Stan and Ollie In Theaters December 28th
Reviewed by: Shawna Charles
Stan & Ollie is an unforgettable story of love, friendship, and comedy. A clear example of what “to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part” looks like when carried out unconditionally between two people. Laurel & Hardy are known as one of the greatest comedy duos that are still influencing the industry today. Appearing in over 107 films (32 silent short films, 40 sound shorts, 23 features, and 12 cameos) Laurel & Hardy continues to show the world the persistence, dedication, and selflessness it takes to make sure the show goes on. Teaching the audience and those around them the importance of verbal and nonverbal communication.
Not your conventional biopic Director Jon Baird and Producer Faye Ward show us the life events that shaped best friends Laurel & Hardy. Set in two different time periods this all-star cast including Steve Coogan, John C. Riley, Nina Arianda, Shirley Henderson and others made delivering this movie appear effortless. Let’s not forget the other members of the team that helped breathe life into each and every scene.
For example, Oliver Hardy weighed almost 400lbs and as we know John Riley does not so that just tells us how well the costume design team pulled off the necessary images to take us to them. The team was even able to locate the original Laurel & Hardy backdrop, how’s that for set design and originality? Simply amazing if I must say so myself! Also, wait until you see the dancing.
To capture the authenticity of Laurel & Hardly’s relationship and their relationship with their audience the close-up shot that allowed us to watch and the background music that helped create the atmosphere allowed us to empathize with Laurel & Hardly once they realized all was not well. This was nothing short of heartfelt leaving us all warm and fuzzy.
If you had no idea who Laurel & Hardy was, you will now and if you are a longtime fan be ready to go down memory lane. I must admit I had no Idea who this comic duo was but I left impressed with all this movie had to offer especially the acting, accents, and efforts of all those on screen. To pull off this type of acting it’s more than an impersonation it becomes one’s persona. Stan & Ollie will make you reflect on your relationships, rethink your purpose and wonder what are you willing to die for.
Joining the journey of Stan & Ollie you will experience a range of emotions from laughter to tears. To sum it all up, be ready for a very special evening, it ’s a terrific film that will continue to demonstrate hope while having a little bit of fun!
Stan and Ollie will open in theaters December 28th, 2018
