I spent the first 35+ years of my life hearing about how great this movie is, and I finally get around to watching it and now I know why.
It isn't because it's a good movie. It's because it has a tranny in it. Or maybe they're just gay, or a gay cross dresser? idk because I half tuned it out by then and started playing video games while I watched out of the corner of my eye.
The scene with the bomb vest going off was pretty good for its time too. But you're right. The tanning scene was the only reason people watched it.
Also, I read that the scene in Monster's Ball wasn't simulated, and that everyone had to sign NDAs over it.