As I have reviewed in past write-ups, Hollywood is fascinated with films based on true stories. I'm not sure if the audiences really like them or has Hollywood produced so many that the public has simply gotten used to seeing them? In any rate, "Stan & Ollie" is an indie film that is a gem that is as heartwarming as it is entertaining. Question: why hasn't a theatrical film been produced about these two comedians before now?
The true story of Hollywood's greatest comedy double act, Laurel and Hardy, is brought to the big screen for the first time. Starring Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly as the inimitable movie icons, Stan and Ollie is the heartwarming story of what would become the pair's triumphant farewell tour in 1953. With their golden era long behind them--back in the 1930's, the pair embark on a variety hall tour of Britain and Ireland. Despite the pressures of a hectic schedule, and with the support of their wives, Lucille Hardy (Shirley Henderson) and Ida Kitaeva Laurel (Nina Arianda)--a formidable double act in their own right--the pair's love of performing, as well as for each other, endures as they secure their place in the hearts of their adoring public.
Others to round out the cast are Danny Huston as Hal Roach, a 1930's producer, Rufus Jones as Bernard Delfont, the pair's manager in Britain, Susy Kane as Cynthia Clark, Richard Cant as Harry Langdon and John Henshaw as Nobby Cook.
This was directed with heart and pathos by Jon S. Baird ("Cass" '08, "Filth" '13) plus TV and a short. The nuances of the emotions and movements of these actors were subtle and epitomized the very look of these comic geniuses. It was almost like looking at the legends themselves. This filmmaker does have plenty of TV experience and some feature film experience, so I'm curious to see what he'll do next. It was equally well written by Jeff Pope ("The Magician" (TV movie) '93, "The Place of the Dead" (TV movie) '97, "Essex Boys" 2000, "Dirty Filthy Love" (TV movie) '04, "Christmas Lights" (TV movie) '04, "Pierrepoint: The Last Hangman" '05, "Clash of the Santas" (TV movie) '08, "The Fattest Man in Britain" (TV movie) '09, "Come Rain Come Shine" (TV movie) '10, "Philomena" '13) plus a plethora of TV. Even though the majority of this writer's experience lies in the TV movie realm, this still was a tremendous help to this artist in how well this script was crafted. I've always mentioned that the more experience--whether it be feature or TV, that an artist has, the better equipped he or she has to create a tight, cohesive screenplay. And in the case of this film, this not only was it tight, cohesive and written with fluidity, it was melancholy--in the good way ,and entertaining all at the same time. Both Coogan and Reilly were superb in their respective roles whereas one of them should've been nominated for an Oscar.
If you are a fan of the comics back in the early days of motion pictures: Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, Abbott and Costello, W.C. Fields and the like, then you will revel with this film. Otherwise the writing, directing and acting will be captivating enough to warrant the price of admission. Enjoy this gem! I know I did!
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: PG 108mins.
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