Starsky & Hutch
Starsky & Hutch
Directed by:
Todd PhillipsCinematography:
Barry PetersonComposer:
Theodore ShapiroCast:
Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Snoop Dogg, Fred Williamson, Vince Vaughn, Chris Penn, Jason Bateman, Brande Roderick, Richard Edson, Molly Sims, David Soul, Amy Smart (more)VOD (2)
Plots(1)
Detective David Starsky is the most dedicated undercover cop working the mean streets of Bay City, California. Maniacally devoted to his job, when he's on duty no crime goes unpunished--and he's always on duty. And that's a good thing, because he has some metaphorically big shoes to fill: his mother was a legend on the force, one of the best cops in the history of Bay City. But while his mom stuck with the same partner throughout her entire career, due to his extremely zealous brand of police work, Starsky burns through partners faster than his beloved Gran Torino goes through spark plugs. Detective Ken "Hutch" Hutchinson is having career issues of his own--he's a good cop, but his hazardously laidback personality and desire for a quick buck don't always get the job done. He has excellent instincts, he just needs a little bit of focus to keep him on the admittedly less profitable side of the law. Exasperated Bay City Police Captain Dobey has found the perfect solution for two of his biggest problems: pair up Starsky and Hutch and put them out on the streets. As soon as the two mismatched crime fighters unhappily begin their first day on the beat as a team, a "floater" turns up on the Bay City coastline. With the help of Hutch's dynamite, street-savvy informant Huggy Bear, the two begin to unravel the mysterious murder case. Investigating their first clue, the boys meet Staci and Holly, of the Bay City Cheerleaders, who are more than eager to help--in any way they can. All signs seem to point at wealthy businessman Reese Feldman, but Starsky and Hutch just can't seem to make a case against him. Unbeknownst to them, Feldman has cooked up a plan to foil the DEA and is plotting the biggest and most lucrative drug deal of his career. The unlikely duo will use their canniest undercover skills, hardcore street smarts and striking good looks to solve the crime and make sure the criminal does the time. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Reviews (6)
The problem with this otherwise cool retro fun is that a lot of situations are underdeveloped. Many scenes have a promising start that makes you think "this is going to be fun", but unfortunately, there is no climax or successful punchline. But there are some brilliant gags (e.g. the scene with the horse at the birthday party), the film oozes a laid-back atmosphere, Stiller and Owen are a perfect duo, and the 70s have something to them. I certainly wasn't bored and although I didn't burst out laughing, a smile broke out on my face a few minutes after the beginning and didn’t leave until the closing credits.
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Compared to Zoolander, it is less witty, less absurd and less funny, but at the same time more accessible and overall much more "cinematic". Reliable entertainment that stands on the concept, the actors and a few "killer jokes".
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This time, the 80s are quite cool. Todd Phillips surprised me and directed a quite accomplished retro comedy that is definitely worth seeing, not only because of the great atmosphere, but also because of well-executed comedic situations and good retro music.
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It's a stylish parody that makes the love for the series it parodies and the era in which it was made stick out (but not so much that the creators don't make fun of both in their own way). Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson are a great comedy tandem and are lucky to have good writers, directors and colleagues (Will Ferrell's performance...). Then everything works like clockwork and fun is to be had.___P.S. Among the bonus features on the DVD is a great ten-minute documentary that parodies documentaries from the set for a change - the actors, actresses and producers all berate each other, they all spit on the director but he is convinced he understood everyone, you learn that most of Starsky & Hutch was only made for the money, some had to start going to therapy (again) ....
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Say what you want, but Stiller and Wilson together is for me a guarantee of quality, which is fully confirmed here. An enjoyable action comedy that is brilliantly interwoven with the atmosphere of the unforgettable 70s, hilarious jokes and several references to classic films. The central duo doesn't need any comments, both of them really enjoy their roles and it’s thanks to them that some passages maintain the necessary insight and flair, without which something like this could never happen. Todd Phillips doesn't serve any delicious genre delicacy that would make me roll with laughter, but as a well-seasoned and edited appetizer Starsky & Hutch will always work perfectly.
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Excellent comedy that has some absolutely great moments (see Will Ferrell and his role) or characters (see Snoop Dogg and his Mead). The retro style is absolutely captivating. This is a tribute to great old series. In addition, it also stays true to the genre, which is even better. Definitely a comedy that deserves attention even after ten years. I thought I wouldn't enjoy it as much anymore, but the opposite is true. It entertains me even more than back then.
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