All New Adventures of Laurel & Hardy For Love or Mummy

All New Adventures of Laurel & Hardy: For Love or Mummy is a slapstick comedy movie directed by Larry Harmon and John R. Cherry III, which premiered in 1999. The film stars Bronson Pinchot and Gailard Sartain in the lead role as the comic duo of Stanley Laurel and Oliver Hardy. The film serves as an homage to the iconic comedic routines of the original Laurel & Hardy, with the characters reimagined for a contemporary audience.

The plot centers around the characters of Pinchot and Sartain as they pay tribute to the iconic Laurel & Hardy duo, replicating the comedic interplay of the seemingly inseparable best friends who walk onto to the edge of hilarity with their irresistible, comedic antics. The movie is an ideal pick for fans nostalgic for the classic Laurel and Hardy exploits, but looking for a modernised twist.

In this tale, our protagonists, instead of being retired, are complete with their crazy comedic shenanigans. They are contacted by Wanda, an archaeologist played by F. Murray Abraham, who implores them to deliver a cursed Egyptian chest to a museum in Britain. The plot subsequently unravels as Stanley (Pinchot) and Oliver (Sartain) embark on a globetrotting journey, the absurdity of which perfectly captures the essence of the original Laurel and Hardy.

What neither Laurel or Hardy expects, however, is that beneath their harmless delivery request is an unfolding mystery involving an ancient curse. Tricked into believing they are going on a standard adventure, they unknowingly touch off a series of chaotic events which incessantly lead them into turbulent encounters with everything from mummies to meddling sorcerers.

Adding to the ensemble is a colorful supporting cast. F. Murray Abraham portrays Professor Henry Covington, their pseudo-employer and a seemingly sincere archaeologist with a mysterious agenda of his own. French cinema icon Mark Schneider graces the screen as Alistair, a comically melodramatic villain managed in the grandest tradition of pulp serial antagonists. Furthermore, Susan Danford puts up a dazzling performance as the love interest adding to the already complex equation.

Woven into the fabric of the plot is the iconic slapstick comedy so synonymous with the Laurel & Hardy brand. Not losing the essence of this, Pinchot and Sartain successfully evoke the comedic style of their predecessors through an array of captivating performances filled with physical humor and screwball comedy. They execute a delicate balancing act of showcasing their own comedic style while simultaneously respecting the legacy of the original Laurel and Hardy. This, coupled with unexpected plot twists, ludicrous scenarios, and a dash of romance, ensure viewers are kept engaged and laughing.

All New Adventures of Laurel & Hardy: For Love or Mummy successfully blends aspects of adventure, comedy, suspense, and a touch of the supernatural to create a balanced cinematic experience. It adeptly utilises humor with an old-fashioned charm, mixing it up with adventurous escapades, thereby reviving an era of comedy in a modern setting.

The film is a standout primarily for its effective translation of classic comedy to the screen for a new age. It does an excellent job of building upon the original Laurel and Hardy's legacy, offering an entertaining tribute wrapped in modern production and acting methods.

Director Larry Harmon skillfully emulates the simplicity and charm of early cinema, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that complements the comedic sensations of the original Laurel & Hardy. The film boasts excellent set design and cinematography, which effectively recreates the charm and delight of classic comedy films.

All in all, All New Adventures of Laurel & Hardy: For Love or Mummy is a celebration of timeless comedy, combining memorable moments of the original Laurel and Hardy with a fresh narrative twist. With plenty of laughs and surprises, it's a must-see for both fans of the original duo and newcomers to their comedic world. Thoroughly bolstered by strong performances from the lead actors and a supportive cast, it is an enjoyable homage that blends comedy and adventure into a clean, family-friendly package.