Originally posted 9/28/05

Well for those of you living under a rock, Serenity is Joss Whedon's Science Fiction movie based on the short-lived series Firefly. I managed to score a couple of free Sneak Preview tickets and took in the show last night. If you have never been to a sneak preview before, then you don't know there's usually something happening a half hour before showtime. These little time killers are usually sponsored by the local radio station or comic book shop. Trivia contests, raffles, all generally for some form of swag. The strangest thing I noticed was the responses to the questions posed by the promotional crew. "Have you ever seen the series?" Only 25 percent of the house raised their hand. "Have any of you ever heard of the series or it's creator?" Same 25. "How many people are here because it's a free movie?" Over 70 percent raised their hand after this question. What the hell? Only 25 to 30 percent had any idea about this movie and it's origins. I couldn't believe it. The point to all this? Well, I heard through the grapevine that the only way a Serenity part two will get made is if the first one makes 80 million. And the fact that this movie is getting very little advertising, it may not make that mark. So, get out and see this movie so they will make another.

Also passed out before the show was this cool teaser poster as well the button shown to the left. With the swag in place and my belly full of popcorn (no urine Jacky), I settled in for a great ride with Serenity and her crew. I do not want to give up any plot developments, but for the sake of those not in the know the movie picks up where the series ended. A crew of mercenaries, travel across the galaxy in search of work, play, money and to protect as well as discover the secrets of a girl named River. All the while avoiding the evils of the government known only as the Alliance who also want River for their own reasons. The entire crew (Malcom, Zoe, Wash, Inara, Jayne, Kaylee, Simon, etc.) are faithfully represented and the dialogue is classic Wheadon with a great sense of humor intermixed with great storytelling. Some serious plot twists and discoveries are present towards the end of the movie which will have you leaving the theater with your mouth open for an hour afterwards. The music was spectacular, as was the visual effects and action.

All you Firefly fans are going to love this movie, and all you non believers you will even like this for the storytelling aspect of it all. It's a great movie and you need to find a way to get down to your local theater and watch what could have been if Fox wouldn't have pulled the plug so early.

P.S. Stop clapping as the credits roll, the director isn't there to hear you anyway.