No. 17 (2019) Stan and Ollie. Feb 25th.

Film No 17 (2019) Feb. 25th.  3.50PM  PALACE CINEMAS Raine Square,  Perth City . 

"You don't still carry that around do you? Because I went ahead and did a picture with someone else sixteen years ago?" (Ollie asks his partner why such a long face in a key scene).

If ever a pair of comedians deserved to be immortalized on the big screen for the decent gentlemen and performers they were, then Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy surely stand at the front of the line. This decent and highly  entertaining tribute film, Stan and Ollie, definitely does these world renowned comic genius' proud. Made to appeal to the older demographic, Stan (Steve Coogan) and Ollie (John C. Reilly) simply gives a snapshot of their final tour; a series of slightly demeaning performances in 2nd rate theatres and halls across England and Ireland in 1953. But it's the performances of Coogan, Reilly and wives, played by Nina Arianda and Shirley Henderson respectively that gives this modest film an almighty lift. Arianda (Master of None) in particular is strong, self assured and has great comic timing. Maybe the real story of Stan and Ollie is in the true love each found later in life as their careers faded. 9GUMS.