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.
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.
