Depressed and dripping with self-pity, Gaz and Dave trudge back to their respective homes. Their journey is, however, interrupted at the local men's club by a line thick with screaming women. As Gaz disparagingly notes, they're gathered together for the phenomenon that is the Chippendales -- an opportunity for the women to act like men. Just how far this transformation has progressed surprises even Gaz; hiding in the toilet he sees one of the ladies urinate while standing, a true feat of physical control. This is not the reason for Gaz's secretive presence though -- he's trying to persuade Nathan to find Dave's missus and drag her from the screaming horde. Fortuitously, the sight of this baying mob gives Gaz an intriguing idea.

Instead of wasting time with menial jobs, Gaz reckons that there's good money to be made emulating the Chippendales. Unfortunately neither Gaz nor Dave can dance and they're both far from the ideals of physical perfection. Undaunted, and spurred on by the incentive of paying off his child maintenance, Gaz convinces Dave to think about his proposition. Their next catch is Lomper (Steve Huison), a suicidal nerd redeemed by his ability to play the trumpet. They still have no rhythm though, so Gaz makes peace with their formerly despised foreman Gerald (Tom Wilkinson), since he can ballroom dance. Finally, ramshackle auditions net the prodigiously endowed Guy (Hugo Speer) and the smooth-moving, if somewhat ancient, Horse (Paul Barber). Let the practice commence.

The Full Monty's target audience is quite clear from the start and, to director Peter Cattaneo's credit, he ruthlessly pursues them -- this film is pure joy for those who would pay to see the Chippendales. Fortunately, to make his creation more palatable to the rest of us, writer Simon Beaufoy hits just the right note of desperation. Sheffield has become a grimy, diminished locale and the script reflects this loss of status (for both individual and community). The experience of being on the dole and surplus to requirements, the loss of hope and dignity, is authentically recreated. Even though there are jobs available, the men feel that they're somehow below them; anyone who does take up this sort of work is castigated and put under peer-pressure for "selling-out"; these guys are a self-fulfilling, but understandable, prophecy.

The keystone of The Full Monty is Carlyle, despite all indications that this is an ensemble picture. Central to the film, there is the feeling that without Gaz's presence the entire story would drift apart. Fortunately Carlyle injects both pathos and determination (when his back is against the wall) into the role. Like his friends Gaz has been ground down by the indignities of life, yet there is one thing that he will fight for -- Nathan. In the commonly tricky role of movie kid, Snape performs with spirit and innocence. The remainder of the cast are comfortable and believable, amusing where necessary despite their stock persona. Regrettably though The Full Monty just doesn't develop its characters, leaving a wealth of loose ends but no understanding of where the central figures have come from or where they're going.

What The Full Monty also has going for it, apart from natural acting, is that it's easy to watch. There are no long-term solutions on offer, but instead a feel-good atmosphere that closes on the perfect high-point. So while the end result is rather shallow, the proceedings have a pleasingly amateur quality. However, the good but lazy script significantly hampers the film; for example, a throwaway remark indicates that Gaz has served time in jail, yet this is never mentioned again, even when the police become involved. Still, at least Beaufoy remains true to his characters and their roots, right up to the end. When the fun and groovy soundtrack is included for consideration, The Full Monty comes out as a reasonably witty film of redemption and fulfilment. In other words, it'll make you laugh and smile.

Runtime:  91 Minutes

Note:  The Full Monty won so many awards they are almost too numerous to list.  Chiefly they are: An Oscar from the Academy Awards for Best Music/Original Musical or Comedy Score(Anne Dudley)(1998); The BAFTA Awards for Best Film, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Robert Carlyle), and Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (Tom Wilkinson) (1998); the Bodil Award for Best Non-American film (Peter Cattaneo)(1998); the Golden Hitchcock and the Public Prize from the Dinard British Film Festival (Peter Cattaneo) (1997); the Standard Life Gala Award from the Edinburgh International Film Festival (Peter Cattaneo)(1998); the Audience Award and the European Film Award for Best Film (Uberto Pasolini) from the European Film Awards (1997); the award for Best Foreign Film (Peter Cattaneo, together with Brassed Off(1996)) from the German Film Awards (1998); the Goya Award for Best European Film (1998); the MTV Movie Award for Best New Filmmaker (Peter Cattaneo) (1998); the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast from the Screen Actor's Guild Awards (1998); the Cipputi Award (Peter Cattaneo)  from the Torino International Festival of Young Cinema (1997).

From:  "Hannah"

"Cheers!","(As much as I agree with this guy, I can't help but wonder if someone of his intelligence, or lack thereof, should be publicly reviewing anything.)
As far as the film goes, I am completely stunned and amazed every time I view ""The Full Monty"". Built upon a plot that turns an old, stale idea into a refreshing, hip routine, and backed by well-developed, believable characters, this is a film that makes you want to get up and dance. The original score couldn't be more perfect, nor the actors more fitting for their roles. I applaud the suberb acting that makes us cheer and cry at all the right moments. And with such a spectacular finish, ""The Full Monty"" will make you stand up and cheer.
And indeed, such an exceptional piece of art calls for a toast. Cheers to you, gentlemen."

From:  "Tom Avington"

"Why has the full Monty been such a big sucess in Britain and the USA, I repeat the USA, well its simple. During the 80s and early the British film industry has turned out turkeys when it comes to comedy, sure there has been the odd decent movie like A fish called Wanda. But on the hole they try to hard, try to be to clever and have been a waist of some chinless wanders money. But now they've got it right. Okay so the Full Monty may be nothing speacil but thats what makes it so good. Its a cheap low budaget movie, its not to long either and the simple homour and true to life and comoon chracters make the film an easy watch, and as with so many british films there are no stars. The americans may feel a little jealous that in britain films can be made for next to nothing in movie terms have no real stars and a hit at the box office."

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