Review of Starsky & Hutch (2004) by Luke P — 26 Aug 2008

There are two ways you can go with a TV-to-film adaptation. You can either stick religiously to the source material, or you can approach it with a self-referential tongue-in-cheek. Starsky and Hutch definitely falls into the latter category.

Director Todd Phillips, knowing that the TV show has dated badly, instead makes his film version a loving send-up of that decade of excess and bad fashion- the 70's. And so we have Ben Stiller with a big perm and Owen Wilson with long blonde locks wearing a menagerie of dated fashion choices, and therein lies the comedy.

Add to that, Phillip's shooting style makes the film look like something shot in the 70's, and you have a real authentic 70's pisstake. There's plenty of visual and verbal jokes, plus knowing nods to the original series, but the real coup is the chemistry between Stiller and Wilson, and the excellent supporting cast, including Vince Vaugn, Snoop Dogg and a fun cameo from Will Farrell.

Never quite as laugh-out-loud funny as Dodgeball or Anchorman, Starsky and Hutch has plenty going for it. A superb cast and enough funny moments make this well worth a watch. "Do It! do it!".