and tells the story of a London man who learns about responsibility when he forms a bond with a socially awkward boy.
"Four Weddings and a Funeral" (1994):Charming, funny, and delightfully British, "Four Weddings and a Funeral" follows a group of friends as they navigate their romantic lives. Like "The Full Monty", it wonderfully fuses comedy with drama to create a film that's not only funny but also poignant and heartfelt.
"Lagaan" (2001):If you're open to international cinema and loved the underdog story in "The Full Monty", give "Lagaan" a go. This Indian movie, set during the Victorian period of the country's colonial British Raj, tells an unusual tale of a bunch of villagers taking on the British Empire in a game of cricket to avoid exorbitant taxes.
"Kinky Boots" (2005):"Kinky Boots," like "The Full Monty", is an upbeat British film that grapples with themes of economic hardship, father-son relationships, and non-conformity. It tells the story of a struggling shoe factory owner who teams up with a cabaret performer to produce a line of high-heeled boots.
"Brassed Off" (1996):Lastly, "Brassed Off" has several themes in common with "The Full Monty". It's a British comedy-drama that tells the story of a colliery brass band, and their town that's been stricken with the closure of its coal mine. The movie beautifully combines socio-political commentary, humor, and emotional drama to great effect.
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