I'll be honest, after seeing Holmes & Watson at the start of the year, there was more than a moment's trepidation at the idea of watching another John C. Reilly film. In my opinion, he has had more misses than hits when it comes to his filmography, but this is a film about Laurel and Hardy, the duo who are well known for their physical comedy. And that is the one type of comedy that John C. Reilly seems to try force into all of his films. So what the heck, I figured I'd try to go in with an open mind.
Stan & Ollie ended up being a rather well-done film. Considering that we are talking about a film based on a comedy duo that was popular through the 1920-1940s period, The challenge is significant to keep material fresh when it has been known and repurposed many times for nearly a century now.
Laurel and Hardy's comedy is wholeheartedly innocent, and it still carries a great deal of weight today. Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly do a stand-up job (pun not intended) as Laurel and Hardy (respectively) and bring this slapstick comedy to the big screen with an air of authenticity and passion. Placing a great deal of effort and thought into their performances, they capture the look, movements, and mannerisms of the duo perfectly, from Stan Laurel's head scratch and hand movements to Oliver Hardy's flattened wet hair and swinging gait. John C. Reilly actually has a very convincing performance considering the number of prosthetics he has to wear for the part, but they look and feel like a natural extension of his body.
The film focuses not only on Stan and Ollie but on their wives as well, the two double acts fit together perfectly; complete opposites to both their husbands and each other. They form another source of laughs as well as providing a smaller yet still touching character arc.
Stan & Ollie is not so much about the comedy tour as it is about Laurel and Hardy's relationship as they try to overcome an event in their past, and rekindle their passion and regain the admiration of the public. As such, the film has quite a mature emotional context that does manage to draw you in.
The only thing I disliked about the film was watching crowds laughing during the dance scenes. I don't know whether that is a sign of the times, but it didn't strike me as funny or comedic, so to see an auditorium of people on screen laughing out loud to such a basic thing, it did draw me out of the film. It didn't make me hate the film, it simply stopped me from being able to empathise with the characters, a level of engagement I had to rekindle every time it happened.
But overall this is a fun film. A linear story so it is very easy to follow, with brilliant production that looks like it has been filmed straight out of the early 20th century. With several relationship arcs, there is a strong emotional component that is nicely balanced with some wholesome comedy pieces. No regrets from seeing this film. Bravo.