Monday, February 11, 2019

Stan & Ollie (2018)

Stan Laurel (Steve Coogan) and Oliver Hardy (John C. Reilly) are at the peak of their success in 1937.  In fact, Stan thinks they should strike out on their own and found their own studio, like Charlie Chaplin.  Stan jumps ship when the time comes but Ollie balks; he stays with Hal Roach and makes a film without Stan.  Sixteen years later, the two go on tour in England.  Despite having made many films together in the intervening years, Stan is still irked that Ollie didn't follow him.  They're popularity never reached that same level and now Abbot and Costello are the headliners.
 
The movie explores the final tour of the famed duo and showcases their classic skits and homely humor.  I've never been a fan of Steve Coogan but he is outstanding as Stan Laurel.  John C. Reilly is positively amazing as Oliver Hardy.  If these two got together to make a new Laurel and Hardy movie, I would see it.  The support cast is also impressive, especially the wives.  Nina Arianda is hilarious as the self-flattering Russian Ida Laurel while Shirley Henderson as Lucille Hardy plays it straight in the frequent exchanges between them.  The banter between the wives was far more cutting than that between their husbands.
 
Terrific film and highly recommended.

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