Groop, I implore thee

I saw Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy last night.

It was really bizarre. Wonderfully bizarre, in fact.

I have read and reread the books many times. I bought the horribly impossible computer game. My best friend and I made up a role playing game based on the books. I even memorized Vogon poetry.

So I am a fan, to be sure. I'm also a fan of Mos Def and Sam Rockwell.
Unfortunately, the movie didn't really work. It was entertaining, inventive, gorgeous, and bizarre... but not much of a story.

Mos Def was vague as Ford Prefect... hard to understand and not very compelling.

Sam Rockwell made some strong choices as Zaphod Beeblebrox, President of the Galaxy, but mostly he seemed interested in channeling George W. back in his cocaine heydays.

The aliens from Jim Henson's company were absolutely stunning, and the production designer, costume designer, and set designer were the real stand out stars. The movie had a crazy Muppet being attacked by a Sony Aibo look to it.

The narration and illustrations of the Hitchhiker's Guide book itself were definitely the best part of the movie.

I recommend the movie, though maybe as a matinee. It's fearlessly weird and original, with the tone set wonderfully by the opening musical number. If nothing else, the movie should lead people to the original books.

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