The Full Monty Review

Cheerful despite the harsh economic conditions, and proof that working class grit doesn't always have to equal misery, The Full Monty is an affectionate look at a group of lads out to make some cash - and an uplifting tribute to human spirit.

With its evocative opening shots (an old promotional film for Sheffield showing the benefits of the city fades into scenes of the rusting, abandoned steel mills), you might be fooled into thinking that you're in for another grim slice of Northern life.

But you'd be wrong. The boys have their problems - likeable likely lad Gaz (Carlyle), is forever in trouble and desperate to provide for his boy. His mate, Dave (Addy) wants to be thinner, but can't seem to shift the weight, and the burden on his confidence is ruining his marriage. Despite all this, the two remain unbowed, confident that they'll find a way out of their predicament. What they don't expect is the method - spotting a poster for The Chippendales, Gaz reasons that they could make more cash by doing 'The Full Monty' - stripping naked on stage.