Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy were comedic geniuses, individually and together, and their partnership was deservedly iconic and one of the best there was. They left behind a large body of work, a vast majority of it being entertaining to classic comedy, at their best they were hilarious and their best efforts were great examples of how to do comedy without being juvenile or distasteful.
'Way Out West' is one of their best feature films, another favourite being 'Sons of the Desert'. 'Babes in Toyland' and 'Fra Diavolo' are also another two of their best feature films for me. Not only is 'Way Out West' one of their best feature films, it is also one of the best works they ever did, coming from somebody who doesn't dislike any of their work and find a good deal to like about their lesser efforts. As well as one of their funniest, with 'Way Out West' containing some of the funniest moments of any Laurel and Hardy film, short and feature.
Both Laurel and Hardy are on top form, both having many moments to shine individually and together. Both are hilarious and likeable, handling the sly and sharp verbal wit and nimble, beautifully timed and never contrived or cartoonish physical comedy with ease. Their comic timing is impeccable and the chemistry between two is proof that their legendary reputation is justified.
'Way Out West' is also one of the best examples of any slightness or silliness in the story not mattering that much, due to the snappy, being always compelling and entertaining and having a lot of content. It is one of their best feature films in terms of how the comedy and musical interludes are balanced. Neither overshadows the other, the musical interludes not being too many, too long or distracting from the story. Fortunately, the musical interludes are good, wonderful in the case of particularly "Trail of the Lonesome Pine".
As said, the comedy is some of Laurel and Hardy's funniest, the best being hilarious. A standout being the soft-shoe shuffle sequence, closely followed by the apartment chase. The supporting cast add a lot, with cracking support from Sharon Lynn and the ever reliable James Finlayson. 'Way Out West' looks good, has lush and cleverly orchestrated music and the direction is suitably no-nonsense and to the point.
Concluding, wonderful and one of Laurel and Hardy's best. 10/10 Bethany Cox
'Way Out West' is one of their best feature films, another favourite being 'Sons of the Desert'. 'Babes in Toyland' and 'Fra Diavolo' are also another two of their best feature films for me. Not only is 'Way Out West' one of their best feature films, it is also one of the best works they ever did, coming from somebody who doesn't dislike any of their work and find a good deal to like about their lesser efforts. As well as one of their funniest, with 'Way Out West' containing some of the funniest moments of any Laurel and Hardy film, short and feature.
Both Laurel and Hardy are on top form, both having many moments to shine individually and together. Both are hilarious and likeable, handling the sly and sharp verbal wit and nimble, beautifully timed and never contrived or cartoonish physical comedy with ease. Their comic timing is impeccable and the chemistry between two is proof that their legendary reputation is justified.
'Way Out West' is also one of the best examples of any slightness or silliness in the story not mattering that much, due to the snappy, being always compelling and entertaining and having a lot of content. It is one of their best feature films in terms of how the comedy and musical interludes are balanced. Neither overshadows the other, the musical interludes not being too many, too long or distracting from the story. Fortunately, the musical interludes are good, wonderful in the case of particularly "Trail of the Lonesome Pine".
As said, the comedy is some of Laurel and Hardy's funniest, the best being hilarious. A standout being the soft-shoe shuffle sequence, closely followed by the apartment chase. The supporting cast add a lot, with cracking support from Sharon Lynn and the ever reliable James Finlayson. 'Way Out West' looks good, has lush and cleverly orchestrated music and the direction is suitably no-nonsense and to the point.
Concluding, wonderful and one of Laurel and Hardy's best. 10/10 Bethany Cox