Movie Review – Starsky & Hutch

The Plot – David Starsky is an overzealous cop who sees crime in terms of black & white. Ken “Hutch” Hutchinson is a laid back detective more concerned about getting ahead in the quickest way possible. Slapped together by circumstance their investigation of a “floater” sends them tracking a high rolling drug dealer who’s looking to change the rules in Bay City.

The Review – Starsky & Hutch is a tongue-in-cheek rendition of the 70’s TV show of the same name. While the movie sometimes feels like a drawn out Saturday Night Live skit it does have some entertaining moments. There appears to be an ongoing theme in Hollywood simply entitled “How Many Buddy Flicks Can Owen Wilson Star In?” We’ve seen Owen star as a laid back train robber with Jackie Chan, then he was the laid back FBI agent with Eddie Murphy and now Mr. Wilson teams up with Ben Stiller for a Zoolander follow up. Don’t get me wrong, we’re in a jobless recovery and even actors need a steady paycheck.

Fans of the TV series will appreciate the authentic 70’s styling of the movie. The film is sheer entertainment fodder and works more on the speed at which it delivers each comedic bit then any sort of plot. Snoop Dogg keeps it real as Huggy Bear and Will Ferrell delivers another scene stealing performance. Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson play well off each other as was proven in Zoolander. Fans of Old School will probably love this movie while fans of the original TV series may be somewhat disappointed.

While not the most memorable film of the year it is certainly worthy of a Blockbuster rental.

Grade: B-