Last night I went to see the much anticipated film and Joss Wheydon's labour of love, Serenity. If I'm honest my expectations were middling because disspite the fabulous reviews the first few episodes of it's source series Firefly didn't really grab me. My scepticism lasted all of 30 seconds as the opening sequence burst onto the screen at a frenetic pace...
I think Steve put it best; Serenity is made for teenagers. Believe me this isn't bad, it's everything you ever fanstacised about in your maths class; the ability to deliver that witty one liner under pressure, the attraction of rebellion, strong women (soldier, mechanic, ultimate weapon and companion - high class prostitute) and witty, macho men who break the rules and take on impossible odds.
It's a hit of adrenillin to the system and a rip roaring space western exploring a common theme of an Alliance ('modern' - tries to better people, impose rules, structure, enlightenment and will stop at no cost to achieve their aim) vrs the crew of Serenity ('postmodern' - rebelious, subversive, no rules, community based, plural even in their language and dress). Control vrs the right to chose to be wrong. Nothing ground breaking but a very enjoyably packaged.
Great scripting, fabulous pacing (much better than the series), decent acting, great action sequences and an interesting enough plot to propell you through the film. They even managed to deliver scenes competently that would have been twee in less proficient hands.
I thoroughly reccomend it! A very very enjoyable night out. Now if only I can learn to be less of a woos. I think Steve jumped more at my reaction to the action than the film itself... xc