Saw The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy at a sneak preview on Tuesday (thanks to Chu's inside knowledge of the movie biz). In a word: Go. Go see this movie. If you have read the books and are a die-hard fan, you were probably going to go see the movie anyway. But, let me reassure you that you won't be disappointed. If you haven't read the books, you should probably read the first book before your jaunt to the cinema (it's an amazingly quick read). If you're reluctant to peruse the written version, watching the movie will pique your interest and you'll have wished you read the book first: so go borrow a friend's copy.
I won't disclose any spoilers, as I want all the movie's quirks to be a surprise, so keep reading. If you do want a few small hints, Desson Thomson's WashPost review is spot on. The film is based off of DNA's second draft of the screenplay, which helps the movie stay true to the letter and spirit of the book. Even when the movie deviates from the "normal" H2G2 storyline, the style remains the same.
The actors bring this style to the big screen magnificently. Mos Def's performance as Ford is the best of the live actors. Alan Rickman (i.e., Prof Snape) provides the voice of Marvin and had me laughing more than Marvin did in the books. Also of note, Martin Freeman (from the real "The Office") portrays the everyday Arthur quite well. I thought the actors for Zaphod and Trillian could have been better (with Trillian, in my opinion, being poorly cast). These decent performances did not detract form the overall film though.
Even if you're trying to survive on only 30 Altairian dollars a day, spend a few of them on this hilarious film.
Jealousness! I am all excited about seeing this flick, only to find you have already savored its goodness.
What a snappy frood you are...
Well, given your high level of hoopiness, I'm sure that by the time you read this, we're even on the number of servings of H2G2's goodness we've savored.
I hope you enjoyed it as well!
Totally worth it. Your review was dead on. Can't wait for restaurant at the end of the universe.
Well, my skepticism returns for the sequels, as they won't have a DNA script to work off of and Hollywood loves making crappy sequels since they know everyone who enjoyed the first (good) movie will see the second.