Review of Stan & Ollie (2018) by Mrmoviebuff — 06 Mar 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) 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.