ON FAITH & MEDIA | Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, The

Home

Catholic News

Daily Features

St. Anthony Messenger

Books

Catholic e-Greetings

Parish Newsletters/Services

ON FAITH & MEDIA

View Comments

Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, The

By
Source: Catholic News Service

Wacky and whimsical sci-fi comedy about the space travels of an ordinary guy (Martin Freeman) who escapes an imminently exploding Earth moments before it is destroyed to make way for an interstellar highway and who travels aboard a starship to the farthest reaches of the galaxy with an extraterrestrial researcher for the eponymous guidebook (Mos Def); the buffoonish galactic president (Sam Rockwell); a chronically depressed robot (voiced by Alan Rickman); and the sole other remaining earthling (Zooey Deschanel). Based on the hugely popular 1979 sci-fi novel and BBC radio play by the late Douglas Adams, the long-in-the-works film adaptation is an entertaining, if disjointed, surrealistically silly potpourri of space adventure, absurdist philosophy and rib-tickling satire. Think "2001: A Space Odyssey" and "Independence Day" meet Monty Python. Some irreligious humor, comic violence and mildly crude language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested.

Search reviews at CatholicMovieReviews.org

Thank you for your comments. Editors will review all posts before they are visible on the website.

blog comments powered by Disqus

Philip Neri: Philip Neri was a sign of contradiction, combining popularity with piety against the background of a corrupt Rome and a disinterested clergy, the whole post-Renaissance malaise.
<p>At an early age, he abandoned the chance to become a businessman, moved to Rome from Florence and devoted his life and individuality to God. After three years of philosophy and theology studies, he gave up any thought of ordination. The next 13 years were spent in a vocation unusual at the time—that of a layperson actively engaged in prayer and the apostolate. </p><p>As the Council of Trent (1545-63) was reforming the Church on a doctrinal level, Philip’s appealing personality was winning him friends from all levels of society, from beggars to cardinals. He rapidly gathered around himself a group of laypersons won over by his audacious spirituality. Initially they met as an informal prayer and discussion group, and also served poor people in Rome. </p><p>At the urging of his confessor, he was ordained a priest and soon became an outstanding confessor, gifted with the knack of piercing the pretenses and illusions of others, though always in a charitable manner and often with a joke. He arranged talks, discussions and prayers for his penitents in a room above the church. He sometimes led “excursions” to other churches, often with music and a picnic on the way. </p><p>Some of his followers became priests and lived together in community. This was the beginning of the Oratory, the religious institute he founded. A feature of their life was a daily afternoon service of four informal talks, with vernacular hymns and prayers. Giovanni Palestrina was one of Philip’s followers, and composed music for the services. </p><p>The Oratory was finally approved after suffering through a period of accusations of being an assembly of heretics, where laypersons preached and sang vernacular hymns! (Cardinal Newman founded the first English-speaking house of the Oratory three centuries later.) </p><p>Philip’s advice was sought by many of the prominent figures of his day. He is one of the influential figures of the Counter-Reformation, mainly for converting to personal holiness many of the influential people within the Church itself. His characteristic virtues were humility and gaiety.</p>

Disrespect comes with many faces. Sometimes what’s unspoken speaks louder than any words.

PICKS OF THE WEEK

	Through the Year With Mary
	This book will draw you closer to Mary and also to Jesus--and closer to Jesus is where Mary wants you to be.

	The Month of Mary
	Discover daily insight into truths about the Mother of God.

	Sober Intoxication of the Spirit
	Learn about how the first Pentecost affected Jesus's followers.

	When the Spirit Comes in Power
	Catholic evangelist Peter Herbeck describes the work of the Holy Spirit in the personal lives of Christians.

	In the Footprints of Francis and the Sultan
	In 1219 during the Fifth Crusade, Francis took it upon himself to cross battle lines and reach out to Muslims.

CATHOLIC GREETINGS

	Most Holy Trinity
	The Trinity illustrates the community of love between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

	Friendship
	Catholic Greetings e-cards help you connect with long-distance friends.

	Sympathy
	Our faith reminds us that those who believe in the Lord will never die.

	Graduation
	If you’re not able to attend the graduation in person, send an e-card expressing your affection and pride.

	Ordination Anniversary
	Use Catholic Greetings to acknowledge your pastor’s ordination or pastoral anniversary.

Come find us at:

American Catholic is for Catholics, all Christians and seekers. Find Roman Catholic Saints, Minute Meditations, Catholic Church Questions and Catholic News. Post Prayer Requests and send Catholic e-cards. Discover Catholic Books, Catholic Audio Books, Catholic Videos, and a leading Catholic Magazine.