“Starsky and Hutch” (Warner Brothers)
“Starsky and Hutch” was a medium sized TV hit in the 70’s but David Soul and Paul Michael Glaser were never able to capitalize on the fame they gained from that series. Now Hollywood has come out with a big screen version starring Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson. The question is why make a remake of an only moderately successful TV series. The film comes off as a two hour rerun of the TV show.
Starsky (Stiller) is an uptight, by the book, detective in Bay City. Hutch (Wilson) is a loose as a goose good time guy. When they are partnered up by their Chief (Fred Williamson) it is a meeting of two opposites. Surprisingly they make a good team.
They take on the case involving the murder of a man whose body washed up on the shore. Their investigation leads them to rich guy Reese Feldman (Vince Vaughn). Our guys know he is dirty but they have to prove it. They turn to Hutch’s buddy “Huggy Bear” (Snoop Dog), who goes undercover for them.
While all this is taking place S&H get involved with two cheerleaders (Amy Smart and Carmen Electra). They take the girls to a disco where Starsky takes part in a dance contest. John Travolta would be proud of his moves.
The movie has some moments of mild humor but nothing really earth-shattering. Stiller and Wilson are both okay actors but when is the last time you really enjoyed a movie in which they starred Stiller has had “Duplex” and “Along Came Polly” while Wilson moped his way through “The Big Bounce.”
Some people have gotten excited about Snoop Dogg playing Huggy Bear but he doesn’t add anything unique to the part. Vaughn is okay as the crook while Juliette Lewis is wasted as his mistress.
The movie is rated PG-13 for violence and profanity.
Stiller and Wilson seem to be churning out a new movie every other month. They had better take the money and run because sooner or later the paying audience is going to realize they aren’t getting their money’s worth from these two guys.
If you have a craving to re-visit the 70’s, just tune into “That 70’s Show” on TV. It’s better entertainment and you won’t have to pay the price of a ticket. Plus Ashton Kutcher is funnier and better looking than Stiller or Wilson.
I scored “Starsky and Hutch” a rerun 4 out of 10.
