Review:
Few people possess the wit of someone like Douglas Adams. Writing satires disguised as science fiction, Adams’ books are loved the world over. Adams also never met a media form he didn’t love, converting Hitchhiker’s to radio, TV, and computer game formats before it made the long trek to the silver screen. These permutations were always different, but they are all beloved by their fans. It was with some controversy that the film was released in 2005.
They all start similarly, with Arthur Dent waking to discover his home is about to be destroyed to make way for a bypass. He doesn’t feel any better when he finds out the Earth is being demolished to make way for a similar bypass, either. The film finds its own way afterwards, though, mixing in a quest to find out the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything; the quest for an actual question when the answer to life, the universe, and everything is unsatisfactory; and a quest for a particular weapon for the loser of the last President of the Universe election.
If you are confused by the previous paragraph, don’t panic. As with all the prior versions, the film is an entity unto itself…parts are dropped, expanded on, and added as needed. If this is your first experience with Adams’ work, you will be entertained. If you have been reading for decades, then there are enough different bits to keep you up guessing.
The cast all steps up to the occasion. Martin Freeman, Sam Rockwell, Zooey Deschanel, and hip-hopper Mos Def all devour their roles. The aliens, created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, are as amazing and imaginative as one would hope. Marvin the Robot is brought to life by Warwick Davis, and Alan Rickman brings a great sense of depression to every scene he is in.
I am reviewing this film from Disney’s recent Blu-ray release. The transfer is a step beyond what was seen on the standard DVD. Grain is apparent often, but it is in line with what one expects from the filmmaking process. Audio is a step up, as well, making the initial musical number a delight.
Have no reservations in regard to the film. It is as enjoyable as Douglas Adams would have hoped, especially if you keep in mind how the story evolves in each medium for which it is adapted.