>>REVIEW
SERENITY
STARRING Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres and Summer Glau
WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY Joss Whedon
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Here’s the big damn question – can someone who has witnessed the TV sci-fi world of Firefly enjoy Serenity? The answer is yes. Will audiences get more out of this big screen adventure if they’re familiar with the territory? Obviously.
Writer-director Joss Whedon has nearly succeeded in making a movie that works both as a continuation of his short-lived TV series and as a stand-alone feature film. With the exception of some lead-off exposition and a simple yet effective introduction of the crew of the hulking smuggling vessel Serenity, newcomers are thrown into storylines already in progress and a universe with its own mythology. There are moments and character interactions that may make non-fans feel like they’re missing some inside information, but overall it shouldn’t keep them from enjoying this fun space-western.
The basic story of the series remains intact, and continues a few months after the events of the show’s final episode. While trying to make a living for himself and his crew, Capt. Malcolm Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) must evade government agents and crazed space savages in order to protect one of his passengers and the secret she is carrying. To incorporate fresh viewers, fans will notice that Whedon has taken some liberties in tweaking a few of the background details, as well as some of the interpersonal relationships. But to compensate for that, he has provided answers to some of the questions left unanswered by the sudden cancellation of the series.
Serenity (the movie and the ship) looks slick and flies at full burn, only slowing down occasionally so the audience can get a peek at what Whedon does best – creating unique characters and dialogue. Banter between crew members and some conversations with the film’s main villain are fresh and entertaining. Sadly, a two-hour time constraint causes some of the characters to be relegated to minor roles or cameos, but those personalities are certainly welcome in the film.
What really sets Serenity apart from other sci-fi fare is its "real world" feel. Yes, there are spaceships, other planets and a galactic alliance, but the guns shoot bullets and everywhere you look there are people — not aliens. So with a great ensemble cast and a premise that could go in any of a hundred directions, Serenity has the makings of a new film franchise. Hopefully, audiences will be able to take that second flight and get to know this universe a little better. |
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