the hitch hikers guide to the galaxy... (minor spoilers alert)

[FarmerJon]

TBH I was bitterly disappointed. I had prepared myself to not like it simply based on having adored the book so much, but it was worse than I expected. The casting was really top notch...absolute genious really (esp Stephen Fry as the book and Alan Rickman as Marvin) and the song at the start was definitely something Douglas Adams would have approved of, indeed i'd imagine it was one of the parts he wrote before he sadly passed on or if it wasn't it very well could have been. Sadly, however, the plot was poor and changed the book's meaning for the worse (imo) and some of the characterisation was dreadful...notably Zaphod who was amusing but just not right. Ford wasn't too bad (though still lacking somewhat) but many of the characters weren't used enough or explained atall, and "the book" was underused to the extreme.
I'm sorry to say that the LOTR trillogy has raised the bar exceptionally high for any other screenplays based on books i like and this fell well well short. Sadly I agree with one of the great man's former agents who said that he'd have hated it. I don't blame the people who made it though as i dont think anyone could have captured it as well as the man himself. As a film in its own right it might have got a 6-7/10 from me but as a screenplay based on the HHGTTG it was no better than a 4 despite some very good touches and great casting...very very disappointed & I'm just praying they don't re do the rest of the trillogy (in five parts) as well since that would just add to the shame.

[menthel]

I didn't mean the rom-com thing in a bad way! I also think its worth remembering that every version has been different in its own way, from radio show, to books, to the TV show and then the film! Douglas Adams had a big hand in the film until he died, so its certainly part of his vision. I really enjoyed the film and if taken in the spectrum that is hitch-hikers it fits ok. I recommend the film overall!

[Spud1]

I was dissapointed with this too, it felt very very hollywoodesed - a plot that didnt really work too well, lots of bits missing (but thats expected) and relativly few good jokes..found myself falling asleep at a few bits - that shouldnt happen!

worth seeing if theres not much else on, but not worth a second viewing

[Ferral]

Taking my 5yr old daughter to see it today (nearly 6) when I head to the Metrocenter, I really want to see it, hope she is going to enjoy it.

[noah]

i enjoyed it, but i'd have to agree with good old farmerjon that the 'book' itself didn't play anyway near a big enough part, and there was a little too much weight on the romantic side for me. sorry you didnt like it famer me old mucker

[Trippledence]

I think it was great. Loves the direction, and if i hadnt seen the original makeing of it, and heard the radio drama, i think it would of been perfect. However its not exactly to the story. And there seems to be alot more going on between Trillian and Auther than there was before. Cant wait to see the next one they make. IF they get some funing, IMO this film was a poilet, if it goes well then i think we can see the rest of the books coverd on the big screen soon enought.

[Ferral]

I loved the origional book, must admit I really did like the film, it was cast really well in general, completely open for a follow on also (2nd book basically).

Another great thing for me is that my daughter loved it, all she usually watches is cartoons all the time, she actually got into it and was howling with laughter at certain bits (especially the spade like creatures slapping the cast about, made me really laugh that bit also ! )

[megah0]

Enjoyed it but it strayed pretty far from the versions of the books i have read, would be interesting to see if they do the rest of the trilogy (of four)

[noah]

Enjoyed it but it strayed pretty far from the versions of the books i have read, would be interesting to see if they do the rest of the trilogy (of four)

five in this trilogy mate

i wonder if al the books contain enough to make a film each, i wouldnt be surprised if they squash the other 4 books into 2 films.......if they do them at all of course.

[FarmerJon]

I'm not convinced they can do the other books really anyway...not with the way they altered the storyline....what with arthur and trillian getting together (which never even really comes close to happening in either the books or the radio series), not to mention the fact that "so long & thanks for all the fish" (or is it "mostly harmless?")is based on an earth without dolphins! I know they kind of left it open, but I think it would be doing Douglas Adams a great disservice to make a sequel just because they can and because it'll make some cash...

[Zedmeister]

Tis a bit "Holywoodised" but still a good laugh none the less. The infinate improbability drive sequences were funny

[neonplanet40]

i think the robot with the big head is hilarious

Neo