STAN & OLLIE (O-RVZ MOVIE REVIEW)

STAN & OLLIE

DIRECTOR

Jon S. Baird

WRITER

Jeff Pope

CAST MEMBERS

Steve Coogan

John C. Reilly

Shirley Henderson

Nina Arianda

Danny Huston

Rufus Jones

MOVIE PLOT

A biographical comedy-drama film about the comedic act duo composed of Stanley "Stan" Laurel (played by Steve) and Oliver "Ollie" Hardy (played by John). These two rose to prominence in the Classical Era of Hollywood during the years of 1940s and the film focused on the later years of their lives when the two got reunited after 16 years of not working together and trying to create a new movie under their comedic duo act.

REVIEW

The movie is a feel-good movie and it's something that you can easily watch and relax to it. I was quite skeptical at first if I would be able to enjoy the movie since I would not be able to relate to Stan and Ollie but I was able to enjoy it nonetheless. I would have enjoyed more if it was the The Three Stooges real-life story since that's the one that I was able to see on the TV when I was still a child. As I grew, I don't easily get enjoy watching a slapstick-comedy unless if it was really that funny. I like that this movie also tackles about the behind-the-scene story of them creating one of their movies. You would have think it will be easy working as an actor but the film really added this reality-bite to it that it never was that easy working in this kind of industry.

The story starts of Stan and Ollie at their highest peak of their career but due to contractual issues, Stan retired from the duo of not having his contract renewed by the company and Ollie staying on the company while having a new partner leaving one of them becoming bitter about this. Fast forward in 16 years, we get to see them two reunited who have seemingly moved on from the past and tries to reignite their comedic duo act by having a series of tour from various location. The same with them, time has also moved on and the audiences are not into them anymore. It's a sad but also it's the truth notion in which our actors or actresses has to face when they are in this industry. At first you are this hot commodity that is so popular then the next minute you're a nobody already. The movie really tackles on that and they also show their struggles on even getting fully-booked theater seats for their show. I think where the movie really flourishes is the story of Stan and Ollie. Amidst of all their troubles and struggles, they were still able to picked-up where they left off and still remained friends after that. The film really tells this beautiful story of their relationship and I was really moved by their genuine friendship. It's a feel good movie but there is this part of the film that will also melts your heart. It's refreshing to know that we can still have this kind of story about relationship that doesn't involve in any romantic kind of way.

OVERALL

I like the movie because of how wonderful and beautiful the story about Stan and Ollie's friendship. It's not a film that affected me the most but it's a nice feeling after you have watched it. The performances from our casts were also great. I felt for Steve and John's performances and they were able to capture this comedic yet soulful performances from the film. The film is also vibrant to watch. I'm not sure if its the year or the costumes that they wear but it really was vibrant and colorful to see on screen. I would recommend this one if you have a free time but if you don't, you can also give this a pass.