Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy

So! Hitchhiker's Guide! Read the books all 5 (plus the short story). Loved em. Watched the BBC show; loved it. Watched the movie, loved it too!

What are all your thoughts? Think they'll make "Restaurant At The End Of The Universe" into a movie?

 

I've read 4 out of the 5, saw the film. (2005).
I enjoyed the books more than the film.

 

the movie was alright, i thought. sort of a highlight rehash. doubt they'll make more.

 

hahaha...I don't know why, but I read through them all rather quickly, although I didn't particularly like them...I just couldn't stop! It was like a bad addiction. I've come to appreciate them more after I got over the initial..."what in the heck? Is that...existentialism? Oh crap." I still haven't gotten to see the movie though--and I've heard things like "yes, it's awesome," and "no, don't watch it, it's worse than 12 hours straight of Final Fantasy VIII"

 

I loved the movie, but I doubt the sequel can capture the end of the universe as well as it is described.... maybe in five years though...hmm...

And hey! Final Fantasy 8 is still final fantasy

 

I loved the books, amazing! I thought the film was alright, Marvin was cute, it could have been better though. I dont think they'll make the sequel, or if they do, it won't be that good.

 

I loved the radio series, the books and the TV series, but felt mebbe the film lacked something. It took them the best part of 20 years to make, so I was expecting better I guess. I'm not sure they'll do a sequel, Douglas Adams was quite big on creative control and now he's gone, not sure how keen his family will be for another one

 

I bought a hardback copy of A Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy two days ago and I'm enjoying it immensely. Although I haven't finished it yet, I can tell that it's going to be a book that I will read again and again.

The thing that I love the most about it, is that although it describes mind-blowing events, Douglas Adams is very clear with his writing. The comedy obviously helps to make the story interesting, but the themes and metaphors he uses make this an all-time classic.

I refuse adamantly to see the film, because I'm convinced that it will irritate me after reading this wonderful book (they always do), but I'm willing to see the old TV show and even more keen to listen to the original BBC Radio play.

I would like to discuss this more once I've read the whole thing, so don't go away. Luckilly it's only a small book.

 

Great leabhar,but the film was disappointing. Though the cinema I saw it in was awful..the movie was still bland.

 

I first got into Douglas Adams' works in the mid 80s when my then boyfriend lent me his copy of The Hitchhikers' Guide. I read it several times and then went on to buy the whole set. I do vaguely remember seeing the TV series when it was first shown but I didn't get to see it all and at that time I didn't relate it to the books or the radio series as I hadn't read/listened back then.


A few years back I treated myself to the DVD box set of the TV series and it's brilliant. I have to be in a particular frame of mind to watch it and I wouldn't inflict it on someone else unless I knew they would be receptive. Adams' humour is not for everyone.

As for the latest movie, yes, I own a copy. I didn't rush to the cinema to see it, because I didn't hold out much hope of it being worth seeing. On watching the DVD I was pleasantly surprised to see that quite a lot of the original material is in there, although as others have said, it's basically highlights from the original stories.

I prefer the actress who played Trillian in the movie to Sandra Dickinson's portrayal in the TV series. Nit-picking but the books describe Trillian as being dark-haired and Ms Dickinson was bleached blonde at that time. However, in balance I prefer Zaphod from the TV series to Zaphod from the movie. Arthur and Ford are excellent in both incarnations.

I think that the new movie is probably better for a younger person as an introduction to Douglas Adams' zaniness, and from then a new convert could explore the original radio and TV series, and of course the books.

 

I haven't finished the book yet, but you're quite right about Trillian. In chapter 4 she is described as...

As you've pointed out, Sandra Dickinson is blonde with pale skin and nothing like the character described in the book. Although she can be a talented actress she also has the most irritating voice from here to Sector ZZ9 Plural Z Alpha. Thanks for the warning Xanxtuary. I didn't know she was in the TV show so I'll give it a definite miss. Frankly, I would rather listen to Vogon poetry than the squeeks of her cacophonic vocal cords.

 

Just finished it. Fantastic!!! It's a shame it's over too quick. I'll have to get the rest of the books now. The ending was very sudden, but I think that just adds character to the book. Marvin is my favourite character. I also liked the bunter between Eddie the computer from the Heart of Gold spaceship and Zaphod, the 2-headed former President of the Galaxy. What a mad book! Just my type

 

I'm finishing up on my second round through the books right now. I agree with PharoahWhim though...sort of a bad addiction. i for some reason believe i like them, but i don't, really. there are funny parts, and sometimes i have to throw my head back and laugh, but especially the last couple books are sort of meandering and pointless. in my opinion, anyway.

 

These have to be my ost favorite 5 books! i enjoy them soo much! Douglas Adam is a very creative man. Everytime i fall or trip i try to think of something else so i miss the ground but it never works

the movie on the other hand was very dissapointing they could have made it ALOT better. The book was great why cant the movie be? well its the directors fault? lol

PEACE

- mr fancy pants

 

These are some of my all time favorite books! I also enjoyed the movie quite a bit. Haven't seen the old tv shows yet..

 

...what you said. A great book is one you can read again and again...any of the five in the series is enjoyable solo, but put the whole saga together, and it's zarking incredible...

 

I have an old hardback copy of the trilogy in four parts. It's great. One of the few books i laugh out loud to every time i read it. Douglass Adams had an incredible imagination. The four books are truly a masterpiece. I tried to think of a favourite part to mention, but it's all so fantastic, every time i think of a part i enjoyed i think of a part i enjoyed even more.

I don't want to see the movie, because there's no way it can do the books justice. Unless it went for maybe fourteen hours or so. I would like to get the radio shows and the BBC TV shows though.

 

HHGTTG is my BIBLE!! !I regularly read the five part omnibus whenever I feel I may be having a sense of humour failure.


Haven't seen the movie and I don't want to either...

 

I have to say I love all Douglas Adam's stuff too, I've had the original TV series (from kazaa, unfortunately) for ages and they never fail to bring a smile to my face. My Mum had the radio blaring when the radio series was originally on (early 80's?) so I have fond memories of that too.
Aparently there are lots of incarnations of his works, for instance the film ended the way it did because he always wanted Arthur and Trillian to get romantic, I think his immense sense of humour got in the way of romance!
Ah well, whatever you think, he had a marvelous way with concepts, like when Zaphod realises that someone has tampered with his brain, and whoever did it left the initials "Z.B.", and if he found out who did it.... LOL, that made me roar!

 

Someone or something seemed to be expecting him, for at that moment there lit up suddenly in the dark distance an eerie green neon sign. It said, silently: YOU HAVE BEEN DIVERTED..., ARTHUR DENT. WELCOME, I DON'T THINK. DO NOT BE ALARMED. BE VERY, VERY FRIGHTENED, ARTHUR DENT. - Eerie green neon sign in Agrajag's mountain

agrajag was one of my favorite parts in all the series. even the ones that contridict the others...but ya lots fun crazy wacky stuff