I was warned by other comments here not to expect a duplicate of other "Hitchhiker" titles. That's fine by me. Telling a story on the printed page or on the stage is not the same as telling a story in a movie. But when you shift from one medium to another, there are certain things that need to preserved.
Where this effort falls short for me is in the portrayal of the three main characters.
In the movie there is no indication in the opening sequence why Ford Prefect has chosen Arthur Dent to save, rather than one of the other 6 billion people on earth. In other "Hitchhiker" versions, Ford and Arthur are boon companions. In this one, they barely seem to notice each other's presence. Additional scenes or dialog isn't needed to get the point across, just better direction.
The other issue for me is Sam Rockwell's portrayal of Zaphod. Zaphod is annoying, but there shouldn't be cheering when he's not in the shot.
The second best thing about the movie is the Vorgons. They are puppets made by the Henson Company and show that CGI is not the answer every time.
The best part of the movie is Douglas Adam's wit and imagination, which still shines through despite the problems.
Mark Tomlonson
Where this effort falls short for me is in the portrayal of the three main characters.
In the movie there is no indication in the opening sequence why Ford Prefect has chosen Arthur Dent to save, rather than one of the other 6 billion people on earth. In other "Hitchhiker" versions, Ford and Arthur are boon companions. In this one, they barely seem to notice each other's presence. Additional scenes or dialog isn't needed to get the point across, just better direction.
The other issue for me is Sam Rockwell's portrayal of Zaphod. Zaphod is annoying, but there shouldn't be cheering when he's not in the shot.
The second best thing about the movie is the Vorgons. They are puppets made by the Henson Company and show that CGI is not the answer every time.
The best part of the movie is Douglas Adam's wit and imagination, which still shines through despite the problems.
Mark Tomlonson