Starsky and Hutch
Filed Under: Film, Reviews | Article Tags : DVD review
By: The Dweeb
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Following the latest in Hollywood fashion of poorly remaking old television shows into mediocre films, Todd Phillips delivers to us a modern reinterpretation of that iconic 70′s crime fighting duo of Starsky and Hutch. Add another entry onto the list of films from the so called "Frat Pack" acting group (members include Vince Vaughn, Will Ferrell, The Wilson Brothers, Ben Stiller, and Jeremy Piven) in another comedy. This is Todd Phillips’s follow up to Old School, another fairly decent comedy, but not a side splitter either. I am too young to remember much of the original show, nor did I have any interest either (Besides my mom probably put me to bed before it came on anyway), so going in I didn’t know what the show was originally like.
Starsky and Hutch the movie was intended to be written as the origin story for what took place before the television show, and explores how these two maverick detectives came together, like oil and water. Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson play Starsky and Hutch with a tongue in cheek demeanor. They have good chemistry and share some hilarious bits between them. As usual Stiller pigeon holes himself into the straight guy role, unless of course you are talking about his baby , the famous red Ford Torino. But, after seeing him play this type of character in almost every film, I’m not sure I want to see him do much else. That’s what makes him a popular actor I suppose right? We can all relate somehow.
Driving Starsky up the wall on a daily basis with his more unorthodox approach to police work, Hutch (Owen Wilson) seems to enjoy getting under his skin. Essentially he’s lazy when you get right too it. But when something needs to get done, like interview some cheerleaders for example (one of the funniest scenes in the movie by the way), he gets it done. This role is by no means much of a stretch for Owen either, playing it with his usual laid back almost beach surfer like style.
The film is predictable yes, and some of the jokes are real groaners, but its still a lot of fun to watch anyway. There are a few gems in here, such as the underutilized Will Ferrell as Big Earl. Seeing Snoop Dog for the first time on screen as Huggy is a real kick. I didn’t think he could bring much to the acting table, but he does it up Doggy Style in here. Word you dig? When asked if he knows a lot a about golf, his reply is "I know even more about grass." Its really funny seeing these guys run around in bad 70′s haircuts and God awful clothing from that era. I am so glad I don’t remember much from those days!
Technically, this DVD’s nothing special, but the transfer is clean enough to pass muster. Included with this DVD package are a few extras as well. There’s a bunch of deleted scenes, and a gag reel that pretty funny, so don’t miss that one. They also created this strange anti documentary where everyone just rips on everyone else, I guess trying to be funny but it just doesn’t work. Also, the cookie on there is kind lame and doesn’t have much to do with anything. One wonders why they even bothered. Ah, but that’s all right, the movie is funny enough. Definitely go check this one out.
Reviewer’s Opinion: RENT IT!!
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