The lunchbox has landed

"Welcome to Sheffield, the beating heart of England's industrial north. The jewel in Yorkshire's crown is home to nearly over a million people, and thousands more flock here daily to shop and to work. All this is built on Sheffield's primary industry. Steel!"

And so begins The Full Monty with a 1960's promotional video: Sheffield, a city built on steel. Then the reality of modern day sinks in, closed down steel mills, and two redundant steel workers Gary and Dave, busy pilfering whatever they can from the closed down steel mill.

The first I'd heard about The Full Monty, was that it was a comedy about male strippers, and I had held off for a long time on going to see it. However due to great reviews and endless persuasion, I finally gave in. The first 5 minutes told me I would not be disappointed.

Strapped for cash, Gary is threatened with losing what little custody he has of his son. So, inspired by The Chippendales, he manages to talk 5 of his out of work friends into going The Full Monty, a full nudity strip show.

The characters are outstanding.
Robert Carlyle stars as Gary, and for a Scotsman manages to pass off very convincingly as a Yorkshireman.

Dave is Gary's overweight best friend, and is driven by what he perceives as losing his wife's respect. His funniest moment comes when he is trying to get in shape by surrounding his stomach in plastic wrap while eating a chocolate bar.

Lomper, is a manic depressive, on the verge of suicide, and security guard at the closed down steel works. His motivation is just to get acceptance and win a few friends.

Gerald, is the only one who knows anything about dancing, and acts as the group's choreographer. Out of work for 6 months, he has yet to tell his wife, and so due to her frivolous spending is forced to take such extreme measures.

Guy, is the pretty boy, but pretty much untalented, until he strips, to the reaction "The lunchbox has landed"

Horse, is an overaged, black scouser, who is brought in due to an excellent rendition of The Funky Chicken. You can only wonder why a black guy would be called Horse.

The movie is typically British in it's dialogue, and American viewers may miss a lot of jokes. However, it's the true to lifeness, that makes this movie so sensational. You get a feeling that this is a group of people you know, and you'll find it hilarious as you watch them make fools of themselves.

With Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Musical, The Full Monty inspired a revival of Hot Chocolate and Donna Summer hits.

If you haven't seen this, I assure you, you won't be disappointed.