Want a reason to go see a movie? Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson are two. Need a good plot to see a movie? Not if you have the aforementioned reasons. What movie comes directly to mind? Starsky & Hutch.
At first glance the movie title evokes memories—for those of us around in the 70s—of a hit police TV show that was classified as a drama. Those who were around back then saw Starsky, who was played by Michael Glasser, as a joker, and Hutch, who was played by David Soul, as a level-headed guy. Many who were expecting Starsky & Hutch to be a remake were disappointed by the changes they saw in their favorite characters.
Of course, Stiller and Wilson attract a much younger crowd who went to the theater to see the interaction of these two actors which always elicits a few laughs. Stiller took the role of Starsky and made it into an uptight, by the rules character. Hutch was taken a different way also since Owens played him as the laid-back fella who sees the laws as ideas for guidelines.
Starsky & Hutch proves to be less about drama, action, or policing and more about two very different guys and their quirky friendship. This is something that Wilson and Stiller are perfect at accomplishing. Few can admit that the movie would be far from a hit without the appearance of Snoop Dogg as Huggy Bear. He takes the role and fills it perfectly. Another worthy appearance was Will Ferrel, or Big Earl, the dragon-loving convict. He adds a level of comedy that only he can bring, and there is just enough of it. The Director knew how to not overuse him, so he is funny throughout the movie.
All who see it will learn that while Wilson and Stiller draw you to the theater, it is the 1976 Ford Gran Torino that makes the movie. It is driven by Starsky and proves to be the topic of many a conversation throughout the movie. It provides the “action” of the movie and also incites some character development. Watching Stiller drive it is probably the funniest part.
All in all, it’s a comedy with not much of a purpose, even though it does pretend to have one. In order to fully enjoy it, one must have an open mind, expect nothing, and simply love Wilson and Stiller together.
