Let me start by saying that I've read all five books of the Hitchhiker's trilogy (Yes, I know that's not proper English), and both of Douglas Adams' Dirk Gently books. I went into the theater knowing that no film could do the books justice, but hopeful that the movie would be entertaining nonetheless.

After having sat in the theater and watched the film, my feeling is summed up thusly: Ennnnhhhh.

The special effects are impressive.

The movie's not really funny. There's a laugh or two in it, but when I read Adams' books -- especially after not having read them for a couple of years -- I usually let out a chuckle every few pages.

There's very little chuckling here. Zaphod Beeblebrox is a nut in the movie, not the hoopy frood guy from the books. His third arm makes a couple of cameo appearances and he's got two faces, not two heads.

If you're a fan of the books, I encourage you to go to a matinee. If you're not, then take a pass and read the books.