Rating: PG
Genre:
Comedy
Theatrical Release: 04/29/2005(USA)
Release Date: 09/13/2005
Dubbed: English
Run Time: 109 Minutes
Flags: Mild Violence, Adult Situations, Adult Language
Distributor/Studio: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
Douglas Adams' oft-adapted tale of an normal guy making his way through the universe (it's already been presented as a novel, a radio serial, a television series, and a comic book) finally makes its way to the big screen in this endearingly goofy
sci-fi comedy.
Arthur Dent (
Martin Freeman) is a very ordinary man who is having a truly unusual day -- after discovering that one of his best friends,
Ford Prefect (
Mos Def), is actually an alien,
Ford tells him that the planet Earth is going to be destroyed so that otherworldly forces can make room for construction of a hyperspace bypass. Since
Arthur accidentally saved
Ford's life years ago,
Ford does him a favor -- he first gets him a ride on a spaceship passing by, and then presents him with a guidebook that will tell a beginner everything he needs to know as he hitchhikes through outer space. Along the way,
Arthur encounters such interstellar notables as sleazy Galaxy president
Zaphod Beebelbrox (
Sam Rockwell), the girl of his dreams
Tricia McMillan (
Zooey Deschanel), perpetually glum robot
Marvin (voice of
Alan Rickman), interplanetary construction magnate
Slartibartfast (
Bill Nighy), and cult leader
Humma Kavula (
John Malkovich).
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy was the first feature film for
Garth Jennings, previously best known for his work in television commercials and
music videos; he was recommended to the producers by director
Spike Jonze after
Jonze had to turn down an offer to head up the project.
~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide