Wednesday, June 01, 2005

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Resistance is useless! Don't panic! The answer is... 42!

I've read Douglas Adams' book The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy once, as a young kid, so I can't really remember the details, and therefore, can't comment from a purist's point of view (heh, wish I had the Point of View Gun). What I can do however, is review the movie as it is, from a cinematic experience.

And it's fantastic! From the opening narrative, characterization, beautiful stunning CGI, especially on the creation of Earth, this film seems to do no wrong. The wit and dry humour play an important part, though some might not get all the jokes. And key to it all is the intelligent way in which the creators recreate The Hitchhiker's Guide - where slick animation vividly brings forth the tips and tricks to living life in the Galaxy.

The characters are always the highlight, and rightfully so. Who can forget Marvin the manically depressed robot, who (!) is brought to life on the silver screen. Sam Rockwell shines as the narcisstic President of the Galaxy Zaphod Beeblebrox. Martin Freeman does a commendable job as Brit Arthur Dent, whose home is set for demolition for a highway (oh, the irony of it all), and Zooey Deschanel provides the eye candy as sassy Trillian. Mos Def as Ford Perfect rounds off the galaxy adventurers. The cameo by John Malkovich proves hilarious as Humma Kavula, religious cult leader waiting for the next big sneeze - Bless you! And I can sense the audience eagerly awaiting the appearance of Deep Thought, spouting that immortal line, the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything...

While you wonder at the marvels of technology in this sci-fi film (hey, there's a spoof from Star Wars), underlying it all is a simple love story that develops between Arthur and Trillian, and the challenges of admitting your affections to your partner.

Stay tuned during the end credits, as you get another Hitchhiker's Guide entry, which explains the aftermath of what happened after Arthur uttered the final words.

I've enjoyed this film tremendously, and I feel it should appeal to non-fans of the book as well, probably reining them in to read it. I know I would.

To Douglas, for creating this classic and developing new material for the film. So long, and thanks for the fish!

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