MOVIE: Stan and Ollie star in another fine movie

Paul O’Rourke

AT times of chaos and upheaval in the world, one thing that always sells well is nostalgia. 

So for all our older readers who yearn for simpler times when life was in black and white and comedy was pure and simple, we have something of a cinematic treat in store.

‘Stan and Ollie’ stars Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly as Laurel and Hardy respectively, in a clever and fascinating look at their tour of the UK and Ireland in 1953. 

At a time when their stock was falling and the film roles had all but dried up, it’s hard to believe that the comedy geniuses initially played to such small audiences. 

But by the time they arrived in Cobh and Dublin later in the tour, it seems the public had rediscovered their love for the duo, coming out in droves to welcome them. 

Coogan and Reilly deliver exceptional performances and clearly have a personal love for the characters they play. 

The movie isn’t laugh out loud funny, but is incredibly charming and amusing. At the screening we attended, the audience applauded at the end credits, perhaps as much for Laurel and Hardy as the film itself.   

Known for always getting each other in another fine mess, this film is far from that, and is a genuinely touching, sweet and charming look at two of the most beloved characters ever to grace the big screen. We award it a review score of 4.5 heartwarming stars.  

January is always a busy time for movies with the Oscars just around the corner and two more films hitting the cinema this week are ‘The Upside’ and ‘The Front Runner’. 

‘The Front Runner’ stars Hugh Jackman as former US presidential candidate Gary Hart, who was leading the polls in 1988 until a personal scandal rocked his campaign. While the performances are solid, there isn’t enough at stake to keep you engaged.  

‘Upside’ stars Kevin Hart as a carer for wheelchair bound billionaire played by Bryan Cranston. It’s based on a true story and is perfectly enjoyable with enough chuckles to justify the ticket price.