jamesmkruger Reviews

Stan & Ollie (2018)

Laurel and Hardy Uncovered in a Fantastic Way

[10/10 · 4 February 2019]

As a kid, I loved the comedians I saw on TV: the Marx Brothers, the Three Stooges, and Laurel and Hardy. I bought books about comedy groups from the early days of movies and TV. The Laurel and Hardy section and the accompanying pictures were my favorite. I could not get enough of them on TV, back in the 3 network days. My obsession made me want to get into comedy in some form, or at least make people laugh as much as I could.

"Stan and Ollie" brought me to tears frequently. I adored their friendship and loyalty to each other. I laughed so hard at so many of their bits. Their comedy seemed natural to them.

This movie reproduces Laurel and Hardy's greatest routines, the dances, the songs. You don't need to have any knowledge of who they were, just realize it is a true story with two great actors portraying Stan and Ollie perfectly.

The main principals of this movie should be singled out for such super work. Please listen closely to the dialogue of the two wives of Laurel and Hardy as it is hilarious. It is easy to miss, but the lines are superb!

The Out-of-Towners (1999)

Great cast, but...........

[15 July 2013]

I loved the original, Jack Lemmon at his best. Great story, typical Neil Simon script. I'm not a Sandy Dennis fan, but she was very good in this role, surprisingly.

Two of my favorite comedic actors are Goldie Hawn and Steve Martin. I grew up on them. But, they just don't cut the mustard in this remake. I can't place my finger on it, but it just isn't funny. It's not just the writing, it's the actors and their direction.

I was so excited when this movie was released. Who doesn't love John Cleese? Well, I don't in this role. I did enjoy seeing a great stand-up comic, Steve Mittleman, in a cameo role in the early portion of the film. Mittleman was one of the funniest comics I remember from my childhood days.

This movie is a waste of time.

Things Change (1988)

Fun and well-acted vehicle!

[7/10 · 14 July 2013]

Maybe I'm a sucker being a Don Ameche fan, but, I completely enjoyed the flick. It was light, great entertainment. There was no message or hidden meanings, nothing that is going to be compared to Citizen Kane or The Godfather. It's fun seeing William H. Macy in an early role. It's fun seeing Joe Mantegna in a role he perfectly fits into.

I had a smile on my face at the end of the movie. That is a winner in my book.

No big twists in the movie, it pretty much turns out as you expect it to. But, if you don't have a great liking, if not a love, for Don Ameche's character by the end of the movie, then you probably hate Frank Capra movies, also.