Written and Directed by: Joss Whedon
In a distant galaxy on worlds riddled with confusion, peace, and some with violence, the crew of the Serenity passes through space, making their living as smugglers, mercenaries, or plain and simple thieves. They do what they must to get by and travel mostly on the rim of the government controlled galaxy. On the edge of the galaxy something else frightening lurks. The creatures called Reavers that are fleshing eating cannibals control the space and murder whatever comes in their way. Captain Malcolm Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) has gone out on a limb and agreed to help a doctor (Sean Maher) rescue his telepathic sister River Tam (Summer Glau) from the Alliance, the government that had been doing experiments on her, in turn for medical assistance on the ship. Now the crew of the Serenity must evade the Alliance, but also discover what it is that is making them fervently hunt them, which leads to a government cover-up called “Miranda”. Suddenly, everyone is after the Serenity and the future seems very dark.
The Stars from Firefly return to make the feature film version Serenity. However, you don’t have to know anything about the show Firefly to be able to understand or appreciate Serenity. While it’s all the same character’s from the same universe, this film is set a part from the show and builds on an existence anyone can learn about while watching. Serenity is already starting to be referred to as a cult classic as it essentially flopped at the box office but has received enormous positive reactions since it’s DVD release.
This movie is backed by a very complicated and in depth storyline. The explanation of what happened with the war, and how the galaxy became split into two, or the corruption of the government is touched on, but not delved into entirely. The story focuses on two main plot lines: the significance of River Tam and the origin of the Reavers, with other side plots and character developments working simultaneously. While basically being loaded with a ton of information Joss Whedon, the writer and directer, entertains you with palpable character’s that are constantly cracking you up, or making you cringe; or engaging in some intense action scene that pushes the suspense to the climax along nicely.
An enormous budget obviously wasn’t afforded the film, but they make do with what they have and the few special effects scenes that exist, are utilized brilliantly, particularly in the final battle scene. Nonetheless, the film is visually very tangible and makes for a universe that is both beautiful and dangerous.
Hopefully this film won’t be lost on the general public and the buzz of it continues to spread and people go out and buy it or rent it. You don’t have to be a science fiction fan to enjoy Serenity, you just have to be a fan of movies period. Serenity deserves Four brilliant stars for it’s pure and simple amazing ingenuity. Joss Whedon, my message to you is this: Hollywood still doesn’t seem to get you, but there are those of us out here that do, and we will wait ever patiently for whatever breadcrumb you will throw us until you can make the next thing you want the way you want, because when you do, only good things happen.
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