This very funny film is based on a series of very popular science fiction radio shows and books by the late Douglas Adams (1952-2001).
Just the other day, in rural England, Arthur Dent (Martin Freeman) wakes up to find that the highway commission is going to demolish his house so they can build a motorway (highway). They had posted their intent, but Arthur ignored it. Arthur is greatly upset and lies down in front of the bulldozer to stop them. Just then his friend, Ford Perfect (Mos Def) arrives to tell him and folks at the local pub, that the end of earth is coming because the Vogons (I think that’s who they were) are coming to demolish it to make an inter-galaxy highway. Ford and Arthur hitch a ride on a spaceship filled with Vogons and their inter-galactic adventures begin. They become part of a search for the meaning of life.
This film is so absurd that in the end I think its premise it one of happy nihilism: there is no meaning to life, but you might as well be happy and make the best of it. I do not say this in a disparaging way. The Hitchhiker’s Guide is a brilliant concept, and if you ever find out why towels are so important to the journey, please let me know.
If you like philosophy and don’t take yourself too seriously, I think the film could offer much to talk about. And be kind to mice; you just never know.
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