The Full Monty

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.

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.

How anyone can leave a review of a series based on watching half the first episode is totally baffling. It's also totally their loss.

I will admit that I was a little undecided after episode 1 but decided to stick with it. So glad I did.

Dont expect it to be like the movie it isn't. It is though important that you have seen the movie.

I dont normally write reviews but in this instance, just felt the low ratings were really unjustified.

In fact, this isn't really a review lol Just stick with it watch more than one episode.

A totally different story to the original movie but with the same charm, humour,pathos, characters and scenery.

I'm slightly biased as a one time resident of Sheffield.

Just give it a chance.

It won't be for everyone, but it felt perfect for me.

It's not like the movie and it took a while for me to realize how relevant the title still was despite the fact that there really isn't any stripping in this show - at least not the way you might expect.

The stripping is of facades, expectation, beliefs, assumptions, and that lie we all try and tell that "Everything's fine." It's about human connection. Vulnerability, helplessness, breaking things, trying to fix them, breaking them again, and still trying.

This is probably the most human show I've seen in a long time. There aren't really good characters and bad characters. There's just people, with all the beauty and flaws that come along with that.

I came to love just about every character on the show. I laughed, I cried, I was even scared for them at one rather amusing bird related incident.

This is by far one of my new favorite shows and I am so grateful to everyone who made it happen. Best thing I've seen in a long time.