At last the long awaited movie version of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy arrived on big screen. Douglas Adams (the author of the 5 book "trilogy" (an inside joke)) had been trying to get this done before his untimely death in May 2001. He had started writing the screenplay, and the project wasted away in limbo until it finally came together. He's still credited for the screenplay in the movie, which ends with a semi-subliminal image of his face and a dedication "For Douglas."
If you've read (and loved) the HG2G books, you'll love this movie. It has all the great moments, enacted with dedication to the Douglas' quirky offbeat humor. There's an additional sub-plot about Hama Kavula, who Zaphod beat in the election for President of the Galaxy. Hama is played by John Malcovich. The ending is a bit different, but it's not too bad. And best of all it leaves it way open for a sequel (or two, or three perhaps!).
HG2G is the closest to the funny but witty slapstick humor that made Airplane! and Naked Gun classics. Most comedies these days rely on pushing the envelope with uncomfortably squeamish situations, or are just really corny (ie: lame). Movies like Anchorman are good attempts, but still fall short of their potential. Today the cutting edge of humor can be seen after 10pm on the Cartoon Network (Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Family Guy, Harvey Birdman, Sea Lab 2021, etc.).
Looking forward to visiting the Restaurant at the End of the Universe.
Friday, April 29, 2005
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Battlestar Galactica
Positive shields now!!!
Now wait just a centon, this ain't your old Battlestar Bonanza. Ronald Moore, a writer from Star Trek TNG, was given the reins to remake the series with a new cast, new look (mostly) and new story (mostly). In fact, this show bears more a resemblance to Space Above and Beyond than the original BSG.
In a world where an old TV show or movie is being remade every 20 minutes, the new BSG stands out as a high point of writing, acting, directing and effects. The Season 1 finale last night left me saying "Wow!", but just about every episode had the same impact. It's really great stuff.
It's not all new though-- they kept it "old school" in all the right places. The vipers look like vipers. The battlestars look like battlestars. The rag-tag fugitive fleet looks like the rag-tag fugitive fleet. It's all frackin' there!
The main characters have the same names as the original (Adama, Starbuck, Apollo, Tie, Boomer, Baltar, etc.). But they look and behave quite differently that the original, which is quite refreshing.
The special effects are a biiiig jump from the 1970's show, which were pretty damn good for that era. At least now they don't have to re-use the same viper fly-by shot every episode. They can just render another one with Lightwave.
In addition to the usual photos, promos and message board, Scifi.com also has Ron Moore's blog and an audio commentary you can listen while you watch the show! Neato!
If you haven't seen it, check it out. They'll probably be rerunning Season 1 until 2 starts up this summer.
Now wait just a centon, this ain't your old Battlestar Bonanza. Ronald Moore, a writer from Star Trek TNG, was given the reins to remake the series with a new cast, new look (mostly) and new story (mostly). In fact, this show bears more a resemblance to Space Above and Beyond than the original BSG.
In a world where an old TV show or movie is being remade every 20 minutes, the new BSG stands out as a high point of writing, acting, directing and effects. The Season 1 finale last night left me saying "Wow!", but just about every episode had the same impact. It's really great stuff.
It's not all new though-- they kept it "old school" in all the right places. The vipers look like vipers. The battlestars look like battlestars. The rag-tag fugitive fleet looks like the rag-tag fugitive fleet. It's all frackin' there!
The main characters have the same names as the original (Adama, Starbuck, Apollo, Tie, Boomer, Baltar, etc.). But they look and behave quite differently that the original, which is quite refreshing.
The special effects are a biiiig jump from the 1970's show, which were pretty damn good for that era. At least now they don't have to re-use the same viper fly-by shot every episode. They can just render another one with Lightwave.
In addition to the usual photos, promos and message board, Scifi.com also has Ron Moore's blog and an audio commentary you can listen while you watch the show! Neato!
If you haven't seen it, check it out. They'll probably be rerunning Season 1 until 2 starts up this summer.
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