Counter Culture

Australia:PG / Canada:G (British Columbia/Quebec) / Canada:PG (Alberta/Manitoba/Nova Scotia/Ontario) / Ireland:12A / UK:PG / USA:PG
Duration: 110 min

Reviewed by Terry Burgoyne

Summary

Seconds before the Earth is to be demolished by a Vogon construction crew, Arthur Dent is swept off Earth by his friend Ford Prefect, an alien researcher for the new edition of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

Review

At first the thought of reviewing this film seemed impossible. Having been a fan of the the books for many years it seemed a huge task to be impartial, especially knowing that the story had been changed to suit the Big Screen. Yet I loved it!

This is a very clever and funny version of the first book by Douglas Adams. It had a magical effect on everyone attending the preview. As the film began we were all smiling and as it progressed we were getting fits of the giggles. I cannot stress enough just how good this film is. Even the new parts which were not in the books fit so well with the story.

My one minor complaint is with the Marvin Robot character. He looks like a Robosapien – far too cool to be depressed or paranoid. Apart from that all the cast are excellent and hopefully are already signed-up for the films of the other four books in the ‘trilogy’.

I think that this film will appeal to fans of the original books and hitchhiking virgins. Mr Adams would be very proud and satisfied that his legacy is in good hands. Grab your towel, don’t panic and jump on for a very enjoyable ride!

Full Cast and Crew for The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (2005)

Directed by Garth Jennings

Writing credits (WGA) Douglas Adams (book)

Douglas Adams (screenplay) and Karey Kirkpatrick (screenplay)

Cast (in credits order)