What a charming and wonderful film this is. I was hooked in the first 90 seconds. One of my favorite childhood memories was going to Gram and Gramps Wasser's house after Sunday school to watch the comedy movie on channel 4 and watching Laurel and Hardy. This movie brought all those memories rushing back.
The Good:
This section should be titled "The Great" or "The Astounding" because that's how to describe Coogan and O'Reilly's portrayals of Laurel and Hardy. They didn't just emulate them, they ARE Laurel and Hardy in this movie. Much like the greatest actors in film history, they fade into these roles so much so that you forget they are acting. This film highlights Coogan and O'Reilly's finest achievement in film to date. Both are equally Oscar worthy. The film portrays a sometimes contentious and complicated relationship between two men who share a genuine love for not only comedic performance but for each other.
The Bad:
Not much. Shirley Henderson plays O'Reilly's wife and has a voice that is so annoying it makes you want to put in ear plugs. It's the type of voice that Jerry would have had if the mouse in Tom and Jerry cartoons would have talked. Gladly, he did not.
The Ugly:
Nothing. This is a well directed, heart warming film that I am proud to see Hollywood crank out once in awhile amongst the endless array of sequels, remakes, and nondescript super hero movies.
The Bottom Line:
If like cutting edge CGI, nonstop action sequences that defy all laws of physics, gratuitous sexual scenes, sappy romantic comedy, or a new superhero movie about Cricket Man, don't bother with this film. If you want to see a thoughtful, well directed, interesting film with a compelling plot about the greatest comedy duo in all of film history and with two of the greatest portrayals you have ever seen, see this movie right now.
My Rating: $$$$1/2 (absolute must see, borderline classic)