_{By: Amanda Guarragi}

In 1997, The Full Monty was a film that flew under the radar. It was about these six unemployed steel workers who come together for a male striptease act. The film’s title was worked into their act as women went to cheer them on and demand “the full monty” (total nudity). Writer Simon Beaufoy and director Peter Cattaneo did not expect the reception they got as the film unexpectedly became a cult classic. Before Magic Mike, there was The Full Monty, filled with British humour that made it unique. The film starred Robert Carlyle, Tom Wilkinson, and Mark Addy, who all had wonderful chemistry with each other. 

The reason why it worked so well is because it was about working-class men who were trying to pull their lives together. It was difficult to find a job, and no one would give them the chance they needed. The film is centred around Gaz (Carlyle) trying to provide for his family. He had a wonderful bond with his son, who is also in this “sequel” series for the film. The Full Monty was a well-rounded film that addressed the economic disadvantages for those who did not have a degree in the UK. On top of that, they made a stand with sex workers showing that there is more than one way to make a living, and there’s no shame. 

It is twenty-six years later, and the series on Disney Plus does not have the same effect as the film did two decades ago. They do have families to tend to, and the focus is more on Gaz and his daughter Des (Talitha Wing). Unfortunately, the series doesn’t have the same grit and tenacity as the original film, which made it engaging. These men are older and have gotten to a point where they must be content with what they have because the system has been working against them. The original cast does return, and they navigate Sheffield with its crumbling healthcare, education system and employment sectors. They try their best to remain positive and keep that same energy proving that they can still triumph over adversity with a loving community. 

The Full Monty as a television series does not work as well as the film. It’s hard to make a follow-up to a film that made such an impact and had more to say than an eight-episode series about the crumbling socio-economic systems in place in the UK. Although they raise good points as these matters should be addressed, the lighthearted and fun aspects that made the original worth the watch are missing in the series. Even the banter between the group of men isn’t the same, and it seems that they changed the language to appease the current social climate. Some things are better left untouched, and who would have thought The Full Monty would be one of those films? 

Now streaming on Disney Plus.