Stan & Ollie is based on the later lives of comedy double act Laurel and Hardy who were hugely popular from the late 1920s to the mid-1940s. I knew only a very little of the Laurel and Hardy phenomenon when I saw this and the story stands on its own so don’t be concerned if you’re not familiar with their work.
Another reason you need not be too concerned if you’re not familiar with them is that I found this film a bit boring and I can’t in good conscience recommend you rush out and see it. Not terrible, not by any stretch, just a bit dull.
John C. Reilly stars as Oliver Hardy and Steve Coogan as Stan Laurel. Reilly was nominated for Best Actor musical/comedy at the Golden Globes but Coogan didn’t get a nod which is interesting I guess. I thought both performed very well (acknowledging I have no idea how well they recreated the men they are portraying) but I wouldn’t say Reilly’s performance was any better than Coogan’s. Shows how messed up the Globes are, I guess.
Whilst the story is more about their personal and working relationship than it is their comedy style, said comedy style is not my cup of tea. You know when something’s really popular but you just don’t get it? The comedy of this duo can get in line behind the Coodabeen Champions on my list of those don’t @ me.
This is a 2.5-3 star film for me but to be fair, many proper critics enjoyed it more than me. For example, this four star review in The Guardian which you should read it if you want to know more about the film’s story line.
Stan & Ollie opens 21 February and is rated PG. Trailer here.