Film adaptation of Douglas Adams's cult novel. Arthur Dent (Martin Freeman, The Office) has his house knocked down by the planners who want to build a bypass through it. Then the earth is destroyed for similar reasons by these really bureaucratic aliens. Arthur is rescued, however, by his mate, Ford Prefect (Mos Def), whom he had thought was from Guildford, and who makes sure they have their towels with them as they hitch a ride in space. Lots of weird stuff happens to them there as they help the president of the galaxy, Zaphod Beeblebrox (Sam Rockwell), try to find not the answer to life, the universe and everything (which, obviously, is 42), but the Ultimate Question.
As this film is fuelled by American money, there is the familiar guff of a tacked on Love Interest (Trillian, played by Zooey Deschanel), which helps them squeeze out some sort of ending. This film isn't satisfying for its plot, however; its charm is in the humour (the sighing doors; the delightful Alan Rickman as Marvin the depressed robot; the bizarre cameo of John Malkovich; the dolphins - "So long and thanks for all the fish"; the mice; the planet on which you get slapped in the face whenever you have an idea; and, of course, Stephen Fry's narration of joy). There are also some amazing special effects - much better than you're ever likely to see in Star Wars ::yawns:: or any other over-CGI'd movie.
Nugget: one of the best bits is when they turned into wool and Arthur Dent spews up. Oh, and sit through the end credits because there's a little treat in store.
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