Review: Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

[mishalak]

Rabid fans of HHGG will be disappointed by the movie. That pretty much goes without saying about rabid fans of any work of fiction being translated onto the big screen. There will be disappointment that the decision was not made to try and stuff 25 pounds of "Life, the Universe, and the Trilogy Quadogy Quin... blast.. whatever" into the two pound bag that a under two hour run time is represented by in this metaphor. I say this knowing that I'm one of those rabid fans about some things and there is no way I'd be happy with adaptations of certain works unless I was in on the adapting. And then I'd probably be fairly happy. That's the way these things work.

So Hitchhikers was fairly good. It wasn't a great movie, but it was funny and visually interesting. But I would not say, "give it a miss". For one thing it was way more visually interesting than the BBC TV series, the way in which I think I was first introduced to HHGG. Arthur was properly hapless through most of it, Zaphod was properly egotistical, and Marvin was so depressed that he amused me. I didn't think the Vogons were quite threatening enough, though they looked the part. Oh for a ridiculous budget that could have the visual wonder like this on once a week for 14 weeks every year for three years or so.

So everything was there, but it wasn't quite loopy enough for me to be rhapsodizing about it. But it was fun. Possibly because I got a free ticket via my parents. Love them! And my dad definitely enjoyed it. BTW, stay into the credits. The "So Long and Thanks for All the Fish" song is fun to listen to and then there is one last guide entry. And I think you'll agree that the Guide entries are the best part about this cinema experience.

What: Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy the movie!
$9.00 at your average movie theater in the Denver area.
Who's if for: People who'd like a Brazil-lite 1 hour 49 minute romp.
Who won't like it: Rabid fans, people looking for a masterpiece, and anyone who just doesn't like this science fiction stuff.
Personally: Thumbs Up

Comments

[ajournalguy.livejournal.com]

The Guide entries are always, naturally, the best part of The Guide.

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

The movie is more faithful to the original radio series than anything else. Some of the dialog, the guide entries -- including that one in the credits -- are taken word for word from the radio series. I enjoyed it very much, and I think that's because my canonical version of HHTG is the original radio series and not the books.

B

[gomeza.livejournal.com]

I agree with you. I couldn't figure out why they failed to explain the importance of towels, and some other things, while making space for a five minute long musical with dolphins, but I am not a rabid fan, and I certainly did enjoy myself. But they really should have consulted me. ;)

[mishalak.livejournal.com]

That was rather odd. I mean towels are central.

[magentamn.livejournal.com]

We went to see it on Sunday. Worth the price of a matinee. I didn't stay to see all the credits - was there something else at the very end?

I thought Alan Rickman's voice as Marvin was wonderful! And I bet there will be a sequel or three.

[mishalak.livejournal.com]

Nah, just the one after the dolphin number.