The Full Monty

'The Full Monty (2023)' is a sequel series to 'The Full Monty (1997)' that follows the cast of that movie as they navigate their daily lives. It doesn't focus on performing at a strip joint (there's only one nod towards the group's iconic stage show), instead spending its time charting the various stresses and struggles of these working class characters. It mixes family drama with social commentary, bouncing between its cast members so that they've pretty much all got at least one episode dedicated primarily to them (except for Tom Wilkinson, who kind of just sits there, and Hugo Speer, who only makes a handful of appearances). It takes quite a while to get into its groove, with a couple of notable dips here and there, but it eventually ends on a fairly strong note (even if the way it handles a certain significant element of its ending is notably strange). Robert Carlyle, Mark Addy, Lesley Sharp, Paul Barber and Steve Huison all reprise their roles really well, and the writing typically does these legacy characters justice. They're joined by a few newcomers, the most notable perhaps being Miles Jupp, but these are given perhaps a bit too much attention considering they aren't really who we came to see. Still, everyone does what they need to do and they mostly do it well. It's not a great series - and it's not particularly necessary, either - but it's enjoyable enough for what it is and it has a couple of stronger episodes in its back half.

I love it, not because it's funny as the movie (although there are some really good laughs), but because it shows the actual real life, the good and the bad, and all the ugliness of modern society, that's supposed to be more advanced than it was in the past.

It also shows small and not so small good and beautiful things, that make life worth living. It also reminds us to pay attention to people we care for and to listen not only with your ears, but with your heart. Because someone might need your help, your friendship, your guidance, or even just a kind gesture or word, and you should recognize that, before it's too late.

This is a very different beast to the film but well worth a watch and persevere with if it seems to dip a bit in the middle. Some of the episodes are stronger than others, but all have their memorable moments. Social politics are very much central to this show. School & nhs underfunding, mental health services, poverty, housing issues, bullying, the benefits system are all fair game. However, that doesn't mean it's not funny; it's just not a gag a minute but their are several laugh out loud sequences. It's definitely worth staying with until the end of the series. The last episode is very moving. Pleased this worked, as loved the film.

I have fond memories of watching the 1997 film and I'm in no way one of those people that say a remake or sequel can spoil a movie from the past, it can't. The original film will always be what it was.

This follow-on tv mini series delivers how real life turns out. There's more elaboration on personal lives. Hardship, relationships, challenges, the nitty-gritty and the warmth that having good people in your life can bring.

It showcases real life in a typical working class city in the UK. The cast were great. An older version of their younger selves we remember from the late 90's. We can't forget this is over 25 years on from then. The world is a little different but the core of the characters remain the same albeit aged with what life brings.

The storylines take on a very modern view of today's world.

I've enjoyed each episode. There's a lot of drama, scandal, character devolpment and surprises thrown in.

The scenic pictures of Sheffield is charming. Good northern humour is thrown in to the mix of some deep storylines.

At only 8 episodes it had me wanting more.

Was not sure they could replicate the magic. They did. And returning twenty five years later, seeing how the guys were now, was better than I imagined. A mixture of laughs, pathos and heartbreak. The situation for the blue collar workers is still an almighty struggle by and large, and there is the same political tinge that things have not really got better up north, still largely ignored. The original cast obviously carry it, but new characters too, to flesh it out. And to cap it all, the backdrop of the Steel City, run down in places, beautiful backdrop though. All in all, really glad to revisit The Full Monty. Would certainly not object to some more.