Starsky and Hutch

Director Todd Phillips' third feature film "Starsky and Hutch" starts off slow, picks up speed towards the middle, but ultimately leaves the impression of just being a drawn out TV show episode.

"Starsky and Hutch" is a film adaptation of the popular 70's TV show based on two cops fighting crime. Although the TV show was a drama which was nominated for the 1978 Golden Globe for Best Drama TV Series, the movie version is a comedy in the vein of Phillips' previous attempts, Road Trip and Old School.

Ben Stiller plays David Starsky and Owen Wilson plays his partner, Ken Hutchinson. We have seen the Stiller-Wilson combo many times in the past and this entry is nothing different. Stiller plays a straight shooter, while Wilson plays a zany sidekick with a knack for getting his partner into trouble. Although the interaction is funny at times ("Do it... do it"), much of it seems forced. Snoop Dogg tries to play off of his coolness and reputation in the real world, but it just doesn't work in the film. Vince Vaughn plays the same "Swingers" character that he plays in just about everything these days. Will Ferrell is hilarious as usual in his small role. Just the sight of his face is enough to get the audience laughing.

One thing Phillips' gets spot on is the 70s feel. It does seem very 70ish with the costumes, the locales, and even the camera work. His zooming on the action in every scene is classic.

As a whole, "Starsky and Hutch" is an entertaining comedy with no real coherent or significant plot. Most of the entertainment value is derived from the play between Stiller and Wilson, although the performances weren't as fresh as in previous movies. Vaughn and Ferrell were funny, but the rest of the cast was sorely lacking.

Verdict? A good laugh, but not as funny as Phillips' other movies.

Grade: B-