alexanderdavies-99382
"They Go Boom" is a typical example of how Laurel and Hardy could achieve comedy gold via the most simple means. They never needed extravagant production values or generous filming schedules in order to be very funny. The comedy flowed very naturally and resulting from needing a few simple props and basic sets. "They Go Boom" is one of them. The laughs come so thick and fast, I have to hold my sides together! The setting is a rooming house and the comedy all takes place in one room - ideal. Ollie is in bed with the flu and as if that isn't bad enough, Stan attempts to cure him...... Poor Ollie is sneezing away as Stan creates so much havoc in his sincere efforts to help his friend. Charlie Hall plays the rather surly landlord (who else?) and soon makes his feelings known after being awoken in the night. Don't miss this classic!
hausrathman
Ollie has a late night cold and Stan tries to help him get over it, much to the annoyance of the irritable landlord.I am endeavoring to work my way through the new release of "The Essential Laurel & Hardy" which finally gives the boys the DVD treatment they deserve in the United States. I have seen all of their films many times over the years, but now I have the opportunity to finally watch them in chronological order. That, perhaps, was not a wise choice. I always found a number of their early talkies weak, and I regret having to report that here in my reviews. "They Go Boom" is another example. The staging of the film feels claustrophobic, and the situation simply doesn't offer enough opportunities for comic inventiveness. There are some good moments scattered throughout, but it overall concept is better executed later in the film "Laughing Gravy."Not a classic. For fans only.
Boba_Fett1138
Perhaps it's because that this movie is probably the Laurel & Hardy short I've seen most in my life that I got sort of tiresome of watching it but I don't find this movie to be the most hilarious or best constructed and executed Laurel & Hardy comedy short around. But you know, when you watch this movie objectively just for what it is, so not necessarily as a part of the Laurel & Hardy shorts alone you have to conclude that this is a pretty entertaining and fun little movie.The movie its premise is extremely simple and gives both Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardsy to let their comical talents shine, since they're basically the only two actors in the movie, except for the last couple of minutes in which Laurel & Hardy regular Charlie Hall, among others, shows up as the landlord. The comical routines are rather simple but I guess they are effective enough, since they surely amuse. It just isn't the most hilarious or imaginative Laurel & Hardy comedy around but that doesn't of course mean that this movie is bad or not entertaining.7/10http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
tedg
These guys work in two modes. The mode I like is brilliant, when Stan basically looks at the camera in gasping anguish for what punishment is upon him. It is the first example of direct dialog with the audience while keeping in character.The other mode is this, which is the same basic gags that dozens of others were up to: The flypaper joke. The feather joke, the blowing up the fat guy joke.Go elsewhere if you want to see better comedy. But look at this if you have any illusions about them portraying borderline homosexuals. Its not just a matter of passing interest because much of Laurel's manner became adopted by later portrayals of gays and thus "stuck" to the subculture.Ted's Evaluation -- 1 of 3: You can find something better to do with this part of your life.
