"Starsky and Hutch" is a surprisingly effective action comedy that spins off of the popular ‘70s television series.

It stars Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson in the title roles, which were originally played by David Soul and Paul Michael Glaser.

Set in the ‘70s, the film wrings some good laughs out of the period. It’s impossible not to giggle at the horrifying disco outfits, the ridiculous haircuts, and the sickeningly sentimental ballads.

And it does a good job poking fun at all the clichés and contrived plot devices that were common in ‘70s cop shows.

The film also pays homage to the blaxploitation films that influenced it. The character Huggy Bear (perfectly played by rapper, Snoop Dogg) could’ve been at home in "Superfly" and "Dolemite," or "Shaft."

Technically a prequel to the TV series, the movie shows how the two mismatched partners met. At first they can’t stand each other but they eventually become bosom buddies.

Ben (There’s Something about Mary") Stiller plays Dave Starsky, and Owen ("The Royal Tenenbaums") Wilson is Ken Hutchinson. The roles are ideally suited for their talents, and the two have good chemistry.

Dave Starsky is an uptight, by the book police officer that is definitely part of the establishment. His partner Ken (Hutch) Hutchinson is a roguish, free spirited police officer who bends all the rules.

The not so dynamic duo starts to investigate a murder case. They are supposed to go undercover but they drive a highly conspicuous car that would stand out anywhere.

Of course they unnecessarily destroy tons of property and romance a few women. As part of the investigation they date a pair of cheerleaders (Amy Smart and Carmen Electra) that knew the murdered man. In order to impress the cheerleaders, Hutch even sings a groan inducing song that was originally sung by his counterpart in the TV series.

They start snooping into the life of a playboy (played by Vince Vaughn) who moonlights as a big time cocaine dealer. It turns out that he is planning to sell a new type of odorless coke that cannot be detected by dogs.

Part of the fun is watching these two screw up and get balled out by their hysterically hostile police chief, Fred Williamson (of "Scream Blacula Scream" fame.)

When the duo has a fight and split up, the film plays staple romantic film music, accompanied by montages of them spending time together. It’s played for laughs but it calls attention to the hidden homoerotic nature of their friendship.

Director Todd Phillips is probably best known for making the nauseatingly dumb comedy "Old School." But he also made some well-received rock documentaries, including "Hated," about punk legend G.G. Allen, and "Bittersweet Motel," about the psychedelic jam band, Phish.

His next project will be a big budget, big screen version of the "Six Million Dollar Man," starring Jim Carrey.

Phillips finds the perfect comic tone for "Starsky and Hutch." Many of the lines, scenes, and stunts were so exaggerated that they inspire howls of laughter.

"Starsky and Hutch" is definitely no masterpiece but it provides more laughs and thrills than expected. It’s far superior to the television series that inspired it, and it’s the most delightful campy comedy since "Undercover Brother."