Existing as something of an oddity, "Serenity" is at once a quality stand alone piece and a swan song for a tragic lost TV show. Having not seen the series "Fire Fly" when I first saw this movie I still found it wholly engrossing, then going back and watching the show made it all the more entertaining.
In the future, after the fall of earth to pollution and decay, the human race flees to the reaches of space to propagate the species. The world cultures have combined into one super-culture headed primarily by the USA and China. Most groups yielded to the Alliance government, a collective of the upper-class and pseudo-fascist ideology, however some groups rebelled and were termed the brown coats. After the rebels were defeated at the Battle of Serenity Valley, the war was ended and those that lost were cast to the winds of fate. This is were the story begins with the crew of Serenity, a firefly class spaceship, hoping around the galaxy in search of work, both legal and not. After one seemingly random job, they find themselves inexorably tied to a galactic conspiracy that may finally give them a chance to make a difference.
Before I start lumping on the praise I might as well get the faults out of the way. Some of the sets look a little 'made for TV', ie not very believable. Also, at a couple of moments the story feels a little rushed. And finally the film gets a just a touch too serious as it approaches the conclusion.
Now, where to begin? The plot, story, writing, acting, CG, action scenes, all are expertly constructed. First the writing; on top of the deep back story and emotive plot lines, the script allows for some of the most likable and believable characters in all of Sci-Fi lore. It is nay impossible to pick any one character that stands out, they are all important and equally good. Were that not enough, it also contains razor-sharp dialogue that drives the film and it's conflicts, both in terms of drama and levity.
Beyond the script the film holds up equally well. The Joss Whedon's direction is confident and clear, always moving toward a predetermined idea of any given scene. Assisting him is a cast of extremely talented yet mostly unknown actors, each of which takes their respective roles and defines them. Set construction, costume designers and CG artists round out the physical package.
Special mention should be made for the CG artists, who with only a fraction of the budget of a "Star Wars" film have managed to put on one of the most exciting space battles in all of Sci-Fi.
The only part of the film I would say is in any way hurtful would be that it is over. Not in the sense that it ended, but that there is not likely to be more. After the excellent series was canceled the film came along to wrap up those nasty loose ends. Now that it has come and gone, who's to say if there will be any thing left? Hopefully, there is.
9/10
In the future, after the fall of earth to pollution and decay, the human race flees to the reaches of space to propagate the species. The world cultures have combined into one super-culture headed primarily by the USA and China. Most groups yielded to the Alliance government, a collective of the upper-class and pseudo-fascist ideology, however some groups rebelled and were termed the brown coats. After the rebels were defeated at the Battle of Serenity Valley, the war was ended and those that lost were cast to the winds of fate. This is were the story begins with the crew of Serenity, a firefly class spaceship, hoping around the galaxy in search of work, both legal and not. After one seemingly random job, they find themselves inexorably tied to a galactic conspiracy that may finally give them a chance to make a difference.
Before I start lumping on the praise I might as well get the faults out of the way. Some of the sets look a little 'made for TV', ie not very believable. Also, at a couple of moments the story feels a little rushed. And finally the film gets a just a touch too serious as it approaches the conclusion.
Now, where to begin? The plot, story, writing, acting, CG, action scenes, all are expertly constructed. First the writing; on top of the deep back story and emotive plot lines, the script allows for some of the most likable and believable characters in all of Sci-Fi lore. It is nay impossible to pick any one character that stands out, they are all important and equally good. Were that not enough, it also contains razor-sharp dialogue that drives the film and it's conflicts, both in terms of drama and levity.
Beyond the script the film holds up equally well. The Joss Whedon's direction is confident and clear, always moving toward a predetermined idea of any given scene. Assisting him is a cast of extremely talented yet mostly unknown actors, each of which takes their respective roles and defines them. Set construction, costume designers and CG artists round out the physical package.
Special mention should be made for the CG artists, who with only a fraction of the budget of a "Star Wars" film have managed to put on one of the most exciting space battles in all of Sci-Fi.
The only part of the film I would say is in any way hurtful would be that it is over. Not in the sense that it ended, but that there is not likely to be more. After the excellent series was canceled the film came along to wrap up those nasty loose ends. Now that it has come and gone, who's to say if there will be any thing left? Hopefully, there is.
9/10