Stan and Ollie reviews: What do critics say about Steve Coogan and John C Reilly comedy?

The synopsis of the movie follows the story of Laurel and Hardy, the world’s greatest comedy team who face an uncertain future as their golden era of Hollywood films remain long behind them. Diminished by age, the duo set out to reconnect with their adoring fans by touring variety halls in Britain in 1953. The shows become an instant hit, but Stan and Ollie can’t quite shake the past as long-buried tension and Hardy’s failing health start to threaten their precious partnership.

What do critics say about Stan & Ollie?

The film, which stars Steve Coogan and John C Reily as the titular duo, holds an 89 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The critics’ consensus reads: “Stan & Ollie pays tribute to a pair of beloved entertainers with an affectionate look behind the scenes — and a moving look at the burdens and blessings of a creative bond.”

Matthew Dessem of Slate

It’s a little disappointing to see a film whose tight focus seems tailor-made to free it from the constraints of the genre colour so vehemently inside the lines.

Inside those lines, though, the colours are remarkable.

Brian Lowry of CNN.com

An ode to friendship, it’s something no one who has ever laughed at the pair should miss.

Johnny Oleksinski of New York Post

Reilly and Coogan dig into this old-school style, whistling a happy tune, dancing at a saloon, peeling a hard-boiled egg.

It’s simple stuff, but 65 years later, it still holds up.

Gary Goldstein of the Los Angeles Times

Stan & Ollie, the story of the bittersweet final bow of legendary duo Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, should move and delight fans of the beloved performers while enjoyably exposing the less initiated to these comedy giants.

Odie Henderson of RogerEbert.com

The clichés are there, but its heart beats loud enough for us to embrace and forgive them.

Jason Zinoman of the New York Times

Steve Coogan and John C Reilly deliver dynamite performances that capture the expressions and physicality of the star comedians without ever descending into caricature.

Lindsey Bahr of the Associated Press

It is simply terrific – an understated but smartly told crowd-pleaser about the legendary comedy duo in their last act, with wonderful production value, a sharp and surprisingly poignant script and brilliant performances.

Emily Yoshida of New York Magazine

The toll that show-business takes on such relationships and on Laurel and Hardy’s relationship with each other is never hit on the head but feels real nevertheless.

Chris Nashawaty of Entertainment Weekly

The film is sentimental, a bit schmaltzy, but it’s an affecting behind-the-curtain look at a strained showbiz marriage that fans never got a chance to see.

Philip De Semlyen of Time Out

It’s a love song played in a minor key, and it leaves an unexpectedly lingering impression.

Eric Kohn of indieWire

If nothing else, this agreeable period piece provides a good case for many retrospectives to come.

Todd McCarthy for Hollywood Reporter

Even if it only occasionally provokes big laughs, this sweet, small film makes you smile most of the way through, which may be a more uncommon feat.

Alonso Duralde of TheWrap

It’s a story about the serious side of comedians that never indulges in sad-clown sentimentality. And it intelligently explores the limitations of working partnerships in a way that neither canonizes nor excoriates its famous subjects.

Stan & Ollie is out in UK cinemas on January 11, 2019.