 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
- Review Date: September 11, 2005
- PG
- Genre: Science Fiction
- 2005
Common Sense Media says
Arthur and his alien friend travel the galaxy.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie is partly kooky and partly philosophical, and not always accessible to younger kids. While the slapstick (pratfalls, face slaps) and puns can be amusing, the chatter alternates between clever and tedious. Characters drink beer and use mild language. Parents should also know that the movie has some scary, if abstract moments (the earth is destroyed from outer space; the image features no people, but the globe does go pffft), some shooting of science-fiction-ish weapons, a few odd, large, ugly creatures.
What's the story?
THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY begins as two friends, nerdish human Arthur (Martin Freeman) and space traveler Ford (Mos Def), depart Earth just before it's demolished by the universe-roving Vogons, looking to make room for a "hyperspace bypass" (this parallels the destruction of Arthur's small home by a road crew building a highway bypass). Arthur and Ford (who brings along his book, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy) hitch a ride with the self-loving, two-headed President of the Galaxy Zaphod Beeblebrox (Sam Rockwell) and his girlfriend Trillian (Zooey Deschanel). As Arthur also has a crush on Trillian, he endeavors to win her attention. In search of the meaning of life, the crew visit with diverse communities on different planets, including a cult led by Humma Kavula (John Malkovich), who ritually worship a sneeze, and an architect of custom planets Slartibartfast (Bill Nighy), who offers to rebuild earth for the currently homeless Arthur.
Is it any good?
Based on Douglas Adams' beloved BBC radio series (first aired in 1978, and thereafter turned into novel and TV series), this movie of has been in the works, in some format, for over 20 years. This means that some of the ideas, in being faithful to the source also feel dated, that is, not new insights (media are deceitful, corporate workers are boring and shortsighted, boys are nervous about expressing their feelings to girls... well, okay, some old concerns remain unresolved).
Perhaps the film's most provocative innovation is the POV (point of view) Gun, with which the shooter can instantly impose his perspective on a target. The Guide narrator tells us the gun was invented by "a group of housewives who had become utterly sick of ending every domestic argument with the words, 'You just don't get it, do you?'" Once Trillian gets a hold of this potent weapon, her vulnerability is exposed, which means she finally seems to break through Zaphod and Arthur's self-obsessions. But as the film never suggests how her life will improve once they "get it," Trillion seems left adrift.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the friendship between Arthur and Ford, who learn to appreciate each other's different perspectives and look out for one another. Families might also consider the symbolic roles played by the aliens Arthur meets (the two-headed president of the galaxy; the lumbering bureaucratic race called Vogons; the generous, sensitive Ford), or Arthur's passivity: how does he learn to act on his desires, look out for his friends, or have self-confidence? How can you define "normality"?
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AGE
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
I liked it
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AGE
Wonderful movie
This is my all time favorite movie and in my opinion, there is nothing wrong with movie in the least bit. However many people wouldn't be able to understand it. Even though I love this movie the books, all 5 ov them, are way better. :)
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AGE
You will die of boredom and stupidity after seeing this flick......
Stupid, stupid, stupid. Pointless, and stupid. Cheaply made! Boo......
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AGE
BORING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This movie has 2words to describe it! BORING, STUPUID. My whole family watched it, Mom, Dad, and sister who is 15. We all thought it was stupid. As a matter of fact we din't see the whole thing we only watched about 35 minutes and we were all sooooo bored we turned it off and watche another movie called Sahara(great movie.
So don't waste your money and see this movie.
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AGE
Awesome!!!
LOL!! Areosol deodorant before the wheel!! some math: 1 marvin + 1 point of view gun = hilarious non-lethal weapon!!!
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AGE
Hilarious Movie
This is one of the most hilarious movies that I have ever seen. Not for everyone, but some people will find it hilarious. The only problem I have with it was that it pokes a little bit of fun at religion.
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Kid, 12 years old
May 18, 2011
AGE
The Books are Better
eh, this movie was quite funny, I really liked Alan Rickman as the voice of Marvin, and Zooey Deschanel was good, but it wasn't great
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AGE
This is a stupid show...read the book...although it's pretty lame too!
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| Topics: | adventures, book characters, misfits and underdogs, space and aliens |
| Studio: | Touchstone Pictures |
| Director: | Garth Jennings |
| Cast: | Martin Freeman, Mos Def, Zooey Deschanel |
| Genre: | Science Fiction |
| Run time: | 110 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | April 29, 2005 |
| DVD release date: | September 13, 2005 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | thematic elements, action and mild language |
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