The Full Monty (1997)

I wanted to watch this film because of actor Robert Carlyle. He is one of my favorites! He is very diverse, and a great character actor. If you haven't seen him as Rumplestiltskin in the tv show Once Upon A Time, you are truly missing out!

The Full Monty is also a play. It's the story of 6 unemployed steel workers trying to make ends meet when Gaz, played by Carlyle, happens to drop in on a male stripper show at a local club. He realized the money the dancers were making, and the crowd they were gathering, would significantly help him in his tough financial situation. He brings the idea up when he sees his mates at the unemployment office. They are weary of the idea, but are gradually getting desperate. Keep in mind, these are primarily middle aged men. Their wives and girlfriends begin getting suspicious when they find peculiar undergarments, lotions, razors, and new behaviors in the men they know so well. When they finally advertise for their show, they bribe the women of the town with a promise to go "full monty" for one night only. Which means full nude! They manage to pull off an excellent dance routine, well choreographed, and the film closes with the camera view behind them as they are onstage dancing, and the image freezes at the point they pull off the last piece of clothing. Fantastic!

The film is full of awkward moments and dark humor. My favorite part of the film is when the men are all in line at the unemployment office, when they hear "Hot Stuff" by Donna Summer playing. They don't notice it, but they begin to dance their routine while standing in line! Hilarious! I could not stop laughing throughout this film! Definitely a feel good movie! The ending is worth the wait. The film doesn't pick up until the middle point. After that, it's just a good time!

This film in comparison to Magic Mike, is funnier, with less drama, more relatable, and fun! I hope to someday see the live play! This would definitely be funnier and more fitting on a stage.