The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a capable adaptation of the radio series/record albums/novels/television series/computer game/stage show/comic book/video game/towel. I've read the novels and the movie felt like a Cliff's Notes version of them (which are a great read, if you fell the urge to get your geek on).
The whole thing seems a little half-baked. They cover all of the important themes but it feels like they tried to put too much in, plot lines that unfolded over several novels are condensed and wrapped up in a little over 90 minutes. And the character of Humma Kavula is set up to be a major villain but after his one scene about half-way through the movie he disappears, never to be seen again. It seems like their goal was to make a one-off film and, considering the volumes of source material available to them and the preexisting cult following, I don't know why they didn't save some stuff for the sequels and try to make a franchise out of this thing. That seems like it would have been a better business move.
I do think that they did a great job of casting this film. Martin Freeman (Tim from the British version of "The Office") pretty much embodies Arthur Dent and Mos Def is an unconventionally brilliant choice for Ford Prefect. Sam Rockwell was also perfect for Zaphod Beeblebrox, even if they did deal with his two heads in the most disturbing manner possible. Although, I don't get having Warwick Davis play the body of Marvin while Alan Rickman did the voice. Don't all the thankless we-need-a-dwarf-to-crawl-into-a-robot-but-not-talk roles go to Kenny Baker?
In the end, I'm not sure if this whole exercise works a film but it did succeed in reminding me of all the things about the books. So, I guess that's something.
FunFact: Zooey Deschanel is really pretty.
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