By choice, I did not read any of the five-part, bestselling trilogy that bears the title, written by the late Douglas Adams.  For one, I can’t say that literary figures with names like Zaphod Beeblebox have ever intrigued me.  But also, because the books (which were preceded by a BBC Radio series) came out in the late '70s, I figured that many of the people seeing the film would not have read it, either, and I wanted to be on the same … uh, planet.  Unfortunately, I don’t think I am, because there were enough people buying this book to make it a bestseller, way back when – which may be enough to turn this film into a success.  I wouldn’t bet on it, though.

Think “Monty Python” meets “Star Trek” meets “The Dark Crystal” – all on acid, I might add – and you’ve got this film.  Basically, it’s a bunch of silly skits that, together, appear frighteningly disjointed.  (Garth Jennings, your music video directing is showing.)  The acting, uh, does it matter?  Over-the-top performances by all, particularly Rockwell, who appears to be impersonating a stereotypical “dumb” George W. Bush crossed with a drugged-out rock star.

The message of the film, which is mockingly atheistic, is hinted at early on when the film describes three chapters of a book called “Where God Went Wrong;” “More of God’s Big Mistakes;” and “Who Is This God, Anyway?”  The answer, it would appear, is nowhere, and those who seek him are as silly as the rest of the galaxy.  Arthur sums it up at the end.  “My head is filled with questions and I can assure you that none of the answers have ever brought me any happiness,” he says.  “The only one that has is, ‘Is she the one?’” 

Well, love is the answer, but not romantic love.  Been there, done that, and without Christ, it’s just empty flesh.  Heck, it’s hard enough with Christ, but without?  Might as well explode the Earth (something that nobody even grieves about, by the way).

Frankly, this film too nonsensical to effectively convey the negative messages about the faith that it aspires too.  And, on a purely cinematic level, it’s simply too superficial and silly to bring even a modicum of enjoyment.  My advice?  Hitch a ride somewhere else.  Zzzzzzzzzzz.

AUDIENCE:  Adults, teens and adolescents

OBJECTIONABLE CONTENT:

• Drugs/Alcohol Content:   Various scenes where characters drink wine and beer, in bars and out.
• Language/Profanity:   Approximately half a dozen profanities/obscenities, mostly mild.
• Sexual Content/Nudity:   Character implies sexual intentions with mildly suggestive comment about ‘going into space/the stratosphere’; couple kisses.
• Violence:  Space-like fantasy violence; physical humor; discussion about destruction of Earth, prior to Earth being destroyed, but from afar (with no mayhem, fear or physical violence to humans shown).