It is widely believed by Colin Murray that digital watches are still a pretty neat idea. Furthermore, Mr. Murray is so laid back and laddie, he cannot even be bothered to sit up straight when conducting interviews. instead he unceremoniously hangs his head to one side as if suffering from one pan galactic Gargleblaster too many. Whilst not busy firing questions at the small group of actors who actually show their face in the Hitchhiker's movie ('cept Mos Def), this trendy Irish DJ claims to know eight rules of becoming a successful interplanetary hitchhiker. As befits a good promotional piece, a great deal of clips of the new film are shown. None of them last longer than 20 seconds, meaning those unfamiliar with the story won't have a clue what's going on. This is of course as it should be.
Friends and colleagues of Douglas Adams appear to tell his story and explain the earlier phases of Guide evolution. Amongst them is Stephen Fry, though no mention of his oral addition to the main product being sold is made, nor are any of the other celebrity voices in the film identified (or Warwick Davis mentioned). Another Davies (sic) does appear: Mark Wing, the original Zaphod Beeblebrox, surprisingly looking like an uglier, fatter Alan Rickman these days. His original fake head from the 1981 sitcom is laughed at by all concerned. Not a friend of Adams, but merely credited as a 'fan of Hitchhikers', Sanjeev Bhaskar is allowed space since he championed the guide as UK's Best-Loved Book on the 2003 poll (it came fourth). However he still mispronounces Slartibartfast.
It must also be noted that the members of the cast are far more comfortable doing their advertising duty than their immediate superiors, the crew. Director Garth Jenning and producer Nick Goldsmith are very aware most people would rather be watching that younger, prettier version of Juliet Lewis portraying Trillian than hear them going on about how much they love their work. Executive Producer Robbie Stamp still can't believe he actually managed to bring this project to the screen after nine years of trying, and describes every aspect of the production as 'magical'. According to the account given here, the whole production went off without a hitch (beg pardon) and everybody concurs how great everything is, went, was and always will be. Not impossible, just highly improbable.
7 out of 10
