Review: Stan & Ollie (2019)

The Untold True Story Of The Worlds Greatest Comedy Duo

Stan & Ollie is the untold true story of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, the greatest comedy duo to grace the Earth. Stan Laurel is played by Alan Partridge actor Steve Coogan, whilst Oliver Hardy is played by Step Brothers actor John C. Reilly. The film is written by Jeff Pope (Philomena) and is directed by Jon S. Baird (Filth).

The story begins at the height and pinnacle of there career whilst they discuss ex-wives and Hardy telling Laurel that he has just proposed to script girl Lucille Jones(Shirley Henderson). As the story progresses we see how their fame starts to decline rapidly and how it takes its toll on the pair. The film isn't about how they achieved there stardom and fame but more about there relationship and how close they really were together, more brothers than friends.

After watching this for a second time, the first time being an advanced preview screening all the way back in December 2018, it was nice to sit down and watch this again and honestly I enjoyed it more a second viewing as I understood them more and paid more attention and I really felt for them, especially Laurel.

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I got the impression that Laurel was the backbone of the pair and always wanted to make sure they were paid properly and treated fairly and he always looked out for Hardy no matter the circumstances. Hardy seemed to be a very hard working man but as soon as love hit him he seemed to bow down to whomever he was with, particularly Lucille as she was very protective of him and got jealous when Laurel was around as I got the feeling she's worry she'd lose Hardy to Laurel because of there close brotherly bond. I found out why they sometimes referred to Hardy as "Babe" and it was actually a nickname given to him by an Italian barber everytime he would talc Hardy's cheeks. The nickname stuck ever since.

Laurel wanted nothing more than to look out for Hardy and even when Oliver was struggling through ill health, Stan always made sure Oliver was ok to carry on and would suggest working around the material they were performing so it was easier for Hardy to perform. I feel Oliver knew this but he seemed to be a man not of conflict or arguments but wanted more of an easier life without drama. I think this is why he felt conflicted with the stance off between Lucille and Stan, he loved them both but he felt he had to choose between them.

I feel Lucille also had somewhat of a problem with Stans wife too, Ida Kitaeva (Nina Arianda). Ida was a Russian actress who hilariously kept on reminding the audience of her stardom. Lucille and Ida would clash but Ida would always just distinguish the argument and walk away.

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The acting in this was outstanding, especially from John C. Reilly as he was the absolute image of Oliver Hardy. The Hair & Makeup team should be incredibly proud of themselves for the transformation they put John through and they should totally be winning awards for there hard work. Steve Coogan to me is an actor I don't know much about other than his work as British Icon, Alan Partridge. I, however, thought Coogan was gleaming and his performance was exceptional and I can understand why he's been nominated for a BAFTA this year.

I honestly can't stress just how heartwarming and touching this film is and is an absolutely perfect film to showcase the loving and close bond Lauren & Hardy had and I recommend you see this film when you can.

3.5/5

Article Written By: Nathan Mort

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