Joss Whedon is just one of those familiar household names in the world of geeks. And even if you never heard of him, something that must definitely ring a bell is the tv series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It dominated the television back in the days for seven seasons, and also served as the platform for the spinoff series Angel. The man responsible for it? You guessed it, Joss Whedon. But he also created a show that had an altogether different fate, namely the short lived Firefly. In, what has to be one of the stupidest decisions in the history of television, this terrific blend of western and science fiction got the axe after just 14 episodes. The ratings for it were given the blame, but they also conveniently forgot that it was shown in a very unfavorable timeslot. But despite all that, Firefly lived on through an incredibly loyal fanbase. And even today there are still new books, games and other merchandise being released for it. Three years after the series got cancelled, Joss Whedon sort of took revenge by making a pretty succesful movie based on the show called Serenity.
Serenity while being a continuation of the original series, can actually be enjoyed even if you have never seen or even heard of Firefly. It takes place in the 26th century where most of humanity has left Earth because of it being overpopulated. With the colonisation of the Galaxy, there came the inevitable wars as well. In the end The Alliance was the faction that was left standing. But to say The Alliance is a friendly regime would be saying The Emperor from Star Wars is a fluffy teddy bear. River Tam is a young girl that is being conditioned by them to fight as an assassin and a psychic. This totally messes up her mind, but just before things get really bad her brother manages to rescue her. They both join a crew of outlaws and misfits lead by Captain Malcolm Reynolds, and have been on the run ever since. But The Alliance doesn’t give up River so easily as she knows secrets that she herself is not even aware of. A topsecret agent, known only as the Operative is tasked with bringing her back. Malcolm soon more than has his hands full with his ship The Serenity becoming the target of both the Alliance and the bloodthirsty cannibalistic Reavers. As people start dying around him he has to ask him self if one girl is worth all this trouble……
Serenity is a fun adventure filled science fiction romp. It’s a very unique take on your standard science fiction films, especially because of the setting. It really feels like a western at times which is something that really hasn’t been done much in the world of science fiction. But as usual it is the characters that make this film come alive, just like they did in the television series. Everyone from the original series reprises their roles, and it was great to see the beloved characters at work again. Malcolm played by Nathan “Castle” Fillion really steals the show. His character tries to act as tough as nails, but in between all that outward bluster, lies a heart of gold. Even though he doesn’t always show it, he really does care about all the people around him. River Tam, played by the lovely Summer Glau, is the most complex but also one of the most fun characters. I think it’s one of Summer’s best roles, as she manages to create a character that is downright scary, completely insane, but also very loveable, all at the same time.
The rest of the original cast have somewhat smaller, but no less important parts to play. I was also impressed by The Operative, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor. His character always remains calm, never gets angry no matter what happens, and this makes it a very creepy and chilling man. Ejiofor’s performance definitely is spot on, and is one of the best roles from the film. The special effects are also highly worth watching this movie for. There are some great sequences both in space and on the ground, that would give bigger blockbuster movies a run for their money. Everything in this movie just looks very shiny (pun intended). The story, while certainly not the strongest point of the film, is still good enough to not just serve setting up the action, but also adds some nice twists and turns. In fact I can find very little that is wrong with this movie. If I were a bit of nitpicking guy, I could say that the pace of the film was a little bit slow in the middle. But honestly that would really be stretching things.
If you like Firefly, this movie is definitely a worthy follow up to the original series, and also serves to bring some closure to a few plotlines that were left wide open after the show got cancelled. It contains much of the same humor as well, although it does have a bit of a darker tone to it. But also if you are a sci fi fan in general this movie is highly recommended. It isn’t very often that you see a mix of two completely different genres work so well together, but Serenity manages to pull it off. And that’s it for the fourth part of the Countdown to the Last Jedi. To bring this feature to a close next up will be the Star Wars movie that started it all so many years ago: Episode IV, A New Hope. As always, thank you for reading, and boy is it good to be back to blogging again. See you all on the next post, but I will leave you with the original trailer for Serenity. Enjoy!
I give Serenity a 9 out of 10 score.
I saw this before firefly and throughout the movie I was so impressed by how the character seems so developed. Then my friend told me it was a TV show first and I was like ” Oh that’s why” haha. Love the movie and the show watch it almost every year.
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Haha, yeah I think a lot of people discovered Firefly after this film. It’s an and king series and I truly still wonder to this day how on Earth they could have cancelled it. It really could have turned into an even better show than it already was. Thanks for your comment, and cool to see you are a fan as well😀
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I must be the only person alive that just didn’t enjoy either Firefly or Serenity. I nearly always end up not enjoying the things everyone else seems to love, though.
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Haha, no worries I have that happening to me all the time (most recently I saw the Animeseries Ergo Proxy which everyone seemed to love,but I ended up not enjoying very much). Everything always comes down to personal preference. Firefly/Serenity, certainly isn’t for everyone as it is a bit of a unique mix/blend of genres. So really: no worries at all 😊
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Own it, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Still haven’t seen the series though!
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The series is every bit as good 😊 It is a bit lighter and has some more humor in it, but still besides that it is well worth it to give it a go 😀
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It seemed it during the one episode that I caught, it just hasn’t been repeated when I’ve been around to watch it since :p
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Ah okay, that really is annoying. This series really had a tough time when it aired so it’s not surprising it seems it still has a rough time 😢
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It is a shame. Still, it does go on she on dvd a fair bit, so I may yet pick it up.
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Spot on review Michel! I loved this movie as well as the tv series. I still can’t believe they cancelled the series.😒
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It’s one of those really big mysteries of television that I am really at a loss to explain myself as well. It’s just incredibly weird. I really hope that one day we get an event series like they did with Prison Break, 24 and X-files. Keeping my fingers crossed 😀
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It still has such a huge fan base. I signed a petition last year requesting Netflix to pick it up.
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Hopefully one day it will happen. That would be amazing 😀
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As if often the case, I liked the series more than the movie. It’s nice that the feature got made because it gave the fans a finale of sorts. After reading this review I am left wanting to see a fight between Yoda and a Teddy.
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I agree, the series was better, but this came pretty close to the same level though. I’m also glad that they did manage to give enough closure to the fans, and for that I am greatful. Haha: well, who knows maybe that fight will happen in the last Jedi, and that last Jedi will be a teddy lol.😂😂
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I loved this movie, now I want to see it again! Never saw the series so will keep an eye out on t he sci-fi channel for it.
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The series is even better if I’m honest. The film has a bit of a darker tome to it, and the series is a bit more lighthearted. Glad you enjoyed the movie as well 😊
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Great – as if I don’t have enough to watch now I want to rewatch Firefly…
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Lol…sorry about that😂😂 Maybe I should delete this post? Nawww it’s probably too late now. Well to be fair…the amount of anime I still have to watch because of all your awesome posts is probably even bigger (erm…yeah I know that sounds like a lame excuse 😂).
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dvd’s already in…it’s too late
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Haha lol..Okay…well then I guess I will say: have fun? 😀
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Terrific film, I absolutely love it and it’s great Whedon managed to do a feature film after the series were closed (I’ve watched them this year only!!!) 🙂
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Somehow your comment went into the spamfolder, so I just rescued it 😀 It reallyreal a terrific movie, I could not agree with you more. The tv series itself was even better (abd with a rating of 9.1 on IMDB I think most people agree with me on that lol.). But I’m just glad that this movie was made and managed to close most of the plot points that were left wide open for the series itself 😊
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Wow wow wow! Now I start to be suspicious, because I remember you comments were often finishing in the spam folder…
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Yeah…it seems to be a common occurence for everyone these days: and a quite annoying one at that 😢
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Did you find out any possible reason?
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No, I wish I had only that it seems to happen to everyone at some point. And usually it lasts a day before everything gets back to normal. I just check my spamfilter every week now these days. Which is how I found some of your comments there.
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😴😪😢😭
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Yay, Serenity!
I actually saw this at the cinema before I even knew there was a series called Firefly and I absolutely loved it. I ended up buying the Firefly DVD’s without having seen a single episode because the movie was so fantastic and I’m really glad I did.
The show and movie are pure enjoyment. It is so incredibly quotable (particularly Wash) and just has that sense of fun and energy that Whedon brought to most of his works. The series and movie are routinely played when I visit my parents as it is one thing we all agree is amazing.
Great review of Serenity.
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Gorram Shiny! 😀 I could not agree with you more. I actually did not see this in reverse order (many people did though), but Firefly the series was the first I ever saw of Malcolm and his motley crew. But it was a really terrific series and one that to this day I am still completely baffled by as to how that got cancelled. A 9.1 IMDB score pretty much agrees with us.
I had actually seen the movie quite a few years back, so it was a delight to see it again. It’a still every bit as fun as when I saw it the first time. A real treat that’s for sure. It actually makes me want to see the series again…though that will probably be next year. Thanks for the kind words, and glad to hear you ate such a fan yourself as well 😊
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Oh, thanks for bringing this little gem into the light! Firefly fanbase definitely is loyal but now you rarely see anything related to Firefly on the Internet. I think Serenity’s story was a bit too dramatic compared to more low-key adventures in Firefly. Some of the deaths in order not to make possible sequels (that sadly never came) complicated were uncalled for. Anyway, it’s still a very lovely film, especially since Mal gets his conclusion by finding his faith again. And I don’t even remember that many films (or series) where every single joke landed so well.
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Haha, you are welcome 😀😀 Well it still lives to be sure. There is a very popular boardgame based on Firefly that still has expansions getting released for it every year. Besides that one though, you are right…it doesn’t appear much on the internet anymore. I agree with this one having a darker edge and thus being more dramatic. I’m just glad it did manage to wrap up the series itself in a pretty decent way. And give the fans a sense of closure. I just hope that some day we get a new series that will continue their (mis) adventures. With shows like Twin Peaks, X-files etc getting revived, it’s not impossible. Shiny! 😊
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I never watched Firefly, but I thought it had more episodes than 14. That’s pretty crazy that it managed to amass such a cult following for such a small amount of episodes. I’ll have to check out both, since I love shows/movies like this.
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Yeah, it goes to show that if something is of really high quality, no matter how small it is, it finds a way to stay alive. Firefly has a 9.1 rating on IMDB, so that really is a very high grade for such a relatively small series. But you are right: it’s truly worth checking out, as tips one of those hidden gems that still are highly enjoyable to watch after all these years. Hope you will enjoy it 😊
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Love this movie. It has a spot in my favorite sci-do films.
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It really is terrific. It is always nice to revisit something, especially a movie that I had not seen in quite a while and find it still every bit as good as I did the first time around. Thank you for your comment 😊
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I’ve debated whether I should give the series another go. I watched the first episode years back after hearing all the praise for it but just didn’t feel it at all. But it’s one of those series that people keep talking about years later, and I always wonder if I’m really missing out, lol. And definitely glad you’re back blogging 🙂
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Well, it’s a show that currently has a 9.1 rating on IMDB. That doesn’t mean it’s for everyone though. It really is quite a unique mix, abd that’s also probably one of the reasons that not everyone likes it. It is worth it to give it a chance again though. The characters are really cool. I haven’t seen the series itself in quite a while, but I do remember that the pilot for it wasn’t the best episode. I’m very glad to be back myself as well. It’s great to interact with everyone again, and I really am happy to be writing again 😊
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I love this movie and the show so much- it’s a classic!! Speaking of what I was just saying about shows going on too long, this had the exact opposite problem- it still deserves more!! Anyway, this is definitely a great follow up to the show- awesome review! 😀
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Yeah, one has to wonder with the current revival of television series like X-files and Twin Peaks, why no one hasn’t revived this ons yet. Maybe it will happen one day, I’m still keeping my fingers crossed for it, especially since it has an incredibly loyal fanbase 😊 But so true, it really is a classic, and a timeless one at that 😊 Thanks again! 😀
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Yeah I don’t really know why- it’s so awesome and there were so many directions it could have gone and ahh I just want more of it lol! Hopefully!! Absolutely! 😊 No problem! 😀
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I love the film and the TV series. It’s one of my all time favourites. 😀
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It is one of mine as well. It doesn’t feel dated in any way. Just seriously annoyed that it got cancelled in such a way. Hopefully one day we will get a revival of the series 😊 Thanks for your comment 😊
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I don’t know why my email didn’t let me know that you had new posts up!!😒 But anywho fantastic review Michel!😍 I haven’t watched or heard about this movie 🎥 or tv 📺 series. Sometimes I swear I live under a rock. But speaking of rocks, you rock Michel!😊 I always love reading your reviews! 😍 They are always well written and you definitely catch the essence of the story!😊
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It’s probably WordPress acting weird again. It keeps doing strange things at times. No worries though, they are not going anywhere. Glad you enjoyed the review. It really is a fun movie/series because of it’s unique mix of Western and Sci-fi. And the humor in it is something I know you would really enjoy 😊 But man, I have at times been living under a toch myself. Still have way too much that I never heard of, or have never seen myself 😊 Thanks for your amazing comments: I keep saying it, but I really mean it😍😍😍 Your kindness means the world to me 😀
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You’re welcome and I feel the same way towards you!💖😄
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I love Firefly and Serenity! I think I’ve watched Firefly more times than any other TV show and Serenity was just the perfect follow up to it.
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I had not seen Serinity in quite a while and was really amazed to find that it was still such a terrific movie. It actually makes me want to see Firefly again: so that one is no on my to do list for next year lol 😂😂 It is a really terrific series!
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LOVE the TV series, but the movie not so much. It just reminds me of what the show could have been had it been given a proper chance. Having said that it’s been a while since I watched it, maybe it’s time to give Serenity another go.
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It certainly is a movie that has a bit of different tone than the tv series, so I definitely know what you mean. Still, I like the way it at least brings the series and most of the storylines to a proper close. And there is enough to stil enjoy. Hopefully your rewatch will make you enjoy it more😉 Thanks for your comment 😊
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I’m glad the storylines were brought to a proper close to, but I felt it would have been a more satisfying ending if they had been able to tell it across multiple seasons. I am grateful for Serenity’s existence to give a sense of closure for the series. Looking forward to my rewatch 🙂
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I love this film. I actually though you’d have rated it 10/10 😃
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Haha, yeah… I was thinking of that, but that would mean the film would have to be perfect or impress me in a way that I would get totally blown away by it. As much as I loved the movie, it did not fall in either category (for me that is). But that’s not to say that I didn’t absolutely love this movie, because I really did 😊😊
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I still get completely stunned during Wash’s death scene. It’s just so abrupt, and utterly heart rending, then, it gives you zero time to process what just happened. Just wow.
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That’s so true: it really was absolutely shocking and something I did not expect at all. He was such a great character though. But then again: the entire cast is simply put awesome 😊
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I had never seen the TV series, but bought this on DVD, based on good reviews from respected critics. As you mention, it feels like a western set in space, and despite something lacking (for me) in the scenery and locations, I really enjoyed it. Held together by a cast that was well-chosen indeed.
Best wishes, Pete.
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The tv series was honestly even better than the movie, but that said this was still a lot of fun and at least brought closure to the series itself in a pretty satisfactory way
The cast was definitely well chosen. All of them reprises their roles in a great way, and I think the fans could not have asked for anything better 😊Glad you enjoyed the movie as well, and thanks for your comment: appreciate it 😀
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