Stan and Ollie (2018)

My experiences with Laurel & Hardy are limited to say the least. I have seen some of the slapstick sketches over the years but it's not something I have spent any time watching to date. This makes my enjoyment of this film even more surprising. I absolutely loved it.

The movie covers the period towards the end of their careers where they embark on a UK live tour in a bid to drum up interest so they can make one more big movie. It was jarring to see two of the most recognisable faces on the planet having to "slum it", given the lack of money they had made (or had left) out of their illustrious careers. Not like nowadays when plenty of talent-less people make money out of doing nothing in the reality TV industry.

Fmovies: Stan & Ollie: In 1953 when Laurel and Hardy arrived in Cobh to begin their tour of Ireland and Britain they were overwhelmed by the reception they received: hundreds of boats blew whistles and foghorns, thousands lined the docks, the bells of St Colman's Cathedral played the Laurel and Hardy theme, The Cuckoo Song. This film has the duo arriving in Britain first where things were not quite as bright, early performances had poor attendances and they had resort to publicity stunts to whip up attention. The once famous act was down in the world and they stayed in third rate hotels until the houses improved but ended up in the Savoy Hotel by the time they arrived in London.

This is the story of an act in it's twilight tears, when Hardy's (John C. Reilly) health and gambling problems was taking a toll on the partnership. But Laurel's (Steve Coogan) is unable to accept that the glory days are over and continues with the forlorn hope of making a new film, he also holds a grudge against Hardy stretching back sixteen years. Flashbacks to 1937 when they were at the peak of their fame show Laurel's impatience to make independent films and Hardy'd need for a regular income leading to decisions, Hardy went on to make a film without Laurel as he was still under contract.

Great performances by Reilly and Coogan aided and abetted by Shirley Henderson as Lucy Hardy and Nina Arianda as Ida Kitaeva Laurel, with a great turn by Rufus Jones as Bernard Delfont, as their sleazy English agent. Director Jon S. Baird with a screenplay by Jeff Pope delivers a poignant memoir of a short period in the sunset days of Stan and Laurel with some great set-pieces double act's favourite routines. Including of course On The Trail Of tHe Lonesome Pine. 8.5/10.

My first review inspired by how fabulous this film is, every actor inputs something special and the director to get those heart warming moments on camera and so believable was deserving of recognition. Steve Coogan is in his own right a great comic actor but this role takes him above and beyond and I believe he becomes Stan Laurel for this film, Nina Arianda was a bit out there as her character but by god was she so loveable in the final show scenes, bravo to a beautiful and very interesting film.

Stan and Ollie fmovies. I've just had the rare pleasure of watching a film that can be classed as truly remarkable at an Unlimited Cineworld screening. This will be a future classic with The Godfather Part 2, Raging Bull, Lincoln etc. John C Reilly IS Oliver Hardy. A possible awards contender? Most definitely. Steve Coogan I think is Stan Laurel's Love child. Both remarkable and thoroughly believable performances. Being a lifelong fan of Laurel & Hardy, this could quite easily be the two men themselves. I read another review mentioning the first 4 or 5 minute shot. Beautifully woven and assembled. As good as La La Land. If you like L&H, even if you don't, this film will surely make you smile and quite possibly cry too. I didn't.....honest..!

Hello

As a lifelong fan for Laurel & Hardy, when I first heard that a film was being made about their later years I was quite hesitant as I wanted them to be treated with the respect and admiration they deserve. As more news kept coming out for the film I became more and more optimistic. When it was announced that Jeff Pope was writing the film I knew that it was going to have some talent behind it. Jeff also wrote Philomena which is one of the best British films in recent years. Then came the news that Steve Coogan and John C Reilly had been cast as The Boys. I was overjoyed and couldn't wait for the film to be released so I could see the finished product. I was not disappointed.

I have been very lucky to see the film twice and I am still so happy with what has been done. I will start by getting the obvious out of the way, Coogan and Reilly have nailed it as Laurel & Hardy. Both have make up and prosthetics to make the challenge easier but you can see that a lot of research has been done by both men. The fact that they are both fans of Laurel & Hardy must have helped with their performances. Their performances are backed up by Shirley Henderson and Nina Arianda as their wives. The scene with them on their own are just as entertaining as the scenes with Stan & Ollie.

The film has some great recreations of classic scenes and routines with careful attention to detail. I have a few issues with the film with certain scenes and events within the storyline but they are minimal and does not take the overall enjoyment of the film away.

In closing I would recommend this film to everyone, fan of Laurel & Hardy or not. This film is truly made with love and respect for Laurel & Hardy and it shows throughout this well made production. With excellent performances, great writing and excellent production values it is a love letter of a strong friendship between two legendary gentlemen. I would personally like to thank every member of the team who worked on this film for all their work, this Laurel & Hardy fan appreciates every bit of work done.

PS - I'm stalking the local cinema to get a copy of the poster which I want for my bedroom wall so fingers crossed lol

After a quick introduction in 1937 during which we discover Laurel and Hardy at their peak and in full glory, we elliptically flip in 1953, which seems to be the beginning of the end of a legendary association imbued with a seamless friendship. The duet is wonderfully and faithfully interpreted by 2 excellent actors.