Stan & Ollie
Stan & Ollie

Movie spotlight

Stan & Ollie

2018
Movie
98 min
English

With their golden era long behind them, comedy duo Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy embark on a variety hall tour of Britain and Ireland. Despite the pressures of a hectic schedule, and with the support of their wives Lucille and Ida – a formidable double act in their own right – the pair's love of performing, as well as for each other, endures as they secure their place in the hearts of their adoring public

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes86%
Metacritic70/100
Google Users83%
Director: Jon S. BairdGenres: Biography, Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

In 1957, legendary comedy duo Laurel and Hardy embark on a grueling music hall tour of Britain. As their fame begins to wane and their personal lives become strained, they must confront their past and rekindle their legendary partnership. The tour tests their friendship and their ability to entertain, forcing them to face mortality and the enduring power of their legacy.

Critical Reception

Stan & Ollie received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences, who praised the performances of Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly as the titular comedians. The film was commended for its poignant portrayal of aging artists and its sensitive handling of the duo's complex relationship, though some found its pacing and narrative arc to be somewhat uneven.

What Reviewers Say

  • A touching and often hilarious tribute to a legendary comedy duo, anchored by superb performances.

  • Captures the essence of Laurel and Hardy's chemistry while exploring the bittersweet reality of aging.

  • While occasionally meandering, the film's heart and the actors' dedication shine through.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's heartfelt performances and its nostalgic look at Laurel and Hardy. Many found the movie to be a fitting and emotional tribute to the comedy legends, with praise for Coogan and Reilly's ability to embody the characters. Some viewers noted that the film excelled in its more dramatic moments, effectively balancing humor with pathos.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Actor for John C. Reilly at the British Independent Film Awards. Nominated for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer for Jon S. Baird and Jeff Pope at the BAFTA Awards.

Fun Fact

John C. Reilly reportedly spent hours studying Laurel and Hardy's mannerisms, including their distinctive walks and vocal inflections, to accurately portray Oliver Hardy. He also gained weight for the role, mirroring Hardy's later-life physique.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

As a kid, i always shied away from the sort of "slapstick" humour of Laurel and Hardy, so I knew little about them. This little retrospective proved to be an enjoyable traipse throughout their last few professional years, down on their luck...

Peter McGinn

Peter McGinn

This movie tells a simple story beautifully about two complex men at the end of their careers. I think I disagree with some people in believing that Stan & Ollie benefits from narrowing the plot. Showing their career together at their pe...