Although it may not be for everyone, The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy comes to life in this funny and often out of control adaptation of the famous Douglas Adams book.
I will say right at the start of this review that I have never read the book, but was still able to enjoy the movie – which has a ton of slapstick, witty dialogue, and bizarre aliens.
The movie, which was executive produced by Adams based on his and Karey Kirkpatrick’s screenplay, stars a huge ensemble cast of Hollywood talent - including Mos Def, Sam Rockwell, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich, Alan Rickman and Warwick Davis.
The basic story is an outrageous trip through the galaxy that begins with the destruction of Earth and the rescue of Arthur Dent (played by Martin Freeman) by his friend Ford Perfect (played by Def) – who just happens to be an alien.
From there we are introduced to the story of the Hitchhiker’s Guide, and to Zaphod Beeblebrox (played by Rockwell) the president of the galaxy. It doesn’t take long to realize that Beeblebrox may not be playing with a full deck, and Rockwell really goes all out in the part.
During their adventure across the universe, Dent and Perfect are also introduced to the depressed robot Marvin (voiced by Rickman), the giant computer Deep Thought (voiced by Mirren), and the strange preacher Humma Kavula (played by Malkovich).
Although he tends to get a bit annoying at times, Rockwell really keeps the laughs going in the movie, and helps keep you interested in what is happening.
Def, Freeman, and Marvin the robot often seem lost in the movie
If you are unfamiliar with the book, like I was, Rockwell’s over-the-top performance helps the movie move along and keeps you from getting tired of trying to figure out just where the plot is going.
Rickman also does a great job as the depressed, but super smart robot. He adds to the movie, and at times seems to be the only voice of sanity – which is strange since it is coming from a giant headed robot.<!--page-->
The DVD comes loaded with special features including the making of The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy; Additional Guide Entry – an extra entry from the “guidebook” seen in the film; deleted scenes; and commentaries from several of the film’s producers –including Adams – and the film’s director Garth Jennings.
There are also several special features that you could only expect to find in this type of movie including fake deleted scenes, a sing along for the song “ So Long And Thanks For All The Fish,” and Marven’s Hangman – a word game using the poor depressed robot as the hangman.
The two-faced Rockwell steals most of the laughs in the film
Overall, The Hitchiker’s Guide To The Galaxy may not be a movie for everyone. I have read comments from people who loved the book saying it failed to live up to the novel, and I have read comments from people who never heard of the book saying they hated every minute of the film.
I enjoyed it and thought it was incredibly funny. The movie is extremely bizarre at times, but maintains a level of slapstick and humor that keeps you interested. The movie is not Star Wars, or even Spaceballs, but is defiantly worth watching if you are in the mood to laugh.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy is available at Amazon and AmazonUK . Visit the DVD’s database for more information.
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