As a comedy it’s more smile-inducing than belly laugh-provoking. As a drama it’s more restrained than gripping. As a result, the much anticipated biopic of Laurel and Hardy’s swansong tour in the UK, directed by Jon S. Baird (Filth) and written by Jeff Pope (Philomena), can almost be described by Ollie’s catchphrase “another nice mess”.

I say almost because “mess” is too strong a word. For Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly’s performances, like many aspects of the film, are subtle and measured. Perhaps too much so. They nail the vocal and physical mannerisms, but are rarely afforded the opportunity to get under the skin of the characters, with each offstage exchange structured and executed with the same precision as the onstage slapstick.

Where the film does spark into life, however, is when Stan and Ollie’s respective wives (Nina Arianda as the blunt Ida and Shirley Henderson as the catty Lucille) trade one-liners and withering looks; and when Coogan and Reilly faithfully reenact the duo’s famous routines including the hard boiled eggs and nuts scene from County Hospital.

It’s an affectionate tribute to one of the greatest comedy partnerships in movie history, but it barely scratches the surface of what made them tick and soldier on when new kids on the block and rivals such as Norman Wisdom and Abbott & Costello elbowed them into the wings with their more rambunctious style of delivery.

Director: Jon S. Baird
Writer: Jeff Pope
Stars: John C. Reilly, Steve Coogan, Shirley Henderson
Peter Callaghan
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2 Comments

  1. it was actually, “Another FINE mess” Oliver Hardy said.

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