The Hitchhicker's Guide to the Galaxy(2005) Review

What book in the history of the universe is more important then the Encyclopedia of Britannica and more cheaper then the volume of books based upon philosophical theories of the existence of God? The Hitchhicker's Guide to the Galaxy of course. Starring Martin Freeman, Mos Def, Sam Rockwell, Zooey Deschanel, and the voice of Alan Rickman as the most pathetic robot to be put on the big screen. Based upon the widely acclaimed book by Douglas Adams, it's one big satire of science fiction and religion. I would put this between the Holy Bible and Stephen King's Salem's Lot. The book is that good and I recommend those who are reading this review to go read the book. Know that this is the second attempt that the book has been put on the screen, which the first version aired in the UK in 1981. It's ok, but it's 1981 visual effects were at it's infancy so it's very very cheesy. But will this review fare better then it's predecessor? Don't Panic, we're about to find out.

As most good movies we start off with a musical number which doubles as a warning from dolphins  which was misinterpreted as a triple back-flip through a hula-hoop among vast spectators at SeaWorld. The warning was simple, "Your world is about to be destroyed. We're sorry. But, thanks for all the fish," Then we get introduced to our main character Arthur Dent played by Freeman as our narrator simply describes him as "This is a Man," Who's house is about to be demolished so that the local government could build a expressway or freeway if you're American. Then we meet Authur's bff, Ford Prefect played by Mos Def who happens to be an alien from the Beetle-juice Galaxy. He takes Arthur to a pub or bar if you're American and tells him to drink as much beer as possible and that the Earth is about to be destroyed. And Arthur's like "you're bullshitting,"  So after consuming beer and nuts the two leave the bar with one of the patrons asking:

"Is the world going to end?"
"Yes," Ford answered.
"Should we put bags over our head or something?"
"If you want,"
"Would it help?"
Stands by the door and thought for a quick moment. "No," That shit is hilarious putting bag over your heads won't do jack shit.

Then all of these lego blocks start to cover the entire planet and we see a giant mouth saying that they apologize for the inconvenience, but our planet was under demolition order 50 years prior and if we had any issues to visit our local galactic magistrate. I didn't know we had one, DID YOU?  So Arthur and Ford hitchhike on one of the lego block ships to skip the destruction of Earth. Now this is where the fun begins.

It turns out that the lego ships belong to the Vogons, big green slimy aliens that have no creativity(there poetry sucks), wear business suits, and must sign off on everything! Got to use hyperspeed to pursuit the target, sign. Release a prisoner, sign. I really need to take a piss, SIGN!! And there shock-troopers look like gimps, which makes me question if there not creative per say in public may be in private. Where they secretly experiment with S&M. Hell, they're aliens it may be something completly different for them. After being interrogated and thrust out of an airlock, Arthur and Ford get picked up by Zephod and Trillia( love interest to Arthur and who doesn't know that her own planet was gone)  played by Rockwell and Deschanel. As they embark on a quest to find the Ultimate Answer to the Ultimate Question, and to do this they must go to a far away planet to speak to Deep Thought.

Out of this rag-tag crew only two stand alone with there wise-crack corniness and it's sad input on life: The Ship's Computer and Marvin the Robot. The Ship's Computer sounded like a game show host and Marvin who is so sad and depress makes me want to give him a hug, pat him on his head, and hand him a 12 gauge. Both when the computer talks and Marvin on screen, I have a blast.

Although some scenes may be a bit slow and tasteless at times, it's a overall good,funny, and entertaining film. I recommend this film to anybody. Nothing good on cable, pop this in dvd player. If you're a geek and your girlfriend or boyfriend is a geek, you won't be disappointed. Hell, you might get some. I would also note that Douglas Adams wrote some episodes for Doctor Who in the Tom Baker(the Fourth Doctor) era. Even part of writing The Five Doctors miniseries. So if you're into the boy in the blue box, check it out. But most importantly, read the book! I just hope that they do Starship Titanic someday another good DA book too and sequel to HGG. Well that's all for now, till next time. So long, and thanks for all the fish.