Since watching this movie a year ago, it has become one of my favorite sci-fi movies out there. What makes it special is that it is unique in it's approach. Definitely not your typical Hollywood blockbuster format. But what makes it good is having a well defined group of characters, good writing, and an engaging story all the way through. And there are plenty of special effects and action to keep a junkie like me happy.
Serenity is a movie that was born from a television series on fox called Firefly. Some call it the greatest TV series never watched, and I agree with that. I never knew it existed until a co-worker lent me the series on DVD. I was instantly hooked on the series, sadly there was only one season. Fox decided to cancel it because of low viewer numbers, definitely not because of its quality. It was even more foolish of Fox not to advertise its existence. If you like Star Trek or Babylon 5, then I highly recommend picking up this series on DVD. But you do not have to see the series to enjoy the movie.
I'm not going to spoil the plot of the movie in this review so don't worry about that, so here goes the set up.
The movie takes place in a solar system colonized by humans in the future. Some worlds are controlled by a powerful central government that some think is too over bearing. Other worlds have their own government system that remind me more of the old west then the future. In fact the series is very much like the wild west colliding with spaceships. It may seem goofy but it really does work. There are also on the outskirts of this system a group of subhumans called Reevers that terrorize spaceships and planets alike for no apparent reason other then to act out like a rowdy gang of juvenile delinquents.
The first two characters served in "the war" together, they are Mal and Zoe. They are the first and second in command and have a special bond (purely platonic.) Mal is the captain and everyone knows it, but he's not too serious or over bearing on his crew. A fun character to go drinking with but not someone you want to get angry His biggest concerns are keeping his crew safe and in business. Zoe covers everyone's back and makes sure the job is done. Zoe is also the wife of the pilot, Wash. He is more of the comic relief. The rest of the crew is Inara (a high class call girl), Jayne (the weapons expert and gunslinger), Kaylee (the cute mechanic), Simon (the doctor), and River (the doctor's sister that is wanted by the government for a reason that reveals itself in the movie.)
The movie starts out telling you the back story of Simon and River. It is fascinating and well done. I thought it was cool that they told told us this story since in the series they left it up to our imagination for parts of it. From there they quickly introduce the crew with some key lines specifically for character building. This was the right choice because even if you have never seen the series, you will still get to know these characters. But the emotional attachment won't be there. So character building is overall good.
River is the star of the movie (in my opinion) and the most complex. Summer Glau plays her complex role, and does an outstanding job. Without her morphing as a character then the movie would have flopped. Everyone else keeps to their characters throughout the movie, and even though they're outlaws, you still get attached to em.
Two things I like about the story. First the story is fairly unique. I did not feel it was a rehash of some other story out there. Second it is not predictable. I had no idea (or guess) how the story would unfold. In fact there are a couple of traumatic scenes for those that are a fan of the series.
Joss Whedon wrote and directed the film. I felt his writing was spot on. There isn't a slow drawn out part that bugged me. I didn't feel there was a weak spot in the plot. Thought character development was well done. Etc. I was really pleased.
Special effects should always support the story and not just be there for flash. This movie perfectly balanced that aspect. The special effects were good, seamless, and had a purpose. It never interfered with the story or seemed out of place, rather is supported the story.
The pacing is also great. There really isn't a slow spot that I have the desire to skip.
The acting was good. I have no real complaints. The characters did not deviate from their personalities in the series. The interaction between the characters had both emotion and consistency. Nothing sent out a red flag for me.
My biggest complaint is the music. It really was forgettable. As I sit here writing I can't remember anything that really moved me nor do I want the soundtrack. It just wasn't that inspiring.
I do not recommend this movie for children since it is violent and people do die. But nothing too gory.
The costumes and make up were also seamless. Just like the series, you have the feeling of being in the old west with a spaceship in the background.
And don't worry, this will be on my top 10 sci-fi movies when I update it.
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running time: 119 minutes
Additional material on the DVD -Deleted scenes</b> -Blooper reel. -Director commentary. -Four featurettes.
The key players Director: Joss Whedon Story by: Joss Whedon Screenplay by: Joss Whedon Composer: David Newman (II) Produced by: Chris Buchanan, Alisa Tager, David V. Lester, Barry Mendel, & Christopher Buchanan
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