Bonnie Scotland: Why Stan and Ollie Still Work

Is it worth the time?

If you have any soft spot for Laurel and Hardy, you’ll find enough here to enjoy. If you're looking for a tight, logical plot, you’re in the wrong place. This movie is for people who want to see two guys just exist in a frame together and make each other look ridiculous. It’s not their tightest work, but it has heart.

The whole thing starts with them wandering into a recruiting office. It feels like they just stumbled onto the set. There’s no big explanation, just Stan and Ollie being their usual selves. It’s charming, honestly. I could watch them try to fold a blanket for an hour and probably be entertained.

The India Problem

Once they get to India, the movie starts to lose its way a bit. The shift from the comedy bits to the actual plot about the Northwest Frontier feels like someone jammed two different scripts together. Sometimes, you can feel the movie trying to be a serious adventure film. It doesn’t work, but it's funny watching them try.

There's a scene with a water bag that goes on for a long time. It’s classic slapstick, but it feels a bit desperate. Like they were worried we’d forget they’re funny, so they threw everything at the wall. It works, but you can see the sweat.

• The bagpipes are loud. Very loud.
• The way Ollie looks at the camera after Stan says something dumb—priceless.
• Some of the extras look like they’re just waiting for lunch.
• It's way better than that clunky stuff in For the Love o' Lil.

The pacing is a total mess. One minute they’re fighting over a tent, the next we’re in some heavy desert drama. It’s jarring. You’ll find yourself waiting for them to get back to the bickering. That’s the real show.

I caught myself looking at the background shadows during the outdoor scenes. They don't match up. It’s that kind of movie. You notice the cracks, but you don't really care because Stan is doing something weird with his tie again.

It’s not as polished as their best stuff. It lacks the tight rhythm of their shorts, but it’s got a weird, lopsided energy that I kind of dig. Just don’t go in expecting a masterpiece of narrative structure. It’s just two guys doing their thing, and for today, that was enough. 💂‍♂️