IT'S tempting to list the red and white Ford Torino among the actors, such is its iconic power in this mock salute at the 70s cop show.

The story comes second to the fact that here is Starsky and, look, here's Hutch, nearly 30 years on.

Much of the appeal is in the knowing 70s references, haircuts and get-ups, giving the film the feel of one, long in-joke.

Stickler for the rules David Starsky (Stiller) and laidback Ken "Hutch" Hutchinson (Wilson) are two mismatched cops investigating a mega deal of undetectable cocaine.

Reusing their chemistry of Zoolander, Stiller and Wilson are hugely likeable, but are trumped by Huggy Bear (rapper Snoop Dogg) whose smirking portrayal of the wheeler-dealer informant is inspired and hilarious.

Vince Vaughn is a cracking baddie, and Carmen Electra and Chris Penn get noticed in minor roles.

While director Todd Phillips' creation has too few laughs to be a pure comedy, and too few guns to be real action, Stiller's hapless blunders make some hysterical moments.

But the script has big holes and, like awkward newsreaders, the actors often seem to be waiting for the camera to move on to the next scene.

It feels like a slow ride, but that gives time to marvel at the 70s keynotes and the upbeat, happy feel of this film.

Pleasing and quite mindless, it's just the latest remake from Hollywood.

But look, there's Starsky and here's Hutch, and this time it really is them.

Mono rating: six out of ten