Despite the inherent sexualised nature of its subject matter, 'The Full Monty (1997)' is about as far from a 'sex comedy' as you can get. Its humour doesn't come from crudity, but rather from the good-natured relationship between its core cast. That dynamic is much more focused on than you might think. The characters are all rather well-rounded and most undergo some kind of arc. They're also just fun to be around, their sometimes biting banter masking a real camaraderie. In fact, male friendship is one of the major themes of the film. It also deals with body positivity, masculinity and self-consciousness. It surprisingly subverts gender norms and expectations, ultimately feeling rather ahead of its time. It is sometimes slightly coarse but, in the end, it's an inclusive affair with a good message. Perhaps more importantly, it's thoroughly entertaining. It's often genuinely funny and it keeps you smiling throughout. It's an uplifting, earnest and enjoyable experience. Plus, as a proper Yorkshire lad, it's great to see the steel city represented on screen. 8/10
Review of The Full Monty
