Restoring My Faith in Movies

After a virtually horrific experience in the movie theaters courtesy of the dreadful and detestable "The Favourite," leave it to Laurel and Hardy to bring the medium back to wonderful life for me.   Well, not exactly the boys themselves.   But a story about them in their later years which told a tale that is quite sweet and charming.   

Of course, I am naturally a complete sucker for anything L and H.   Some of my happiest moments as a child were watching their old comedies on television with my grandmother.  Indeed, "Sons of the Desert" is in my personal top 25 of Favorite Movies of All Time.  The bias here is palpable.   But, the good news is that "Stan and Ollie" justifies that bias.   

While I knew much of what transpires in this film about their 1953 tour through England, it was enlightening to see it on the big screen with on-point portrayals of the duo by Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly.   In fact, the former so beautifully captures Stan Laurel that he should merit an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.  Sadly, I don't think the movie will garner that kind of buzz.  Nevertheless, the opening weekend screening I attended was quite crowded.  Okay, the average age in the audience was over 70, but it was packed nonetheless.

We first meet Stan and Ollie on the set of "Way Out West" in 1937.   A contract dispute fostered by Hal Roach briefly causes a rift in the team.   One of those small, petty arguments that you just know will fester internally and explode much later.

On to 1953, Stan and Ollie have seen better days and are hoping to return a shine to their film career by filming a Robin Hood spoof in England.   But, first they are signed to do a series of concert appearances throughout the countryside.   Sadly, the houses are less than packed.   And the movie is on thin ice.   They both want to outwardly acknowledge that the end is near.  But, inside, they both feel it slipping away.   And, with Oliver's health failing, they know this tour might be the final bow.

On that concert tour, they flawlessly recreate some of their best comedic moments and Coogan/O'Reilly manage to duplicate the team's energy to a tee.  Later, their wives meet them in London and now it's four personalities dealing with the final closure soon at hand.   And, then almost on cue, the argument from 15 years earlier raises its angry head and...well...everybody can appreciate those moments in a friendship.

At the end, "Stan and Ollie" is a tale of the inevitable ups and downs of a close friendship.   You are going to naturally have the bumps and potholes along the way.   But, deep down, there is a camaraderie that should never ever be dismissed because there is nothing better to behold than a good friend.  Director Jon S. Baird and screenwriter certainly knew what they were doing when they put this story together.

When the film concluded at my screening, there was genuine applause.   Sadly, "Stan and Ollie" will get lost amidst all the "hit-you-over-the-head-with-a-message" movies in the Oscar race.   Indeed, no one will get the message here because it is subtle but nonetheless as powerful.   At least, we can revel in the realization that the producers didn't choose to rewrite history and cast Laurel and Hardy with Hispanic or Black actors.   Trust me, if this movie was made ten years later, that just might happen.

Take that, every other movie out right now!!

LEN'S RATING:  Four stars.

Dinner last night:  Leftover chicken teriyaki.