BABES IN TOYLAND is something of a departure for comedy stars Laurel & Hardy. Nearly all of their movies were contemporary comedies set in the real world, whereas this is an out-and-out fairy tale set in the magical world of 'Toyland' which is where all the characters from the famous fairy tales hang out. Our stars are playing thinly-disguised versions of Tweedledum and Tweedledee, but you'll be pleased to hear that they're their usual idiotic selves.
Truth be told, the first half of this production isn't great. The humour feels a bit forced and the comedy routines just aren't as funny as elsewhere. In addition, the plot is slow and only the scheming villain Barnaby engages. The dated musical numbers don't help much either. The good news is that things pick up more and more as the film nears the climax, building to a lavish, large-scale action sequence which is quite jaw-dropping. It utilises dozens of extras, stop motion effects, and a lot of visual creativity and is one of the most exciting, amusing, and inventive things I can remember watching lately. In short, it saves the movie.
Truth be told, the first half of this production isn't great. The humour feels a bit forced and the comedy routines just aren't as funny as elsewhere. In addition, the plot is slow and only the scheming villain Barnaby engages. The dated musical numbers don't help much either. The good news is that things pick up more and more as the film nears the climax, building to a lavish, large-scale action sequence which is quite jaw-dropping. It utilises dozens of extras, stop motion effects, and a lot of visual creativity and is one of the most exciting, amusing, and inventive things I can remember watching lately. In short, it saves the movie.