Movies
Starring: Nathan Fillion, Summer Glau, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Gina Torres, Adam Baldwin, Sean Maher
Running time: 117 mins
Certificate: 15
In 2002, Joss Whedon (Buffy The Vampire Slayer; Angel) produced Firefly, a sci-fi / Western / drama telling the story of the crew of run-down spaceship Serenity. However, despite pleased noises from critics and a growing dedicated following, Fox thought it best to axe the show after just eleven of fourteen produced episodes had aired.
Convinced that his story was worth telling, Whedon tried his luck with other networks to no avail. Finally, following an extremely popular DVD release, he landed a $40m allowance from Universal Pictures to resurrect his Firefly universe for the cinema. Serenity, heaped in action, humour, emotion and an engaging plot, is the very pleasing result.
Set 500 years in the future, the storyline again follows the lawless motley crew of starship Serenity. Led by Captain Malcolm "Mal" Reynolds (Fillion), the loveable rogues live their lives pulling off small jobs to get by. However, their routine goes awry when they take doctor Simon Tam (Maher) and his troubled psychic sister River (Glau) on board. Soon they find themselves being chased by a mysterious operative sent by galactic superpower The Alliance which fears that River may know more than she should.
Whilst the movie is a follow-on from the TV series, thankfully for newcomers there is no need for prior knowledge of the characters or their backdrop. Via a voiced explanation the state of Whedon’s universe is made clear from the outset, which is then followed by an introduction to the ship’s crew and their reasons for being there. As well as thrilling fans, Serenity is easily accessible and just as enjoyable for those who have never seen Firefly.
Given its genre, it's natural that Whedon’s effort will be compared to the recent Star Wars movies, and frankly it stands up very well against them. Admittedly Lucas' efforts were longer than Serenity, but the latter really flies by with much better pacing and a compelling, unpredictable plot and more fun action scenes.
Anyone at all familiar with Whedon's other work will also recognise his distinctive witty dialogue, peppering the action and tension with some welcome humour. Along with the dialogue, the cast, although largely unknown in terms of cinema, do very well in making the audience emotionally attached to the characters, particularly as the director seems to have no qualms about making his leads meet a grisly end when he sees fit.
In short, Serenity is up there with the best sci-fi movies of the year, with a great injection of fun which certain others in the genre have sorely lacked. With its great script, performances and action, it is sure to keep fanboys happy whilst undoubtedly gaining some converts.
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As a huge fan of Firefly, I couldn't wait for the cinema release - as a follower of the series, I has heard about the demise of at least one of the characters (but who remained a mystery). Even with my high expectations of the project, I was still not remotely let down with the final result, tho' I would have loved to learn more of Shepherd Book's backstory.... Snappily paced, wittily written and solidly acted (Jayne [Baldwin] is always a pleasure). My other half (a Firefly virgin) is know hooked, and has stolen (sorry - borrowed) my DVDs of the show.... would like them back at some point......
The first film I have paid to see twice since the original "Star Wars". Saw it once, bought the series then watched it again. It'll be a complete travesty if the 'verse doesn't get another outing.
Wow, totally blown away by it, I went in support of sci fi and films (Farscape/Stargate fan) but have now seen it 3 times and have bought the series, to coin a phrase 'why was the series cancelled?'. Fantastic acting by all, I would follow that Cap'n anywhere. Please let's have the other two or if not let's continue the story on TV, actors and a family like that need to tell their story and share their friendship with us. Joss, Nathan and gang - congrats and thanks for sharing.
I adored it. I want more. The end.
I loved Serenity, it is one of the best Sci Fi movies to be released. It is a pity that it was let down by the financial backing of Universal for advertising. While having seen the TV series Firefly is an advantage, it is not a requirement to understand the story. The cast of Firefly reprise their roles for the movie, and they are also devoted fans of the show themselves. Serenity has a realism that is unusual for a Sci Fi, it is gritty and the script is tight and witty as well has having many layers of subscript, and mysteries and subtleties that need to be thought about. There is one scene that is almost missed, just before a fight breaks out, there is a background news report on a video screen, about a robbery and people who were locked in a vault, I only noticed this scene on my third viewing of the movie. I won't say more because I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't seen the movie yet. But go and see Serenity while it is still showing in cinemas, because while it will be lovely to have on DVD when it's released, this movie was made for the BIG SCREEN. The cast is very "pretty". And I think that Summer Glau who plays "River Tam" will become a big star. So hurry and get your tickets now, and make sure that we get the two sequels to this movie. If you are a Buffy or Angel fan you will love this movie.
First time I've ever seen an audience clap and cheer ! A collector's item - cult classic. Got the badge and poster, where's the T-shirt ?
I never thought I could like any series better than Star Trek, well, I found one! Serenity (Firefly) definitely earns a ton of respect in my estimation. It has everything I loved about Trek in it. Drama, action, humor, likeable characters, it has it all, and more. I saw the movie and couldn't wait to get the DVD. I just hope this group of people get more respect given to them by all the right studios. This series deserves better.
Absolutely incredible. This is without doubt the best film I have seen not just this year, but ever. Perfectly accessible to those who never saw the TV show (such as the crowd of people I saw it with, and came out happy), Serenity is an example of what a true work of cinematic should be - fresh, funny, emotional, engaging, and best of all - real. Don't bother looking for the wires and the CGI in any human action sequences; you won't find them simply because they don't exist. Film makers take note - this is the standard you should adhere to!
Best film I've seen this year! I'm not a big sci-fi fan but the trailer had me hooked - well worth a look.
With compelling characters, witty dialogue, thrilling action scenes and shocks a-plenty, Serenity is easily one of the best films of the year, and possibly the best science fiction film since the original Star Wars trilogy. Do yourself a favour and go see it now. Do all your friends a favour by bringing them along. Trust me you'll be kicking yourself if you don't.
What to say that hasn't been already? I've now seen this three times and I'm still not bored. Every time there'd some new subtlety to note, some new moment to laugh at, something missed and rediscovered. The script is cracking, the actors perfect, direction faultless.
Really surprised how much I enjoyed this as I'm not much of a SciFi fan usually but was intrigued by the trailer. The action is heart-stopping but it's more than that, the character stuff is done really well too. You find yourself caring about the characters quite quickly - not a good idea to get too attached in some cases though! Would recommend it to anyone who likes fast paced adventure laced with humour.
"SERENITY" is a great blend of action and humor that will keep you glued to the edge of your seat. You will fall in love with the characters more and more each time you see it. Watch the "FIREFLY" series and you'll think you have a new family and will scream for MORE.
Damn, we can only go up to five stars? Right, anyhoo, as both a Whedon-fan and a movie buff, this was by far the best action movie I've seen this year.
One word. AMAZING! I'm just overwhelmed! From the reviews etc. I expecting something good, but the film went way past expectations. I recommend it to anyone - even non sci-fi fans because although it is certainly a sci-fi film, the characters, script, plot and performances - what more could you want? The CGI was even used to enhance the plot, rather than distracting the audience from mediocre acting and script (George Lucas take note - this is everything the Star Wars prequels should have been). I loved every moment - I laughed, I cried, I went through almost the whole emotional spectrum! I've been waiting for a film like this all year after the disappointment of all the sequels, prequels and remakes dominating the theatre screens at the moment. Go and see this film.
Looked interesting from the trailers--but was much better than I expected! Best sci-fi movie I have seen in a long time. Really fun characters. You can't watch them and not become curious about the Firefly show this was all based on. Action and heart combined? It can be done! And I love the hideously ugly spaceship. What a flying deathtrap. I love it.
An excellent film, well worth checking out even if you're not normally a sci-fi fan.
A pure gem! I think this review is spot on! This film has it all but mostly, it has what a lot of sci-fi films lack these days: Soul!
Absolutely fantastic - Awe inspiring film which both trades on it existing roots and finishes what has been started in the film with a bang. Exclellent performances all round. One gripe: without advertising this it will fail - no one will go and see it which is a real shame and means that it will live on it's video revenue as the series did. Shame this is a film that deserves an sequel/prequel. Not like that star wars rubbish.
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Would prefer to see it back as a series but if thats not an option then films would be very welcome. Just Awesome..............!!!