Nothing too taxing on the grey matter, just one of those easy watchers with plenty of laughing out loud moments.

Starsky and Hutch (2004): Dir: Todd Phillips / Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Snoop Dogg, Jason Bateman: Yet another 1970's T.V. show resurrected for the big screen. It is not a total failure although it will be most appreciated by those whom remember the TV show or those whom are fans of the stars. It stars Ben Stiller as Starsky, a no nonsense cop who goes by the book. Owen Wilson plays Hutch who breaks the rules. The two are paired as partners investigating a cocaine deal. Not much of a concept but the structure is detailed with many funny moments. Ending is typical but director Todd Phillips seems to have timing on his side with regards to the humour. He previously made Old School and the horrid Road Trip. Great chemistry between Stiller and Wilson whom are either at odds or botching up the case. We know where this is headed but despite the conventions there are colourful supporting roles by Vince Vaughn as the drug lord, and Snoop Dogg as Huggy Bear whom offers underground assistance. Jason Bateman plays Vaughn's partner in crime in yet another comic turn. This is better than one may anticipate but hardly a masterpiece. It serves as a resurrected T.V. cop show that is not as celebrated in 2004 as perhaps others programs at its initial run was but it is still quite funny taking the buddy cop premise into exhaust overdrive with superb comedic performances. Score: 6 / 10

This movie could have been a lot better. Actually, some scenes turned out to be quite funny, while some others -which were intended to- didn't really make me laugh. Me. Yet I have to admit that those two guys have such good chemistry and that can be seen in many other movies but I believe this is the perfect example. They are the perfect cop-duo, who work together and end up making some hilarious moments. Especially Owen Wilson was bloody perfect. I admit I expected a little more action- oriented film with more action scenes (with action scenes I include more Gran Torino) but it was just fine. But I want to point out again that Gran Torino scenes were pretty limited , and the only part I really enjoyed Gran Torino was in the ending tittles of the film (aerosmith ftw). For me it just wasn't enough. Overall, it was a pretty good and enjoyable movie, so you surely won't feel as if you are wasting your time, and maybe you'll want to watch it again and share it with your friends like I did. I would really like to see a sequel shame it didn't happen.. P.S. I didn't watch the movie because of the series. I actually found out their existence after I saw the movie. But the moment where the original ''Starsky & Hutch'' show up was very good and well planned and although it might have confused some (including me) it felt quite good. I also say that so that you don't think I compare the movie with the series. PS 2. I didn't know that Snoop Dogg could act so well. I found his role pretty cool.

Starsky % Hutch was a COOL show in the 70s. It was..for the times...cutting edge. Two detectives who weren't afraid to take chances to get the bad guys off the streets..even if they had to bend the rules a little to do it. Add a car that turned heads...The "red striped tomato" as it was called...a Gran Torino...and WOW..this was THE show to tune into. Guys watched it for the action...girls watched it for the sexy stars of the moment...David Soul and Paul Michael Glaser. It was a far cry from the standard cop drama stuff...and what cop is friends with a dude names "Huggy Bear"? Who was an informant..a pimp...and well..he knew a lot about things going down on the streets. OK..so now they decide to update the show...it has become hip to bring back retro things...here we go. The casting of the main characters with Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson just did NOT work. They slightly resembled the original guys...but that is about where the similarities end. They tried...they really did...but neither could pull it off. I also always have liked Vince Vaughn in most of his films...and in this one..he was so-so...just playing a ridiculous character who is the bad guy. Un huh..I didn't buy it. Julia Lewis did not work as his sexy girlfriend either...she kind of faded into the background. I will admit the car...THAT car...well...they got THAT right...thank goodness. After all..that car MADE that show famous for the most part. Those who are familiar with the TV show might enjoy this...but those who lived in the 70s might also be offended...are they poking fun at that era with this movie? Kind of. I liked seeing the original guys show up at the end...it tied the old with the new...too bad they did not show up earlier...it would have been interesting...and probably funny too.