Starsky & Hutch (2004)

Set in the 1970s in a metropolis called "Bay City," we follow two police detective partners, Ken "Hutch" Hutchinson, and Dave Starsky, who always seem to get the toughest cases from their boss, Captain Dobey. The pair rely on omniscient street informer Huggy Bear for any news and race to the scene of the crimes in their souped-up 1974 Ford Torino hot rod. This story centres around their first big case, which involves a former college campus drug dealer who became a white-collar criminal, selling odourless, tasteless cocaine that fools drug-sniffing dogs. Based on the phenomenal show of the same name, Starsky & Hutch (TV Series 1975-1979), this movie showed the two cops in their early days in an unconnected adaptation that ultimately didn't do the original the true justice it deserved. Whilst it was funny and had some great moments, I felt quite disappointed as a fan of the original show. It was such a shame, considering how amazing everything looks at a glance from the exceptional likeness of Ben Stiller as Starsky (a perfect casting in my opinion) and Owen Wilson as Hutch. They did look the part, especially when wearing the iconic outfits that also contributed to their likeness to the characters. Considering the two actors had starred and worked with one another on many films beforehand, it seemed extremely promising the two would be amazing together in this and I'd have to say they were, but not as Starsky and Hutch. They continue to do their usual shtick from their other movies, which is hilarious as I love their movies but it didn't give me the feeling of the characters. It just felt like they were trying to be funny all the time, unlike the series where the pair would have some great banter but also deliver some heartfelt and emotionally driven segments. They felt, well, more human rather than just two guys to point and laugh at for the duration of the whole film. There are plenty of sequences where they made me chuckle and I found it pretty funny like going undercover at the Bat Mitzvah, the dance-off at the club and the prison where they ask information from inmate, Big Earl, played tremendously by Will Ferrell who completely stole the show. His character had me laughing nonstop from his bizarre requests, like posing as a dragon, that the duo had to carry out to get the info they needed, which humiliated them and was even caught on camera for all the police department to see. I love how his strange pleas also carry forward to his phone calls with main villain Reese Feldman, like asking him what he is wearing, just had me uncontrollably laughing it was so random and delivered perfectly. Alongside the main duo, there are other characters from the original that make their transition over to the movie, Captain Dobey and Huggy Bear. I found Captain Dobey to be the most disappointing aspect of the film. He was such a great friend to both Starsky and Hutch in the show whilst also being a somewhat strict boss. He would help out the two cops and stand up for them no matter their accusations, whereas, in this version, he just argues with them, doesn't listen and even defends the main bad guy. Huggy Bear was always a delightful sight in his episode appearances as the bar owner snitch who in this version (played by Snoop Dogg) acts as a pimp with elaborate clothing and bodyguards, which was an interesting change but felt like a whole other character. The main standout of the film is at the end once the bad guys are defeated, yet Starsky's car has been destroyed, but they receive a brand new one from none other than the two original actors (David Soul and Paul Michael Glaser) who donned their iconic outfits and contributed a beautiful cameo in what was a film that sadly didn't do them or their show the service they deserved. Overall, I had some laughs and certainly had a good enough time with some neat car chases and comedic segments. However, if you, like me, came in search of a true homage to the incredible 70s cop show, you might not get it here. Some elements, like the cameo, are worth seeing, but that is about it for the nostalgia. If you are looking for some Stiller and Wilson comedy, on the other hand, then this is another one to watch.

Runtime: 1h 41m

Director: Todd Phillips

Genre: Comedy / Crime

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Starsky & Hutch (TV Series 1975-1979)

Two streetwise cops, Dave Starsky and Ken "Hutch" Hutchinson, bust criminals in their red-and-white Ford Gran Torino, with the help of police snitch, Huggy Bear and police Captain, Harold Dobey. Starsky & Hutch is an American buddy-cop series from the 1970s that is full of thrilling and suspenseful action, mysteries to solve, high-speed pursuites and hilarious banter, which is very in-keeping with the duo cop subgenre. This show takes that subgenre to its full and unlike a movie, it is able to spread out this formula over a plethora of lengthy episodes varying a vast style of stories and settings. The stars of the show, of course, are Starsky (played by Paul Michael Glaser) and Hutch (played by David Soul) who equally shine in their respective roles, most especially in their on-screen moments together. Their witty dialogue continuously delights thanks to their believable friendship and loyalty towards one another as partners. They both work efficiently as a team during the more dangerous assignments, most definitely with the shootouts. I love the way they coordinate during these difficult moments when they are pinned down and manage to alternate their firing whilst coming up with a clever way out. As well as being friends at work, the two get on tremendously off duty where they frequently visit one another and we get to see their homes and hobbies. One of my favourite inclusions was for the characteristics of Hutch, who has a fondness for singing and guitar playing, which was a nice acknowledgement to David Soul, the actor, who was a singer and he got to perform some of his well-known songs on the show. Another iconic aspect of the series and duo was the red and white Ford Gran Torino (or as Hutch, who didn't much like the car, called it a Striped Tomato), which belonged and was heavily cared for by Starsky. It has become quite a famed vehicle in pop culture and I have to say it is a truly beautiful and memorable car. Throughout the show, it certainly takes a beating and worse like on occasions where it was blown up, but at the end of the day, it was always a huge part of the team, almost like a character itself, despite Hutch's disapproval. The duo receives help in their daily duty from loveable snitch, Huggy Bear, who is a great confidant to the guys, always looking out for them as he sees them as true friends. Huggy isn't like your typical snitch who looks out for only themselves and sells off their intel and runs for it, he cares for his pals and keeps an eye out for them and vice versa. He runs a bar called 'The Pits' where the two regularly go to hang out even when they do not require his other services. Back on the police side, Captain Dobey, Starsky and Hutch's boss, send his top two cops out on their missions, looking out for them when trouble eventually goes down. He can be strict but when his boys need him most, he will protect them and defend them at any cost. Dobey rarely smiles as he takes the job extremely seriously, however, when he lets his guard down and has a chuckle, he instantly sets me off, it is so contagious. One of the highlights of the program for me, and my whole family, was the groovy theme song matched with the energetic intro that was full of exerts from the pilot and later episodes of the season. Each rendition was equally and individually phenomenal for their own reasons but one thing we could all agree on was that season 2 had the best one. We aren't the only ones, as the song became so heavily associated with the show by viewers that it was even brought back in a new rendition for season 4 and even used in the video game. The episodes of each season varied from its more gritty realistic tellings to more light-hearted, humourous and bizarre stories. My absolute favourite episode of the show was very early on during its first season called 'Death Ride'. It had all the elements from the action, suspense, car chases and humour. Overall, I adore this '70s buddy cop show. It features a well-rounded cast who share a great deal of banter and emotional storytelling. There's action galore and plenty of drama to keep you engaged, particularly for fans of the cop genre. Also, check out the film Starsky & Hutch (2004) and Starsky & Hutch (Video Game 2003) for more.

Seasons & Episodes: 4 Season - 92 Episodes

Creator: William Blinn

Genre: Action / Crime / Drama / Mystery

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Uncharted 4: A Thief's End (Video Game 2016)

Set three years after his last adventure in Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception (Video Game 2011), Nathan Drake has now settled down with his wife, Elena Fisher and left the treasure-hunting scene behind. That all changes, however, when Nate's long-thought-to-be-dead brother, Sam tracks him down and asks for his help to find the long-lost treasure of Pirate Captain Henry Avery. Together with Sully, Nate and Sam embark on a globe-trotting adventure, one last time. Uncharted 4, is easily one of the best games in video game history. It is outstanding in every way with so many action set pieces, great character development and a rich story that is continued in this latest instalment even further than before. I was blown away by this game for a multitude of reasons, with one of the main aspects being the graphics. Unlike the previous three titles, which were made for the PlayStation 3, this one was made for the PlayStation 4 allowing it to go above and beyond in its creation and capabilities. The visuals are unbelievably good and were so ahead of their time considering how they manage to meet today's standards and, in some cases, surpass them. Not only has the graphics improved but the models of our leading characters have also changed now donning an even more realistic look that only added to their realism. They took the visuals and performance even further when it received a PlayStation 5 remaster in The Legacy of Thieves Edition. Having a more advanced console to create a new title gave this game an edge that no other in the series had, being able to have greater action sequences, grander scoped maps and higher definition visuals. A Thief's End is a grand and spectacle-filled final outing for this beloved adventurer. Nate has however put his adventuring life behind him when he married Elena, whom he had shared a bond with in the last three stories. I loved their relationship so much and was delighted to see them finally together. Their scenes in their home during the start were really cute and I loved how they play video games, which you get to control in an attempt to beat Elena's score. The whole sequence shows how good Nate has it. A job as a deep-sea salvage expert, a beautiful wife and a warm home show an ideal life yet there is still that call to an adventure. The becoming only grows to its peak once his long-lost brother, Sam, returns with the proposal of finishing the search for Captain Avery's treasure. Sam's character was an interesting addition since he was never seen or mentioned in any other games yet he is so well-written and acted alongside Nate and Sully that you believe it and never question him again as though he was in it all along. Having the story centre around pirates was an unexpected but nice choice that I thoroughly enjoyed. I was so intrigued by the idea of different pirate groups joining one another into one huge collective who shared their wealth and made a haven called Libertalia. My favourite part of the game is finally uncovering the island and seeing it overgrown and falling apart leaving many questions as to what happened. I loved unearthing all the mysterious clues left behind that further drove the search for the treasure and Avery because of how it sprinkles in all these unusual findings. From letters to skeletons laying on a battlefield or the leading members of the pirate groups' bones surrounding a diner table that adds up to an even bigger mystery. Nate and Sam are not the only ones searching however, Rafe Adler, an American treasure hunter, acts as the main antagonist. He honestly made for a phenomenal foe especially in the final moments with the sword fight aboard Avery's burning ship in a true cinematic fashion. Overall, Uncharted 4 is a beautiful game that closes the story of a brilliant series and characters in a gigantic final globetrotting escapade. It is full of explosive action and set pieces that continue to leave players in awe and matched with superb visuals, epic story and majestic score, this game is worthy of high praise for its overwhelming entertainment. The perfect end to a perfect franchise. If you want more from this rich world, check out the tie-in game Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (Video Game 2017) or Uncharted (2022).

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

Developer: Naughty Dog

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Genre: Action / Adventure / Drama / Romance / Thriller

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Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception (Video Game 2011)

Fortune hunter Nathan Drake is catapulted headlong into an adventure that takes him on a daring trek into the heart of the Arabian Desert in a search for the fabled "Atlantis of the Sands." This journey pits him and his mentor Victor Sullivan against a shadowy secret organization and its ruthless leader. When the terrible secrets of this lost city are unearthed, Drake's quest descends into a desperate fight for survival that puts his limit of endurance to the test and forces him to confront his deepest fears. Following on from the successful and extravagant story of Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (Video Game 2009), we join Nathan Drake once again on a danger-filled escapade that centres around another mysterious lost city. This third instalment, whilst not my absolute favourite, was a total blast full of that exciting action, globetrotting exploration, grand scale traversal and 'tomb-raiding' antics we have come to love and expect. We open to an exchange in London inside an Inn between our duo Drake and Sully with Talbot, a high-ranking agent in the Hermetic Order. When the exchange for Drake's ring goes awry, an all-out brawl takes place in true cinematic fashion. I loved the way the fight moves through the Inn, showing different areas for more duking it out. Drake's latest mission returns many friends to the limelight from Sully, Chloe and Elena. He's also joined by new aid Charlie Cutter, who offers his skills towards uncovering the latest treasure. I loved seeing more of Chloe even if it was for a seriously brief segment, but I adored having more of Elena, whose relationship with Drake frequently became a highlight for me in this adventure. I was equally happy that we got to see a lot more of Sully seeing as he was barely in the second game. He plays a much more significant role from the current day's latest escapade to the flashback sequences where he and a young Drake meet for the first time. Their dynamic is taken all the more further than it has in any of the previous titles and I thoroughly enjoyed all their interactions from their banter to serious discussions. Following the battle in the bar, we are transported to a young Drake whom we control as he quickly gets wrapped up in mischief that causes many repercussions for him in the modern day whilst making friends with his soon-to-be partner, Sully. The main antagonist, Katherine Marlowe, was no Zoran Lazarević boss but was able to make up for it with her cold and malevolent demeanour, especially when confronting Drake, revealing all her findings on him. Talbot acts as the secondary villain who appears to be an illusionist, placing members under spells and disappearing without a trace. Uncharted 3 had a great deal riding on it after the renowned success of the second game and it certainly delivered by producing an experience on the same scope with explosive action, intriguing story-driven aspects, and blockbuster-themed scenarios all in an enjoyable playable media. I mean Uncharted 2 had some truly extreme moments to get the blood pumping and this one not only recreated this feeling but with new situations to overcome. From escaping a sinking boat at sea, falling from a plane over a desert or leaping across rooftops in a climactic chase, this game is exuberating with an abundance of high-stakes moments to play. Not only are the grand pieces exceptional but the secluded tombs and puzzle areas have just as much intensity and intrigue to keep you hooked. New mechanics further kept the game engaging and fresh like, my favourite, now being able to throw enemy grenades back at them. Overall, Uncharted 3 continues the phenomenal line of games in the series that is full of entertainment at every corner with plenty of interactive action, and exploration with a story to boot. The characters remain delightful and further their growth as they take on this perilous task together with a satisfying conclusion that feels like a true ending, despite there being another game. I had so much fun and what more can be said for a video game? It's all you need and was exactly what I was wanting. Also, see the final game in the series, Uncharted 4: A Thief's End (Video Game 2016).

Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4

Developer: Naughty Dog

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Genre: Action / Adventure / Fantasy / Horror / Mystery / Thriller

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Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (Video Game 2009)

Nathan Drake tracks down Marco Polo's centuries-old trail to finally track down one of Earth's greatest mysteries: the city of Shambhala, the holder of the elusive Cintamani Stone. With the help of Chloe, Elena and Sully, Nate will uncover Shambhala's secrets that could change the course of history. Continuing on from the adventure of Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (Video Game 2007), we are instantly hurled into another explosive escapade that easily ups the ante of its predecessor. I played the remastered copy as part of The Nathan Drake Collection of 2015, which continued to refresh the game in all areas and elevated the experience all the more. Set 2 years after the first game, we follow Drake once again as he searches for the mystical city that also attracts the attention of the ruthless Zoran Lazarević who stops at nothing to reach it first. Uncharted 2 is quite possibly one of the greatest video game sequels of all time. Not only did it expand upon everything from the first by a gameplay standard but also in terms of its storytelling and character development. Among Thieves holds a high place in my ranking of the series. I was instantly blown away by the opening sequence that had me hooked. Awakening on a demolished train carriage hanging over a cliff, Drake is injured and covered in blood, feeling disoriented. Falling out of the train, Drake must climb to the top as the carriage slowly begins to fall into the abyss. Being thrown into this dire situation completely unaware of what led to this event was so captivating, leaving players invested to uncover what must have occurred up to this moment as we are sent back to six months prior. It comes full circle later in the story when Drake climbs aboard a moving train that instantly creates a sense of dread for us players who know things do not go well. Following the opening, we can see multiple improvements come to light like the inclusion of varying environments. The first title was limited to one island that overall kept a consistent jungle appearance whereas this story takes you on a globetrotting adventure from Turkey, Borneo, Nepal, Tibet, and the Himalayas. Each feels unique in its design and appearance offering that diversity of visceral and practical locations. From swamps to icy mountains, there are plenty of biomes and settings to fight, traverse and explore in. Another aspect that sees some needed improvement is the combat. The shooting feels great and with many grand situations to utilise it. From navigating a war-torn Nepalese city to the previously mentioned train fiasco, offers an abundance of blockbuster-themed conflict to indulge in, which is combined with areas of traversal. Whilst the gameplay is everything, a single-player story needs, well, a good story and this is one is no exception. Although Uncharted 1 is very good, it did have some issues that were likely more prevalent due to being a first entry, having to establish these characters from scratch, whereas, this one had the luxury of continuing a story enabling it to throw you into the action. Like the previous instalment, we see many familiar faces however with some added new ones, such as Chloe Frazer, who is shown to have a history with Drake and frequently changes her loyalty, leaving us guessing whose side she is on. I was slightly disappointed with the lack of Sully who only appears for the first mission and final cutscene since he was more prominent in the original game. Elena continues to delight, especially with the added friction with Chloe since both serve as love interests. The villain of the game also sees a huge improvement with Lazarević. He is a frightening opponent who shows no mercy, killing his men to achieve his goal. He also has a true video game-style boss fight that is phenomenal, which gets the blood pumping in some tense situations. Overall, Among Thieves is a fantastic addition to the series and certainly earned its title as one of the best video game sequels. The action is intense, the platforming visually stunning, the characters loveable, and the locations striking. I see no faults with this game and consider it a firm favourite in my collection. Continue the adventures in the next escapade in Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception (Video Game 2011).

Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4

Developer: Naughty Dog

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Genre: Action / Adventure / Fantasy / Horror / Mystery / Thriller

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