One for the Fans
This movie so relied on prior knowledge of Laurel and Hardy and there comedic work that it was aimed at enthusiastic fans and as such I will address my review at that audience.
There was much to admire in this movie and much to despair. I loved the two actors who played Laurel and Hardy, both Steve Coogan and John C Reilly gave it their all, they were entirely convincing and created a real chemistry on the screen that was palpable. The cinematography was imaginative but lacked variety.
The things that just didn't work, I always remember when Bette Davis said that her life was uninteresting as it only consisted of work and more work and thus is evidently was with Laurel and Hardy. There was just insufficient material to justify a movie. Lastly is was contrived to focus on the last few years of their long lives, all comedians slow down fade and eventually die as we all do, again this is unremarkable. Had the balance been better struck demonstrating their creative process and how they enjoyed their success and what was their magical appeal this would have proved more satisfactory.
Having been harsh, I found this movie charming I watched it through and I find my criticism in hindsight.
This movie so relied on prior knowledge of Laurel and Hardy and there comedic work that it was aimed at enthusiastic fans and as such I will address my review at that audience.
There was much to admire in this movie and much to despair. I loved the two actors who played Laurel and Hardy, both Steve Coogan and John C Reilly gave it their all, they were entirely convincing and created a real chemistry on the screen that was palpable. The cinematography was imaginative but lacked variety.
The things that just didn't work, I always remember when Bette Davis said that her life was uninteresting as it only consisted of work and more work and thus is evidently was with Laurel and Hardy. There was just insufficient material to justify a movie. Lastly is was contrived to focus on the last few years of their long lives, all comedians slow down fade and eventually die as we all do, again this is unremarkable. Had the balance been better struck demonstrating their creative process and how they enjoyed their success and what was their magical appeal this would have proved more satisfactory.
Having been harsh, I found this movie charming I watched it through and I find my criticism in hindsight.