HG2G

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.