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10

johndoe2014Jan 15, 2019

Both of these actors deserve oscar nominations. Not only do they do an excellent job of playing the real men, but their comedic characters as well. The movie picks up steam in a gentle way and by the end it is powerful and exceptional.

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8

FunkymonkJan 19, 2019

It's rare to see a movie where everyone gives fantastic performances. From Rufus Jones untrustworthy, deadpan tour manager to the bickering, protective wives. It's Coogan and Reilly who steal the show. Both give nuanced performances that goIt's rare to see a movie where everyone gives fantastic performances. From Rufus Jones untrustworthy, deadpan tour manager to the bickering, protective wives. It's Coogan and Reilly who steal the show. Both give nuanced performances that go beyond mere impressions of the duo. I'd be disappointed if both didn't receive Oscar nominations. Even if you're not a fan of Laurel and Hardy this is worth seeing.… Expand

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10

GinaKJan 22, 2019

A funny but also very sad biography of Laurel and Hardy, brilliantly brought to life by Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly and an excellent supporting cast. My father loved these comics and thought they were hilarious, but I never “got” theirA funny but also very sad biography of Laurel and Hardy, brilliantly brought to life by Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly and an excellent supporting cast. My father loved these comics and thought they were hilarious, but I never “got” their appeal. Through this film, Coogan and Reilly made me appreciate these men as performers and friends, perhaps because there was more to this film than simple physical comedy. I experienced their warmth, struggles, and deep friendship. Reilly was very good, but Coogan was brilliant – he had all the gestures of Stan Laurel down pat, but he also made him a fascinating and lovely human being.… Expand

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9

IsaacJJan 13, 2019

Here, John C. Reilly and Steve Coogan star in a biopic as delightful and fuzzy as its subject, the legendary comedy duo, Laurel and Hardy. Jon S. Baird directs the film, which documents the lesser-known twilight years of the pair; Stan andHere, John C. Reilly and Steve Coogan star in a biopic as delightful and fuzzy as its subject, the legendary comedy duo, Laurel and Hardy. Jon S. Baird directs the film, which documents the lesser-known twilight years of the pair; Stan and Ollie, aging and fading from the public eye, embark on a tour of Britain in order to raise funds for a big (and almost too good to be true) movie break to bring them back in the limelight. The film being called Stan and Ollie is poetically appropriate; we are being given a wonderfully personal look at the men behind the celluloid. The end result is a movie that is simply irresistible.
John C. Reilly and Steve Coogan star as the titular leads, in portrayals that are both uncanny and effortless. Reilly plays Hardy with a jovial honesty, his clumsy gait and trademark finger-twiddle completing a gorgeously authentic performance. The same is true of Coogan, whose portrayal of Stan Laurel is well-rounded and classically humorous. This film truly could not work without the two actors, who commit to their roles with ease in a partnership that seems as natural as Laurel and Hardy themselves. However, it is Rufus Jones’ hilarious tour manager who hits the nail on the head, quipping that we get “two double acts for the price of one”, when referring to Stan and Ollie’s fiercely protective wives. Shirley Henderson and Nina Arianda give the film another layer in humorous supporting performances as Lucille Hardy and Ida Laurel, with Arianda, in particular, being absolutely scene-stealing.
Jeff Pope (who worked with Steve Coogan on Philomena) writes a sharp and versatile script; throughout the film, the lines are blurred between the on-screen personas of Stan and Ollie and their personal lives. This makes for results that are, as expected of this film, utterly hysterical, yet also comes with the difficult job of making sure the comedy and drama coincide comfortably. Stan and Ollie does this perfectly; while the film is certainly an irreverent and nostalgic comedy, what allows it to truly work is the emotional edge that acts almost like a tonic, cutting through the slapstick. The film never strains for laughs and the same is true of its approach to its more serious side, lending an emotional weight to the fun (“You loved Laurel and Hardy”, Stan snaps, “but you never loved me”). The whole package is wrapped up nicely with Rolfe Kent’s jubilant score and Laurie Rose’s cinematography, full of marvellous continuous shots (the opening prologue on the set of Way Out West particularly stands out). Some may argue that Stan and Ollie is sweet to the point of saccharine, but I disagree; it’s a charming film that’s filled to the brim with joy and heart. In times where, perhaps, the negative seems to stand out, this is a breath of fresh air that reminds us of the importance of love and laughter in a quaint and purely magical way.… Expand

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8

TVJerryJan 31, 2019

Comedy duo Laurel & Hardy were box office giants in the 30s, but this film only begins there. It soon transitions to the '50s, when they're fame has faded and they're attempting one last tour of England. Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly notComedy duo Laurel & Hardy were box office giants in the 30s, but this film only begins there. It soon transitions to the '50s, when they're fame has faded and they're attempting one last tour of England. Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly not only look amazingly like the real men, their "off-stage" characters are sweetly affecting. The re-creations of the classic routines is not only perfect, but shows while the originals were so funny. As the drama progresses, their relationship is challenged and this is where the film falters. While there are tender emotions, their professional and personal challenges never get sufficient gravitas to create a truly affecting drama. Still, it's a sweet treat.… Expand

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7

moviemitch96Jan 25, 2019

This was a charming little biopic about Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, one of the most beloved and famous silent film era comedy duos, as they navigate their way through the peak of their careers in the 1930s, as well as a comedy tour inThis was a charming little biopic about Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, one of the most beloved and famous silent film era comedy duos, as they navigate their way through the peak of their careers in the 1930s, as well as a comedy tour in England during the sound era as they struggle to stay prominent and relevant within changing times. Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly are both delightful together as Laurel and Hardy respectively, and easily help make up for the film's relatively safe, predictable, and standard biopic narrative. Overall, while it is pretty standard, the film's fun and charm, as well as plenty of classic Hollywood nostalgia paired with Coogan and Reilly's great chemistry together makes it just worthwhile and enjoyable enough.… Expand

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7

Brent_MarchantJan 13, 2019

A capably made though somewhat "safe" and formulaic biopic that might be seen as mediocre were it not for the outstanding lead performances of John C. Reilly and Steve Coogan, as well as several delightful supporting characters. In tellingA capably made though somewhat "safe" and formulaic biopic that might be seen as mediocre were it not for the outstanding lead performances of John C. Reilly and Steve Coogan, as well as several delightful supporting characters. In telling the story of this legendary comedy duo, the film would have been more balanced had it included more about the pair's rise to comedic greatness and not focused almost exclusively on their sunset years. All in all, a decent effort but one that could have (and should have) been better to do justice to the legacy of Laurel and Hardy.… Expand

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10

Rebecca31Jan 16, 2019

Depicting the later years of the life of Laurel and Hardy and their comedy tour of Britain in 1953. No longer making movies and not in the public eye anymore, Stan and Ollie re-connect with their fans as they begin their tour. You don't evenDepicting the later years of the life of Laurel and Hardy and their comedy tour of Britain in 1953. No longer making movies and not in the public eye anymore, Stan and Ollie re-connect with their fans as they begin their tour. You don't even have to be a die hard Laurel and Hardy fan to appreciate the joy that is Stan & Ollie.

Not only do Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly look the spitting image of the real Laurel and Hardy but from the get go they become fully immersed in their characters, I never questioned it for a moment. Their performance and their chemistry was absolutely perfect. I never had any doubts about Coogan's acting ability, particularly his impressions so when he was cast it made sense but I never held John C. Reilly in high regard until now. Oscar worthy performances without a doubt. The script is very witty and the supporting characters add that little bit extra. Highly recommended but don't go expecting a laugh out loud comedy, it's not that kind of film. It's charming, delightfully entertaining and an all round feel good movie.… Expand

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8

preciouskikiJan 26, 2019

Entertaining and enjoyable, "Stan and Ollie" is "Much more enjoyable than I expected it to be." I laughed out loud a number of times, and the story seems true to life and never treacly or heavyhanded. Loved the Hollywood and British sceneryEntertaining and enjoyable, "Stan and Ollie" is "Much more enjoyable than I expected it to be." I laughed out loud a number of times, and the story seems true to life and never treacly or heavyhanded. Loved the Hollywood and British scenery and the costumes, too. Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly are just perfect.… Expand

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7

HealingToolboxApr 11, 2019

7.5 for me
These two reviews reflect my views....
Washington Post - Ann Hornaday As a winsome glance back, and as a piece of artistic preservation, Stan & Ollie would be enjoyable enough. Yet it becomes truly transcendent in the hands of John7.5 for me
These two reviews reflect my views....
Washington Post - Ann Hornaday
As a winsome glance back, and as a piece of artistic preservation, Stan & Ollie would be enjoyable enough. Yet it becomes truly transcendent in the hands of John C. Reilly and Steve Coogan, who play Ollie and Stan with intelligence and spirit that go beyond their own uncanny physical performances.

Original-Cin - Jim Slotek
People expecting plenty of Laurel & Hardy style laughs will be disappointed, obviously, given the movie’s comedy-lions-in-winter theme. But this thoughtful portrait of a long-lasting professional marriage rings touchingly true.… Expand

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8

MrMovieBuffMar 6, 2019

An emotional and yet funny journey between two comedy-driven men could not have been handled better than 'Stan & Ollie', a wonderful tribute to one of the most iconic duo acts in history. We see the comedy act, Stan Laurel (Steve Coogan) andAn emotional and yet funny journey between two comedy-driven men could not have been handled better than 'Stan & Ollie', a wonderful tribute to one of the most iconic duo acts in history. We see the comedy act, Stan Laurel (Steve Coogan) and Oliver Hardy (John C. Reilly) doing their usual routine of performing in theater and their bond in friendship as they help each other get through many tours and what they get up to behind the scenes. Years later, the comedy act are still coming up with new funny material, while Stan is trying to get a movie developed and trying his best to have discussions with a producer on getting that movie off the ground, while Oliver is just trying to focus on more pleasant things. We see that the two never lose sight of what's important, their friendship and staying in character, even when they're not on stage. Just like in one scene, when they're checking into a hotel, and they decide to do a little skit in front of the hotel receptionist involving the bell, and never failing to make her laugh, because that's what they're good at doing. Complications arrive, of course, as it seems that both Laurel and Hardy seem to let their separate issues get in the way of their success. They never seem to want to give up, but so many signs out there are telling them that they may be passed their sell-by date. Director John S. Baird has crafted an appropriately funny and heartwarming tribute to the legendary comedy duo, it truly captures the spirit of the real Laurel and Hardy in a way I think Richard Attenborough almost succeeded with 'Chaplin' (1992). This was the movie that 'Chaplin' (1992) almost was... Both Coogan and Reilly give winning performances as the iconic duo, and they seem to - not only share terrific chemistry - but also have fun in their roles and seem very comfortable with the very well-written screenplay. Baird is clearly a fan of Laurel and Hardy and his admiration fully takes up the movie's storytelling. The only issue here is that there's not much conflict between our two lead characters, mild spoilers ahead; but towards the end of the second act, we see our two title characters have a heated debate, and things are quickly resolved towards half-way in the third act. Maybe this is because the real Laurel and Hardy didn't fight a lot in their time as friends, and maybe they were just that close. I am a little concerned that maybe Baird's admiration for these two may have led him to sugar-coat a few things, but then again, maybe this was the case. Overall, if you are a fan of the real Laurel and Hardy, this is definitely the movie for you, you'll laugh and you'll shed a tear. Everything - mostly - falls in the right place.… Expand

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8

moviecritic68Feb 6, 2019

A very delightful film which portrayed the real lives of the duo. Really well done & above par acting. Enjoyed every minute of it.

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8

NecrophatAug 20, 2020

What a great film, these two actors have done a fantastic job of portraying Stan and Ollie, a heartfelt and joyful film, loved it, any Laurel and Hardy film needs to see this.

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9

alejandro970Mar 27, 2022

A close look at the final days of one of comedy's greatest couples, revealing that their talent for making people laugh was in their blood. Not to mention that the interpretations are a prodigy. Take note of the opening credits sequence thatA close look at the final days of one of comedy's greatest couples, revealing that their talent for making people laugh was in their blood. Not to mention that the interpretations are a prodigy. Take note of the opening credits sequence that pays homage to A touch of evil.… Expand

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8

Davrosdaleks1Mar 16, 2019

Stan & Ollie follows famed forties comedy duo Stan Laurel (played by Steve Coogan) and Oliver Hardy (played by John C. Reilly) in their sixties during the 1950s. Their find themselves facing the decline of their careers as they tour GreatStan & Ollie follows famed forties comedy duo Stan Laurel (played by Steve Coogan) and Oliver Hardy (played by John C. Reilly) in their sixties during the 1950s. Their find themselves facing the decline of their careers as they tour Great Britain. What ensues is a rather entertaining and heartfelt biopic that balances humor and drama.

Confident direction from John S. Baird, especially the beginning and end. The opening is a continuous shot that competently reveals the exposition and Laurel and Hardy's personalities in a short amount of time. The ending scene knows just the right shots in order to direct the audience's emotions.

Sharp, funny dialogue. Fans of Laurel and Hardy will be pleased to see many of their routines here. However, if old-timey physical humor isn't your thing, it might get to be a bit too much for you after awhile.

Their are some good dramatic moments in this, however some of the more serious moments drag on in parts. The section about Laurel and Hardy waiting for funding for a Robin Hood movie is given way more time than needed. I thought they focused too much on manufacturing a conflict between L&O. Surprisingly, they leave out other sad factors of the end of their careers, Laurel being sick for a while and their last film Utopia being a bomb, which I think could've worked well in this.

Coogan and Reilly are the film duo I never knew I needed. Their chemistry is great. They completely sell the friendship between the two comedians. Reilly turns in one of his best performances, which is saying something. The entire main cast is strong, including Rufus Jones as silver-tongued manager Bernard Delfont, Nina Arianda as Laurel's outgoing wife Nina, and Shirley Henderson (Harry Potter's Moaning Myrtle) as Hardy's wife, constantly worried about his health.

Ultimately, this movie does a good job of capturing the spirit of the duo. If you're unfamiliar with them, then you'll still find a good story.… Expand

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7

DubeauMar 17, 2019

Stan and Ollie was a nice and sensible biopic. I think that the use of flashback could have been more present. If anything the movie gets a bit slow after the middle section. What makes the movie a good biopic is the performance of theStan and Ollie was a nice and sensible biopic. I think that the use of flashback could have been more present. If anything the movie gets a bit slow after the middle section. What makes the movie a good biopic is the performance of the actors. And I mean, all of them really. On top of that you get some of the humor of the duo. The filming was conventional and maybe the film could have benefited a better photography. I give it 75%. Informative, emotional and great acting.… Expand

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8

JLuis_001Mar 17, 2019

Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly really took it to another level and what they do in this film is incredible.
Considering this film hasn't really raised many expectations, it goes without saying that it's fair to recommend it with vehemence.Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly really took it to another level and what they do in this film is incredible.
Considering this film hasn't really raised many expectations, it goes without saying that it's fair to recommend it with vehemence.

It's a light film but that's the beauty of it because it doesn't use any sort of ornaments to make more interesting. It's all rooted in the story and the work of the actors and I loved it.… Expand

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7

amheretojudgeMar 17, 2019

Two Unfitting Hats.

Stan And Ollie Baird teeters the film completely on the performance. Is it an inadequacy of the content of the script or a director so generous that he offers more room to the actor? It is a rickety chair, leant towardsTwo Unfitting Hats.

Stan And Ollie

Baird teeters the film completely on the performance. Is it an inadequacy of the content of the script or a director so generous that he offers more room to the actor? It is a rickety chair, leant towards a productive result by the actors. For instance, consider a confessional encounter between Stan (Steve Coogan) and Ollie (John C. Reilly) in the last act of the film. That entire conversation has managed to grasp the essence of these two megadorms of talents, that never compromised their humor even for drama and still manages to create a heartwarming meaningful arc in their acts.

The film, just like their half an hour of acts, is simple and meticulous to the core. There is only one big scene that it all builds up for and as much as appreciative John C. Baird; the director's, approach is, there is some vital piece missing in the puzzle. And it is the tease for the game, the thirst of ours to wish for these beautifully performed actors to shook on each others term. There is real romance in their performance but no quest to make you lie at the brisk of your seat.

If Reilly is the underdog that takes pity pills in here, Coogan is morally complex and easy to absorb with his wide unblinking watery eyes. The writing is good as far as the conversations are concerned, like the way how this duo pretends to fight in front of their partners by using that same arrow that wounded them in the previous one. The screenwriter Jeff Pope has somehow created a mirror to Stephen Frears's Philomena, only this time it lacks the heavy drama that painted it bright. Stan And Ollie stages an incredible homage to its inspiration- from the vocab it adapts to the body language or structure- but, unfortunately, period.… Expand

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7

LajaleaaAug 6, 2019

"The more I drink, the more she gets drunk."
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( 78/100 ) . Jon S. Baird, conocido por "Filth" (2013), hizo un drama nada reconocible llamado "Cass" (2008) y luego de dirigir varios episodios en series de poco alcance presentó en el 2018 su"The more I drink, the more she gets drunk."
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( 78/100 )
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Jon S. Baird, conocido por "Filth" (2013), hizo un drama nada reconocible llamado "Cass" (2008) y luego de dirigir varios episodios en series de poco alcance presentó en el 2018 su tercer film: "Stan & Ollie". El director es de Escocia y unió fuerzas con, Jeff Pope, un escritor y productor de TV y cine exclusivo de Inglaterra, para contar la historia de Stan Laurel y Oliver Hardy, que fueron el más famoso dúo de comedia de los 30's a los 50's.
Después de 15 años de tensión y distancia se reencuentran para revivir la fama y chispa que tuvieron en el mundo antes de que Hardy decidiera no renovar el contrato que tenía con Laurel. El plan es hacer un tour por toda Inglaterra con el cual Stan pueda persuadir a un productor de cine que lo ayude a filmar el guión que apoyará económicamente y volverá a colocarlos en la industria del entretenimiento.
La película es un trabajo de cine justo que provoca respeto por Steve Coogan y John C. Reilly, quienes demuestran una gran dinámica en la pantalla y un gran talento para dominar y saltar entre los humores que el guión muy ágilmente intercala en la narrativa. El dúo es muy preciso en su interacción y fluye junto al guión con la energía necesaria para ganarse la atención y sonrisas del público. El director también tiene mérito: son varias las escenas en donde se puede notar la fluidez, el decoro y la elegancia de la cámara, así como la sensibilidad de su visión. Muy diferente a "Filth" (2013), una comedia sucia sobre la corrupción; "Stan & Ollie" es carismática, elocuente, optimista, a veces frustrante pero siempre entretenida.
Esta historia sobre el choque de identidades y el trabajo en equipo nos enseña que mientras más duro se trabaje, más complacientes serán las recompensas, y que la fama de "Laurel And Hardy" se la deben a su ética profesional y la esencia en la personalidad del dúo que, con esfuerzo, lograron presentar a un público aplaudiendo.
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Jon S. Baird, better known because of "Filth", made a non-recognizable drama called "Cass" (2008) and after directing some episodes in TV series with little reach, he presented in 2018 his third film: "Stan & Ollie". The director is from Scotland and he joined forces with Jeff Pope, a writer and producer of TV and cinema exclusive of England, to tell the story of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, who were the most famous comedy duo from the 30s to the 50s. After 15 years of tension and distance, they reunite to revive the fame and sparkle that they had in the world before Hardy decided to not renovate the contract that he had with Laurel. The plan is to make a tour across all England with which Stan can persuade a cinema producer who can help him film the script that will help them economically and put them in the entertainment industry again. The movie is a fair cinema work that creates respect for Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly, who show a great dynamic in the screen and talent to dominate and jump from humor to humor that the scrip skillfully inserts in the narrative. The duo is very precise in their interaction and flows along the script with enough energy to win over the attention and smiles of the public. The director also has merit: in several scenes can be noticed the fluency, the decorum, and elegance of the camera, as well the sensibility of his vision. Very different from "Filth" (2013), a dirty comedy about corruption; "Stan & Ollie" is charismatic, eloquent, optimistic, sometimes frustrating but always entertaining.
This story about the clash of identities and teamwork teach us about how the harder the work, the pleasant can rewards be; and that the fame of Laurel And Hardy it's owned to their professional ethics and the essence of the duo personality that, with a lot of effort, achieved to show in front of a clapping public.… Expand

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7

MarkHReviewsFeb 1, 2019

From the 1920s to the early 1950s, the comedy team of Laurel and Hardy made over 100 films. They began with short silent films, graduated to short sound films and eventually starred in 23 full-length feature films. In their heyday, LaurelFrom the 1920s to the early 1950s, the comedy team of Laurel and Hardy made over 100 films. They began with short silent films, graduated to short sound films and eventually starred in 23 full-length feature films. In their heyday, Laurel and Hardy were among the best-known and most-beloved personalities in show business.

After a brief vignette focusing on the team at the peak of its popularity in 1937, “Stan and Ollie” examines the pair on a 1953 tour of Britain and Ireland. By this time, many assume the team has retired, requiring Stan (Steve Coogan) and Ollie (John C. Reilly in a fat suit) to judge beauty pageants, meet with local officials and do whatever is required to build an audience for their stage performances in small, depressing theaters. The pair does so without complaint. Their efforts result in a sold-out series of performances at the Lyceum Theatre in London. By the time their tour concludes in Ireland, their boat is greeted at the dock by a large, adoring crowd.

Screenwriter Jeff Pope brings to these proceedings the same air of mournful wistfulness that permeated his screenplay for 2013’s “Philomena.” In the hands of Director Jon S. Baird, the script becomes a quiet, thoughtful examination of two colleagues dealing in very different ways with the melancholy and introspection that come when a career is much closer to the end than its beginning. A note in the postscript catches the essence of this film: from Hardy’s death in 1957 until his own in 1965, Stan Laurel continued to industriously write dozens of sketches and comedy scenes – all for the team of Laurel and Hardy.

The performances of Coogan and Reilly are the engines that propel this film, although they inhabit their roles in totally different ways. Steve Coogan offers a tour de force, eerily mimicking many of Stan Laurel’s physical traits, from his Chaplinesque walk to his literal head-scratching antics. His carefully calibrated performance depicts convincingly Laurel’s drive for success, his anxiety about financial security and his bridling at unjust treatment by the Hollywood system. But, ultimately, Coogan communicates Laurel’s quiet joy in just doing the work. John C. Reilly, in contrast, is a study in understatement, content to portray quite simply a man of simple needs and pleasures. Both are riveting. Reilly received a Best Actor Golden Globe nomination for this role. Coogan is nominated for Best Actor by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

In many ways, “Stan and Ollie” is an elegy and an homage to a bygone era. Given the chaos, insanity and self-absorption that regularly dominate headlines today, this film offers a forceful nod toward different values – the virtue of daily professionalism, the value of work for its own sake and the gentle rewards of well-earned friendship.… Expand

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8

MasadaSep 24, 2019

This movie excels in its simplicity and dedication to the art of acting. Brilliantly cast, Coogan and Reily have the right chemistry to play this iconic duo. But let's not discredit Henderson's and Arianda's work either, playing their wives.This movie excels in its simplicity and dedication to the art of acting. Brilliantly cast, Coogan and Reily have the right chemistry to play this iconic duo. But let's not discredit Henderson's and Arianda's work either, playing their wives. It was a brilliant move to play them off against each other as well, but to shape a bond between them too.

There are some side stories that do not go anywhere, but besides that it is a lovely homage to the art of theater, comedy and how a long lasting friendship can shape a carreer and life.… Expand

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8

DawdlingPoetNov 22, 2021

This is a bittersweet watch - although it is also very funny at times, of course, as well. It follows the famous duo towards the end of their career, when they returned to the UK to embark on a tour of British theatres to perform for theThis is a bittersweet watch - although it is also very funny at times, of course, as well. It follows the famous duo towards the end of their career, when they returned to the UK to embark on a tour of British theatres to perform for the loving crowds. I was very much impressed by the characterisation of both Stan and Ollie by Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly. Its quite an engrossing watch and it seemed quite well shot. There is inevitably an element of artificiality present, due to the plot and if your aware of the story of these two comedy Gods, then you'll know quite well what this ensues (I won't specify for fear of providing unnecessary spoilers incase your not aware of it), hence why I say its bittersweet. I like how it was shot, seeing the two men talk casually behind the scenes and I found myself wondering what I may do if I were to be in their shoes and how differernt things may be for people who were quite as famous nowadays, compared to back when this is set (the early 1950s).

It was fun seeing them perform some of their more famous jokes/elements from their earlier works, including singing the song 'Trail of the Lonesome Pine'. Its a funny and a sad film, both apply. I looked forward to seeing this and it didn't disappoint, I suppose I just wished the story could have been a bit more jolly and a little less sobering but then if it were then it wouldn't be true to Stan Laurel or Oliver Hardy. As a historic comedy biopic, this is a good one, which is worth a watch, just know its not choc full of laughs but of course there are many hours worth of Laurel & Hardy shorts and films if we want that.… Expand

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8

ajzeg01Sep 15, 2019

This was actually the movie that I wanted to see the most back at the beginning of 2019 (It had its limited release in 2018 but had its wide release in 2019 so it counts as a 2019 movie.) but it wasn’t playing anywhere near me for long so IThis was actually the movie that I wanted to see the most back at the beginning of 2019 (It had its limited release in 2018 but had its wide release in 2019 so it counts as a 2019 movie.) but it wasn’t playing anywhere near me for long so I didn’t get a chance to see it. It never showed up on any streaming services I have either. Luckily, WestJet had it on their streaming service so I watched it on the flight home from my Los Angeles trip. This movie is a biopic about the legendary comedy duo Laurel and Hardy, but it isn’t about how they started out like most biopics. This movie actually takes place in the 1950s when they were doing a tour of the UK, long after their heyday. It’s actually very interesting and well-made. The performances were excellent and the prosthetics on John C Reilly were incredible! I’m not sure why they didn’t just cast someone who actually looks like Oliver Hardy, but I love practical effects and makeup so I’ll take what I can get nowadays! This movie was not as much of a comedy as I was expecting it to be, but the little comedy that it did have was very enjoyable. Much like the duo the film is based on, the movie’s comedy style is very old-fashioned and vaudevillian with lots of slapstick and silent comedy, including recreations of some of Laurel and Hardy’s famous acts. It was very unique. Overall, this is a wonderful movie that I recommend to any fan of the comedians of old. It’s a loving tribute, but I think people not so familiar with older movies would enjoy it as well! It’s just good. Find a copy and go watch it!… Expand

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