“The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” is a science fiction comedy film released in 2005, directed by Garth Jennings. The movie is based on the cult classic science fiction novel of the same name by Douglas Adams.
The story follows the misadventures of Arthur Dent (Martin Freeman), an ordinary Earthman who is rescued by his eccentric friend Ford Prefect (Mos Def) just before the Earth is destroyed to make way for an intergalactic highway. Ford reveals that he is an alien and takes Arthur on a journey through space.
With the help of the enigmatic and quirky guidebook known as “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” the two companions embark on a series of hilarious and absurd adventures, encountering strange characters and visiting bizarre planets.
Along the way, they meet Zaphod Beeblebrox (Sam Rockwell), the two-headed ex-president of the Galaxy, Trillian (Zooey Deschanel), the woman Arthur had a crush on back on Earth, and Marvin the Paranoid Android (voiced by Alan Rickman), a depressed and cynical robot.
The film is a wild and witty blend of science fiction, comedy, and satire. It cleverly pokes fun at various science fiction tropes and offers humorous insights into the absurdities of human existence.
“The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its visual effects and humor, while others found fault with its adaptation of the source material. Nevertheless, the film has gained a cult following among fans of the novel and those who appreciate its offbeat and irreverent humor.
The movie’s impressive ensemble cast, creative production design, and whimsical storytelling make it an enjoyable and entertaining journey through the cosmos, filled with memorable characters and memorable quotes from the “Guide.” It remains a beloved touchstone for fans of science fiction and comedy alike.
Additional Details
- Movie Studio: Touchstone Pictures
- Year Released: 2005
- Type of Movie: Live Action
- Box Office: $104.5 million
- IMDB Link
Cast
- Sam Rockwell: Zaphod Beeblebrox
- Mos Def: Ford Prefect
- Zooey Deschanel: Trillian
- Martin Freeman: Arthur Dent
- Bill Nighy: Slartibartfast
- Warwick Davis: Marvin
- Anna Chancellor: Questular Rontok
- Alan Rickman: voice of Marvin
- Helen Mirren: voice of Deep Thought
- Stephen Fry: Narrator/voice of the Guide
- John Malkovich: Humma Kavula
Crew
- Director: Garth Jennings
- Producers: Gary Barber, Roger Birnbaum, Jonathan Glickman, Nick Goldsmith, Jay Roach
- Screenplay: Douglas Adams and Karey Kirkpatrick
