Stan & Ollie

They were the biggest stars in the world.

Back when Hollywood was a faraway land and the magic of movie making was hard earned at the matinee ticket price, there was Laurel & Hardy, the greatest comedy duo of the cinematic Golden Age. As uncertainty crept into the world and the threat of war and tyranny cast its shadow across Europe, their careers as headliners were on a decline. "Stan & Ollie follows the pair as they embarked on a tour in 1953, but there was so much water that had passed under the bridge, it took a great deal to keep them afloat.

Portrayed by Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly, both actors have beautifully recreated the pair of Hollywood legends and pull back the curtain on their personal lives as the changing trends in pictures impact their marquee value and around every corner, a "new" act is always waiting to outshine the pairs luster. In order to fill house seats along their live comedy tour, the pair resort to publicity and promotion, but even with sold out theaters in London, Oliver (Reilly) continues to struggle with his health and gambling, as Stan works overtime to get their next picture made.

Even in the '50s, the business of filmmaking took its toll on its stars, and Laurel & Hardy were no exception. One worked harder than the other, while one basked in the glory of the limelight, and both were captive to the fame. Stan (Coogan) feels underappreciated by his co-star, and when Oliver decides instead to renew his film contract and not renegotiate alongside his screen partner, the two find themselves in quite the pickle. The film explores the hard decisions the pair had to make as their lives started to go in separate ways.

Giving the pair significant opportunity to breath, "Stan & Ollie" benefits from the genuine skill of its lead actors, who are both dedicated to giving great depth to the comedy genius behind their act while exploring the heart of their friendship and the respect they developed for one another. When Oliver has to choose between his health and canceling the tour, it's evident that for Laurel & Hardy and "Stan & Ollie" the show must go on. The tremendous success of their tour through Britain reignited the friendship and celebrated the audience's love affair with their act.

The film proves so much of what show business is all about: That if you believe in yourself, success is inevitable. Oliver Hardy and Stan Laurel worked until they couldn't work anymore. Their passion for comedy and their synonymous skill has etched them into legend. The icons were at the end of the day, men who, as friends, existed to bring joy and laughter to the world, and would be determined to do so. "Stan & Ollie" is a grand homage to their legacy, and easily delivers simply on the charismatic charm of the film's cast, especially the leads.

"Stan & Ollie"
Blu-ray and DVD, Rated PG
$22.96
https://www.sonyclassics.com/stanandollie/