STARSKY & HUTCH (2004)

Directed By: Todd Phillips
Written By: Todd Phillips, Scot Armstrong & John O'Brein
Story By: John O'Brein & Stevie Long
Based On Original Characters By: William Binn
Cinematography By: Barry Peterson
Editor: Leslie Jones

Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Juliette Lewis, Jason Bateman, Amy Smart, Fred Williamson, Snoop Dogg, Carmen Electra, Richard Edson, Chris Penn, Brande Roderick, Molly Simms, Matt Walsh, Patton Oswalt, Judah Friedlander


This was a case of where everything seems good on paper and when it came to the actual finished product it left a lot to be desired. Now it's not all bad the film is just greatly disappointing.

Todd phillips is a hit or miss director he seems to strive to be another John Landis (Trading Places) or Ivan Reitman (Twins) a director who defines a gneration with Raunchy over the top but memorable comedy. This film has both his strengths and weaknesses. One strength is that he recognizes comedic talent and let'sw them have room to do what they do best, Usually he let's them improvise which brings bigger laughs and makes the quality of the film better.

The films problem is that it has it's two stars doing the same old thing that they always do in their other films but here it feels like a act that has been done to death so you get tired of it. now they pklay their roles well but it might have been more interesting if Owen Wilson was the by the book cop. Then have ben stiller as the more rogue free wheeling laid back one. They obviously have chemistry but you can tell their hearts are not in it. The rest of the cast do what they are required to do and what they usually do in other films. Vince Vaughn the fast talking villian. He is one of the better things in the movie the one time the quality that annoy some moviegoers about him actually works for his role. Snoop Dogg is basiclly playing up his image as a cool ubnderworld figure who dresses extravagently.

The film also has a weird definition of itself it has inside jokes that only people familiar with the series would probably get, while trying to introduce the new viewers to the dramatics of the show. in movie form. I think the film would have been better off if like MIAMI VICE they kept the central story but loosen it up a bit.

I guess the other problem is that it feels inauthentic. anyone could have starred in this movie and it would still be of the same quality. No one makes their mark or makes anything about or in the film special. It even has Ben Stiller Regurgitating his old man character who just repeats do it. The film also makes a number of refrences of jewish jokes. What's up with that? Other then the 70's nostalgia jokes and cocaine humor. Though the whole Bat Mitzvah Scene and dancing contest scene are hilarious.

The film does have some genuine hilarious moments, Such as the police interrogation scene, but others fall flat like the snitch cameo. overall the movie is something you can catch on television.

GRADE: C-