By James Bregman BBC News Online Entertainment

Hit 70s US cop series Starsky and Hutch has been turned into a slapstick movie starring Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson in the roles originally played by David Soul and Paul Michael Glaser.

Stiller and Owen seem to be having a great time

The movie shows how Hollywood increasingly appreciates that cashing in on a top TV franchise is no longer a simple matter of buying up rights and grinding out something tolerable.

Laughing at itself extensively, Starsky and Hutch does not just revisit beloved characters but revels in the music, clothes and hairstyles of its source material.

The result is a lightweight but massively entertaining movie, which feels much more like a loving tribute than a needless remake.

The flimsy plot centres on by-the-book cop Starsky (Ben Stiller) and his wayward partner Hutchinson (Owen Wilson) and their hunt for a dealer flooding Bay City with designer cocaine.

The story then becomes a simple case of linking one well-staged set-piece to another.

Cameo

The result is a film that is very much a comedy first and action movie second.

It misses no opportunity to have the pair don ridiculous disguises and accents.

Snoop Dogg is well-suited to the role of Huggy Bear

Stiller and Wilson are marvellous, giving the impression of two eager fans having a great time playing their TV heroes.

Simply watching them having such undisguised fun proves engaging, although just how seriously they are taking the whole endeavour is debatable.

When the original actors behind the duo, Paul Michael Glaser and David Soul, pop up in a surreal cameo, they seem to wear expressions of despair at the frivolity with which their old roles have been assumed.

Snoop Dogg plays snappily-dressed informant Huggy Bear, holding his own in a role he is perfect for.

When it comes to comedy, Stiller and Wilson are among the best and, crucially, they conjure up plenty of chemistry.

Die-hard Starsky and Hutch fans may take issue with the overall silliness, but overall most people should find much to smirk at in such a fun film.

Starsky and Hutch opens in London on 12 March and across the UK on 19 March.

What do you think of this film?

Is it a loving, fun tribute to a TV classic? Or do you find its humour childish, and maybe even insulting to the original series?

It was a wonderful time - Wilson and Stiller were great without any shackles from the period, it was a funny, lovable tribute to two iconic TV names.
Naureen, London, UK

As a great fan of Starsky and Hutch, I found this movie very dissapointing. The theme tune we all know and love was used once at the start. No one jumped on any car bonnets and they never even attempted to come crashing down a flight of stairs, hitting every wall on their way down. The characters of Starsky and Hutch themselves were both reversed. The laid back, hot dog eating cool Starsky had become an uptight, health freak. Whereas the usually reserved uptight Hutch had become a cool,chilled out dude. The only genuine character was Huggy, superbly played by Snoop Dogg.

I like Stiller and Wilson but when you attempt to do such a classic like this then you need to please the fans and just having authentic costumes and a Torino with a white stripe down it does not cut the mustard. Wait for the DVD if you must but I suggest getting the real thing when the original Starsky and Hutch series comes out on DVD.
The Monz, UK

I was totally bored with the film, I cannot believe that people call Stiller and Wilson great comic actors, I was so disgusted and bored with the dull plot and acting I left before the finish.
Ross , UK

I just want to say that I think this film will be massive over the countries of Europe since it was fairly famous in the past, all the best to the makers and director and especially the stars
Mohanned Rashid, England

A very light weight movie with only just enough laughs to call it a comedy. Ben Stiller is an excellent Starsky, Owen Wilson is dreadfully miscast but I am biased, I can't abide him - Snoop Dog as Huggy Bear? Not fit to tie Huggy's laces - I met Antonio Fargass in Brighton last year he still looked young enough to have played his signature role. The movie: 3/10 must try harder.
Howard Smith, Morristown, NJ, USA

What can I say? Stiller and Owen rock!
Mrs Mann, Wales

I thought the movie was hugely enjoyable and Stiller and Wilson were fantastic with Owen Wilson using his laid back style of comedy. The scenes with the mistaken sugar and undressing Brande Roderick were hilarious. I don't think the kids are going to get some of the adult humour though or even remember the original series or stars, who incidentally make a cheesy appearance at the end of the movie. Who cares whether this had any reference to the original series or not , its a comedy for gods sake!
Patrick Hearn, Canada

I saw the film this week with my husband. We didn't stop laughing at the antics and in-jokes. Lots of fun from start to finish. It was a great way to spend a couple of hours - and it is most definitely a loving tribute to the TV show. Oodles of fun for everyone who loved the old show.
CZ, USA

I never stopped laughing from the first minute right until the end. Stiller and Wilson work really well together and Snoop Dogg was born to play Huggy Bear. If you want to see a funny send up of a partly serious seventies tv series then this is the film for you. Rating *****
Dan, England

Went to see the preview screening last night. I thought it was highly entertaining. Wilson and Stiller bounce off each other with their lines and I think they compliment the characters they play. Snoop Dogg was in a class of his own taking on the role of Huggy Bear. The costumes/shoes of the whole cast were fantastic! Cameos by the original Starsky & Hutch brought a nice end to the film.
Emma, UK

I was lucky enough to get tickets for an advance screening, and have to say it was wonderful. very funny.
Moo, UK

I think it was the best movie I've ever seen and quite fancy the two leads. There is no doubt about it, not having a sequel is a crime.
Conor Davis, United Kingdom

I am too young to remember the original series and I had no preconceptions about the film. However, I was not disappointed. The casting was excellent with Stiller and Wilson playing off each other brilliantly. Snoop Dogg was the perfect choice for Huggy Bear. This is a very entertaining film which is self-mockingly funny with lots of belly laughs. For me, though, I thought the appearance of Soul and Glazer in cameo roles was cheesy and unnecessary.
Paul, UK

The film is certainly more light-hearted than the original series, but it remains a very entertaining 100 minutes viewing. I was at the premiere last night, listening to interviews from the original characters who were attending, and they were wholly supportive of Todd Philipps take on the series. From start to end the film keeps you entertained, and Stiller & Wilson play their parts brilliantly. Thoroughly recommend the movie to anyone looking for a light film, of just sheer entertainment.
Dan, UK

I saw it as part of the "first & for free" Radio 5Live deal - many thanks to them! The film is neither a classic, nor is it a turkey - much like the original series. It is on the whole an enjoyable experience, with some memorable scenes and some truly awful ones. Stiller & Wilson are perfect as the stars, but the plot is too thin in places and no amount of slapstick humour can make up for this.
Chris Munday, UK

It really is just Zoolander in a Starsky and Hutch wrap. Even the jokes are the same!
Steve, UK

Soft Pap
Gareth Hurley, UK

I thought it was extremely dull - a crass cashing in on a TV classic. The music was great and I'm sure the set designers and costume makers had a great time. Stiller and Wilson did what they've always done in every film I've seen - Stiller uptight; Wilson laid back � just in 70s clothing. Save your money and wait for the DVD. Question: did Stiller use the same dance moves for Zoolander, Along Came Polly AND S&H?
Annie, UK

I wonder if they watched the Beastie Boys classic 'Sabotage' video a few times before making this? Casting Snoop Dogg is a genius move, as he's essentially playing himself.
Simon, England

I saw this film last night and it was hilarious! I've been a fan of Owen Wilson for years and watching him team up with Ben Stiller again was a real treat, as their on-screen chemistry is fantastic. There's plenty to amuse even the most die-hard Starsky and Hutch fans, including some fantastic car chases, plenty of hot women, and even a cute kid! My only reservation is about Snoop Dogg, as he was basically playing himself throughout the whole movie. Leave your reservations at the door, go and see it, it WILL make you giggle.
Gemma, UK

A great send-up. The tone is never vicious or disrespectful - that's what makes it work so well.
Robert del Valle, Detroit, USA

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