Critic Reviews

The movie barely had a plot, the TV version even less so, but it’s charming and at times poignant to see all the ways that Gaz’s world has and hasn’t changed.

“The Full Monty” is far from a dutiful retread. It’s charming and deceptively humble, a far more effective tribute to a feel-good touchstone than simply running back the same beats.

There are moments when “The Full Monty” veers a little too close to schmaltz, but it never succumbs. It’s a bittersweet look at the British working class, elevated by a charismatic cast and a tone that, even amid the personal pain and systemic failures, is tinged with optimism.

A sequel that, for all its shortcomings, retains much of its predecessor’s unassuming charm.

Doubtless some viewers will find “The Full Monty” sentimental to a fault, though sentiment was key to the success of the movie.

Some storylines wrap themselves up too neatly for how painful they are but still manage to find their footing. The saving grace to all this comes back down to the characters.

Good, sharply written (and acted) series that lacks the sizzle, pop and magic of the movie.

There are issues of pacing here, both with the plotting and the dialogue. .... Still, for all the kitchen-sink bleakness, its community spirit still crackles with warmth, offering glimmers of hope.

The Full Monty lacks any fun-loving DNA. There’s no doubt that fans of the film will be intrigued to catch up with the beloved characters, but if it’s instant uplift you want, go back to the original.

This new eight-part series delivers a political polemic — “seven prime ministers, eight northern regeneration policies” later — which is sugared with comedy, but only lightly.