I would start by admitting to being a Laurel & Hardy fan and have introduced my grand-daughters to the couple's works via a treasured DVD box set.
I took them to see this film (aged 9 and 13) and I don't think they moved an inch for the duration of the film.
I know a little about the real live stories of the comedy duo and have visited key locations in both their lives so am aware that this is basically a summary of the twos lifelong friendship and final years but it is no less enchanting for that.
From the opening scene, walking through the reconstructed set of a Hall Roach classic, the dialogue already hints at the enduring warmth of their partnership. As the film progressed I found I was amused, intensely moved and impressed with Coogan and Reilly's affectionate and staggeringly accurate recreation of some of the duo's best known scenes.
This is film making of the highest order. Original, brilliant performances, lovely dialogue, atmospheric background - and some real laughs.
I'm not ashamed to say that I was moved to tears on more than one occasion. This is what film-making should be about.
I took them to see this film (aged 9 and 13) and I don't think they moved an inch for the duration of the film.
I know a little about the real live stories of the comedy duo and have visited key locations in both their lives so am aware that this is basically a summary of the twos lifelong friendship and final years but it is no less enchanting for that.
From the opening scene, walking through the reconstructed set of a Hall Roach classic, the dialogue already hints at the enduring warmth of their partnership. As the film progressed I found I was amused, intensely moved and impressed with Coogan and Reilly's affectionate and staggeringly accurate recreation of some of the duo's best known scenes.
This is film making of the highest order. Original, brilliant performances, lovely dialogue, atmospheric background - and some real laughs.
I'm not ashamed to say that I was moved to tears on more than one occasion. This is what film-making should be about.