The Full Monty

When I first started watching The Full Monty I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I didn't even know what "Full Monty" meant...Don't worry, I got it know. After watching the movie all I could think about is how brave those six unemployed guys were doing something out of the norm in order to make some money.

This film covered quite a few different themes including; unemployment, suicide, obesity, and divorce. Each one of those themes are a little tough to cover so the movie had some humor to go along with it. The main characters of the movie are each struggling with their own issues. They are all unemployed, Gaz is fighting for visitation rights, and Dave is struggling with weight issues. I think that the point the director is trying to get across is just because a person is going through a rough patch doesn't mean they have to give up and be miserable. The men realize they need to come together as friends to be there for each other and to find a way to be successful again.  The director adds comedy into this film because it helps take the edge off some of the issues faced.

Personally, I think the movie was only somewhat successful. Yes, it made it me realize that being there for friends can be rewarding but it also promoted stripping as an easy way to make money. If Gaz is really trying to pay off his child support and prove he deserves visiting rights, I think there could have been better ways then doing the Full Monty. Otherwise, the  movie was super successful in the UK. It attracted a huge audience and even went on later to be made into a musical and a play. I think it grabbed the hearts of the audience and made them feel for the characters. It also showed that audience that when they are feeling down and worthless that it is their choice to stay that way or to do something about it.

The Full Monty is rated R because of all the swearing and partial nudity in the film. The rating could also have to do with some of the rough subjects dealt with in the film. Some people like to think that the violence, swearing, and nudity in films is causing there to be more problems with it in society today. I don't exactly think that is the case. I think movies  like this take what is already going on in the world and make it into something that everyone can relate too. Some of the issues they are faced with may be harsh but somewhere, someone else is going through the same problems. I also liked how there was a bit of comedy to go with this movie too, showing that its okay to laugh it off a little.

Overall, I don't think I will be watching The Full Monty again. It had good messages and taught good lessons but it didn't really keep me interested the whole time. I will say that the men in the movie did show just how brave they were by facing their own problems and by doing the Full Monty. I think it is the type of movie that you have to be able to relate to in some way in order to really appreciate it.