Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly star in a scene from the movie "Stan & Ollie." The Catholic News Service classification is A-II – adults and adolescents. (CNS/Sony Pictures Classics)

By Catholic News Service

Film comedy icons Stan Laurel (Steve Coogan) and Oliver Hardy (John C. Reilly), fight off age and obscurity with immense courage during what would be their final tour of British music halls in 1953.

Director Jon Baird and screenwriter Jeff Pope have achieved a poignant, pitch-perfect, affectionately nostalgic story without much bitterness and no hidden dark sides. The upshot is the sublime joy of an earlier age, impeccably reproduced.

At least one crass term. The Catholic News Service classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

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