Serenity *spoilers*

[Chuckg]

http://www.blackfive.net/main/2005/09/serenity_review.html

For those who were wondering about 'Serenity', the above is a mostly spoiler-free review of an advance screening.

[VCreed32]

I am so getting angry stares for wearing this shirt.
http://www.cafepress.com/rightwingstuff.27251698

[Crowley]

Good review!


I can't wait!

[The Dosadi Experiment]

I really hated the series, it was a dumb crappy show.

will I like the movie?

*magic 8-ball sez*

wait for the non fanboy reviews

[StoneGold]

I really hated the series, it was a dumb crappy show.

will I like the movie?

*magic 8-ball sez*

wait for the non fanboy reviews
Here: never saw the TV show before the movie. It's like the Further Adventures of the Millenium Falcon, except the Wookie is less hairy. Good, fast paced sci-fi action.

[GremlinClr]

I really hated the series, it was a dumb crappy show.

will I like the movie?

*magic 8-ball sez*

wait for the non fanboy reviews

Why would you even bother if you hated the series? It stands to reason with the exact same cast and the creator writing and directing it, it'll be the same thing.

With that said, LOVE THE SERIES! I will see the movie Saterday afternoon.

[cactusmaac]

I'll wait for more non-fan reviews myself.

[Inkthinker]

Why would you even bother if you hated the series? It stands to reason with the exact same cast and the creator writing and directing it, it'll be the same thing.

With that said, LOVE THE SERIES! I will see the movie Saterday afternoon.


Yeah, I don't get that...

If you liked the series, you'll love it. It's everything that Firefly was, turned up to 10. It's the same crew, the same writers, the same everything,and it all still clicks perfectly. And, because it's a movie, several serious bridges get permanently burned. It's well worth seeing it more than once, for that matter, if you really loved the show.

If you never saw the series, you'll probably like it, though some of the significant moments won't seem as significant to you. It's a good sci-fi adventure movie, it captures a lot of the same fun and energy that I think you find in the first Star Wars trilogy when it was more about rogues and scoundrels and renegades doing good. The effects are solid, the action is fun, and the characters are excellent.

If you hated the series, then why bother with the movie? You'll hate it, so don't watch it. Whatever you disliked about this show, it's probably going to be ten times worse in the movie. Didn't like the ship? It's one of the main sets. Didn't like the characters? They're all exactly as they were in the show, wisecracks and all. Didn't like the themes of the future being a mishmash of American and Chinese mythology? Well, everyone still wears brown and says "reckon" and curses in Catonese.

[hugh45]

I think some people could like a movie better than it's tv series.Think
Star Trek,but in reverse order (movies than tv).BTW from the prviews
it looks hot.I'm planning on seeing it this wk.

[Steve]

The TV series was decent. Lots of character interaction. Not enough action, for me at least. Some episodes I didn't care for, others I liked. Thing is back when Fox aired it out of order, I didn't think much care for it. Gave up like halfway. But the recent Sci-Fi airings made me rethink about the series. It's not that bad but not the best sci-fi I've ever seen or anything.

Film does look good though, so I'll check it out as well.

[Grant]

The TV series was decent. Lots of character interaction. Not enough action, for me at least. Some episodes I didn't care for, others I liked. Thing is back when Fox aired it out of order, I didn't think much care for it. Gave up like halfway. But the recent Sci-Fi airings made me rethink about the series. It's not that bad but not the best sci-fi I've ever seen or anything.

Film does look good though, so I'll check it out as well.

Yeah same with me. Once I saw it in order I loved the show. I think it's the best thing Whedon's done.

I'm looking forward to the movie I should mention I'm having trouble convincing anybody I know to go see it with me. I never had this much trouble before.

[Magneto_X]

<<<<--------can't wait to see Serenity

[BlairH]

I don't care too much for the universe. I'll wait for the non-fan reviews.

[Amokitty]

I'm waiting with bated breath to see this movie! I thought the series was a solid, character driven, rip roaring yarn. I Loved It.

That said, I'm a little worried about the movie because of the previews. Am I the only one that didn't like them? I thought they were jumbled, confusing, and didn't have much to do with the ship or most of it's crew. We see a lot of shots of River fighting, and River running. I realize she's central to the plot, but there's so much more to the Firefly story than just River. The previews focus almost exclusively on her, and to a lesser extent Mal and Jayne. I hope that this isn't a reflection of what the movie will be like, 'cause I know that Simon, Kaylee, Book, Inara, Wash and Zoe have a lot of fans out there.

I definitely loved the special effects, though. Oh so shiny, and so very, very pretty. :cool:

[Magneto_X]

They probaly focused the trailers on River since they wnat to appeal to the horny guys/old perverts who love to watch a fit, young sexy girl bouncing around like a weasel on crack. :)

[Amokitty]

They probaly focused the trailers on River since they wnat to appeal to the horny guys/old perverts who love to watch a fit, young sexy girl bouncing around like a weasel on crack. :)

ROTFLMAO. :D

Okay, I'll grant you that, but what about the Beefcake for us ladies? Tsk. I thought that Joss believed in equal opportunity for everyone. :rolleyes:


*imagines scenes where Simon is fighting without a shirt...*

[Deathstroke]

I've made my plans to see the movie Friday night.

I'm going to see Into The Blue (Jessica Alba in a bikini action thriller) at 7:15, and then Serenity at 9:40.

Topping off the weekend with WWBoston the next day!

[Magneto_X]

ROTFLMAO. :D

Okay, I'll grant you that, but what about the Beefcake for us ladies? Tsk. I thought that Joss believed in equal opportunity for everyone. :rolleyes:


*imagines scenes where Simon is fighting without a shirt...*

Bah! Ladies aren't sexual beings!!!!!!!! :)

(sarcasm)

Just telling you what I think they're doing. I could be wrong. But with marketing it always goes down to the lowest common denominator, unfortunately.

P.S.

You should see either Mal or Jayne in action. If your lucky Simon may flip out and show his inner ninja.

[Hiromi]

I never saw the series, I'm still looking forward to seeing the movie based on the trailors alone.

[Magneto_X]

Sci-Fi has just had a Firefly marathon today, and at 10 PM they have a behind the scene special about Serenity.

[DF2506]

I can't wait to see this movie! I like the series ALOT. I think it would have been the best Joss Whedon series if it had lasted. It definitly had the best first season of any of his shows (not that season 1 of Buffy and Angel were bad, they were good. Firely was just better).

And to the non-fans: why bother? I just never get why people who don't like something feel that they HAVE to have an opinion or HAVE to reply to something that they don't care about. Its always felt like a waste of time to me. You don't see going into the reality tv threads saying, " Reality tv sucks!! This show sucks! " lol. Though I do feel like it sometimes...lol. It would just be a big waste of my time though.

DF2506
" I'll wait for the non-fan review. lol. As if every single fan of a series is biased and they can't give you an honest opinion of something. They have 'blind googles' on all the time. :rolleyes: Sheesh. Grow up. Some fans of this series won't like this movie or they'll think its ok, and some people will think its great or really good. That doesn't mean they are biased. Everybody has their own opinion. We are not sheep. Well, ok, MOST of us are not."

[Grant]

I'll wait for more non-fan reviews myself.

Entertainment Weekly, The Onion and The Village Voice gave it pretty good notices today. I read a fairly mixed review at Variety.

[Donald Stone]

I've heard from a lot of folks who saw advance screening.

The worst review was 'its a really good movie"

The best was "its an experience like no other, one that must be seen to be believed."

Me, I'm a Browncoat, so I'll be seeing the first show Friday, and then again with my friends on Sunday.

[North]

I just came back froman advanced screening.... Dont worry theres no real spoilers, i know you wont be able to hold yourselves off from reading if there were.

I came back just to say

wow


It was everything I hoped for, and yet im also incredibly saddened :( , when you watch the movie you will understand why.



So much was explained but not everything, leaving me wanting evem more.

The caracterization was mostly dead on with a coupe of notable exceptions. It had the best antagonists ive seen in years.

God ill be having nightmares about reavers tonight..............

[Patman]

Uh, you probably put too many details in your post. Good thing I've seen it twice (2 difference preview screenings), else, I'd been disappointed by what was revealed in the post above.

[Gaz]

Nah, only major thing there is Reavers, and that's been common knowledge for a while now. Joss mentioned it before shooting started, I think.

Well, plus the "saddened" thing, but I know what it is, but not who it is, so shut up!

[StoneGold]

Nah, only major thing there is Reavers, and that's been common knowledge for a while now. Joss mentioned it before shooting started, I think.

Well, plus the "saddened" thing, but I know what it is, but not who it is, so shut up!
Just to tempt and torment you....

It's Book and Wash... and Kaylee's vaginal canal...

[Grant]

Rotten Tomatoes has a general rating of 80% and the Cream of the Crop (more established reviewers) is 89%. Not too bad.

Most reviews are saying it's a fun flick the more die hard Firefly fans are a tad more zealous...

All and all it sounds pretty good from all accounts.

[bakla]

As a fan, it was amazing!

My non-fan companion to the show really enjoyed it. Lots of good WhedonWords. But I live for his dialogue. I'm seeing it again tonight! :D

[Magneto_X]

Just saw it a few minutes ago. Brilliant stuff!

Hope they make a sequel or Sci-Fi picks up the tv show.

I have a theory, from what I saw of him in the movie, is that Shephard Book was a former Operative. That exaplins why he knows so much about the Alliance and why the Alliance repaired his gunshot wound and why they allowed the Serenity to go no questions asked, afterward.

Hopefully Summer Glau, Nathan Fillion, Adam Baldwin, Sean Maher and Chiwetel Ejiofor (The Operative) will all get noticed by Hollywood after this. They all did wonderful jobs in their roles.

Glau's acting has improved dramatically since Firefly, as well. Crying on cue at least *twice* and making dramatic expressions without looking to ridiculous, for example.

To bad she didn't get the Kitty Pryde role in X3. She could have aced it.

Btw, did she do (some of) her own stunts with the martial arts? It looked like she was doing balet and/or dance moves (exspecially with the sword).

Maher was looking like Crispin Glover through the whole movie! It was cool watching Simon be a badass, too. He was like james Bond! :0

[jerrymcl89]

I just saw it. If you liked the series, you'll probably love it. If you hated the series, why would you see it anyway ? But if you never watched the series, I'd say it's well worth a look. It's a bit less overtly 'western' than the show was, which may make it a bit more accessible.

Btw - Summer Glau was a ballerina before landing the Firefly gig, so I would expect that was her doing a lot of the stunts.

[StoneGold]

I just saw it. If you liked the series, you'll probably love it. If you hated the series, why would you see it anyway ? But if you never watched the series, I'd say it's well worth a look. It's a bit less overtly 'western' than the show was, which may make it a bit more accessible.

Btw - Summer Glau was a ballerina before landing the Firefly gig, so I would expect that was her doing a lot of the stunts.
Yeah, which is probably why a lot of her action scenes don't have any real power to them. Minor nitpick though. It looks like a ballerina kicking people, as opposed to a trained killing machine.

[Magneto_X]

Btw - Summer Glau was a ballerina before landing the Firefly gig, so I would expect that was her doing a lot of the stunts.

There we go. Now it makes more sense. She must have been great at it to pull off those stunts/moves, too.

Kaylee seemed more hardened in the movie. Really toughened up. Not as niave like in the tv show.

[jerrymcl89]

What really struck me was what a ruthless bastard Mal was. He was more like that at the beginning of the series, but they downplayed it as the season wore on.

[Magneto_X]

What really struck me was what a ruthless bastard Mal was. He was more like that at the beginning of the series, but they downplayed it as the season wore on.

I wasn't to suprised. They hinted at it when Inara and Mal had a discussion/argument alone back on the ship.

It makes sense, too. Since he's been a soldier that has been in a war.

[jerrymcl89]

I didn't mind it - it made sense. I think that is one place where Joss's creative freedom on this movie shown through. If it had been a bigger-budget film, somebody probably wouldn't have let him play it that way.

[Hiromi]

Outstanding movie, I might see it a second time. Now I want to buy the Firefly series as well.

[Donald Stone]

The best way to describe the movie to me is,

Imagine getting a really amazing blowjob, and during it getting punched in the stomach.

[Deathstroke]

Btw - Summer Glau was a ballerina before landing the Firefly gig, so I would expect that was her doing a lot of the stunts.

According to one article I read, she said there were only two stunts that she wasn't allowed to do.

[Deathstroke]

The best way to describe the movie to me is,

Imagine getting a really amazing blowjob, and during it getting punched in the stomach.

That's gotta be someone's new signature.

[Deathstroke]

I saw the movie tonight and was completely blown away. It was absolutely amazing.

That's what a movie should be! Drama, action, romance, comedy, darkness...whoo doggie!

My brother who had seen NOTHING of the show, thought the movie was excellent as well.

[SPAfreak]

Joss really loves Summer Glau's feet. They almost seemed to be characters on their own.

[Scottsdale_Saint]

one of the best sci-fi movies of recent years, yet the movie is anything but a sci-fi flick. it's all about character development, breathless action with actual consequences, and more wow moments than all three of the lackluster recent Star Wars movies. miss it at your own risk, and if you haven't watched Firefly don't fret, as i hadn't seen more than a couple of episodes.

[Grant]

Funny thing happened when I saw the movie during the scene where our favorite wacky pilot gets impaled some girl in the audience screamed "WASH!"

Really fun movie. It's like a John Ford Western with spaceships, kung fu fighting and zombies.

[cactusmaac]

The best way to describe the movie to me is,

Imagine getting a really amazing blowjob, and during it getting punched in the stomach.

Elaborate....

[Grant]

I really hated the series, it was a dumb crappy show.

will I like the movie?

Probably not.

But I thought it was f***ing awesome.

-Grant

[Grant]

Elaborate....

He probably felt it was overall a pleasurable experience with an occasional painful moment.

[adamthered]

Only movie I've truly wanted to see all year long and it was worth it. Wow, what a ride. I'll be going again as soon as my wife is back in town. And probably again just because it was so amazing.

[Perry Holley]

Damn, this film just Rocked. So. Damn. Hard.

It's like the tv series cranked up to 11.

I'll ramble on some more at a later time, but for the moment I'm still processsing it all...

[Spike-X]

Elaborate....
Hard to do without spoiling. You'll understand once you've seen it.

[Donald Stone]

He probably felt it was overall a pleasurable experience with an occasional painful moment.Very much so. And if it hadn't have been so good, it wouldn't have hurt so much.

[stealthwise]

So damn good.

If you're not a fan of the series before seeing this, go rent (or buy!) the series and watch the episodes beforehand.

I can't imagine what my viewing experience would have been had I not seen the show beforehand, but I don't really care, because this movie rocked.

My favourite movie of the year, and possibly this decade.

[Donald Stone]

Apparently Orson Scott Card loved it, and called it the greatest sci fi film ever.

http://www.hatrack.com/osc/reviews/everything/2005-09-30-extra.shtml

An excerpt,

Let me put this another way. Those of you who know my work at all know about Ender's Game. I jealously protected the movie rights to Ender's Game so that it would not be filmed until it could be done right. I knew what kind of movie it had to be, and I tried to keep it away from directors, writers, and studios who would try to turn it into the kind of movie they think of as "sci-fi."

Because I know that science fiction doesn't have to be all mindless action. Or even mindful action. I can praise a movie like I, Robot and mean it, without for a second thinking that what I'm seeing is great sci-fi.

I can enjoy the first Matrix and see it as a kind of magic sci-fi, but recognize that in the end, it's all about the mystical quasi-religious ideas and the special effects, and not about human beings at all.

Because for me, a great film -- sci-fi or otherwise -- comes down to relationships and moral decisions. How people are with each other, how they build communities, what they sacrifice for the sake of others, what they mean when they think of a decision as right vs. wrong.

Yeah, even comedies. Even romantic comedies -- it's those moral decisions.

Wow, that sounds so heavy. But great film is heavy -- out of sight, underneath everything, where you don't have to be slapped in the face by it. On the surface, it can be exciting, funny, cool, scary, horrifying -- all those things that mean "entertainment" to us.

Underneath it all, though, it has to mean something. And the meaning that matters is invariably about moral decisions people make. Motives. Relationships. Community. If those don't work, then you can gloss up the surface all you want, we'll know we've just been fed smoke. Might smell great but we're still hungry.

So here's what I have to say about Serenity:

This is the kind of movie that I have always intended Ender's Game to be (though the plots are not at all similar).

And this is as good a movie as I always hoped Ender's Game would be.

And I'll tell you this right now: If Ender's Game can't be this kind of movie, and this good a movie, then I want it never to be made.

I'd rather just watch Serenity again.

[Magneto_X]

High praise indeed.

[adamthered]

Box Office Mojo shows it took in almost 4 million yesterday. Not too shabby considering lots of people were probably at work during the first couple of showings between opening of each theatre and the early evening. Let's hope it does some good bank today and tomorrow.

[Magneto_X]

Even if it doesn't make big numbers in threates (which I'm afraid it will, but hopefully it'll pick up steam soon) the dvd's *should* be enough to warrant a sequel (like how the movie got made via Firefly).

[CaptainAwesome]

I liked it alot A LOT, but when i was in the theater it wasnt packed. Of course, I did see it on a saturday afternoon. When I went to see spiderman the saturday afternoon of the opening weekend, there was noone else in the theater.

[Nate Grey]

Even if it doesn't make big numbers in threates (which I'm afraid it will, but hopefully it'll pick up steam soon) the dvd's *should* be enough to warrant a sequel (like how the movie got made via Firefly).

*A* Sequel? Singular?

http://movies.about.com/od/serenity/a/serentynf120604.htm

If this first movie does well… We’re all roped into a trilogy. We all signed for a trilogy so if this first one does well, we’re going to do two more.

Eat your hearts out, One Life To Live! :D

[Nate Grey]

Also notice he said "we all", so it COULD mean EVERYONE will be seen in the next two, even if it has to be in flashback form.

[Grant]

I liked it alot A LOT, but when i was in the theater it wasnt packed. Of course, I did see it on a saturday afternoon. When I went to see spiderman the saturday afternoon of the opening weekend, there was noone else in the theater.


I saw it last night and it wasn't packed either. Friday nights always are packed.

So who knows. The movie was only 40 million so it'll make that back for sure but I kind of doubt it will surpass the 100 million mark.

[Nate Grey]

I saw it last night and it wasn't packed either. Friday nights always are packed.

So who knows. The movie was only 40 million so it'll make that back for sure but I kind of doubt it will surpass the 100 million mark.

Well the theater *I* went to was so packed, they had to have us WAIT so they could open up ANOTHER theater and put Serenity on the reel. I've NEVER had that happen before, and I've seen a LOT of movies in the theater on opening day.

[Magneto_X]

*A* Sequel? Singular?

http://movies.about.com/od/serenity/a/serentynf120604.htm


I want more then one sequel but I don't want to get my hopes up to high.

Grant:

Same here. The theatre I went to had only a dozen or so people in the audience. :(

[Nate Grey]

I want more then one sequel but I don't want to get my hopes up to high.

Well they're signed for a whole trilogy, and Whedon isn't suddenly going to get lazy and churn out crap. But I guess we'll have to wait till Monday/Sunday night to see how it did at the box office. I got a feeling it came in at #1 since it didn't really open up against anything. And even if it didn't open at #1 I know it still did pretty good financially, and would make a killing in DVD sales, so we'd still get a trilogy, there'd just be more time inbetween part 1 and 2 coming out.

[Grant]

Well they're signed for a whole trilogy, and Whedon isn't suddenly going to get lazy and churn out crap. But I guess we'll have to wait till Monday/Sunday night to see how it did at the box office. I got a feeling it came in at #1 since it didn't really open up against anything. And even if it didn't open at #1 I know it still did pretty good financially, and would make a killing in DVD sales, so we'd still get a trilogy, there'd just be more time inbetween part 1 and 2 coming out.

It got beat out by Flight Plan yesterday. But had a higher per screen average then Flightplan.

[Magneto_X]

Well they're signed for a whole trilogy, and Whedon isn't suddenly going to get lazy and churn out crap.

I'm not blaming Whedon and co. for making crap. I'm a big fan of Whedon, his shows and Firefly.

I just don't expect to much from Universal or other studois. They have f8cked with Whedon before.

[Grant]

Well they're signed for a whole trilogy, and Whedon isn't suddenly going to get lazy and churn out crap. But I guess we'll have to wait till Monday/Sunday night to see how it did at the box office. I got a feeling it came in at #1 since it didn't really open up against anything. And even if it didn't open at #1 I know it still did pretty good financially, and would make a killing in DVD sales, so we'd still get a trilogy, there'd just be more time inbetween part 1 and 2 coming out.

I loved the movie but to be honest I wouldn't fret too much if they didn't make another one. I felt it was a solid coda for the entire series. I wouldn't mind if they did another especially if they focused on another character.

[Nate Grey]

I loved the movie but to be honest I wouldn't fret too much if they didn't make another one. I felt it was a solid coda for the entire series. I wouldn't mind if they did another especially if they focused on another character.

Oh, I feel the same, but still...I think its gonna happen anyway. But if it didn't, we still got this movie.

[Grant]

Oh, I feel the same, but still...I think its gonna happen anyway. But if it didn't, we still got this movie.

That's they way I look it. As a fan of the show I was pretty much satasfied how the movie tied things up.

[tangentman]

I saw Serenity today and felt justified in paying for my ticket by watching a well-written, sufficiently paced, and gratifying movie. I loved the buildup of the story to a believable payoff in the end! We get back-story for River and Simon, which works for folks who didn't (in my case, couldn't) follow the series faithfully. Characters seemed to be in true form (from what I could see), and I appreciated the conflicts we saw throughout the story arc--Mal's struggle with his moral code vs. survival of the ship, Zoe's principles tested by her loyalty to Mal, Simon's determination to protect River at all costs, Kaylee's longing for Simon--so many good character moments here!

The conspiracy was built at a natural pace and well-resolved by the story's end. I liked the details gradually put out with hints and the way they added up to the shocking revelation before the climax. Old allies come and go, and it was good to see Inara back with the crew again. I felt like the threats facing the characters were real, especially with the "final battle"! I couldn't hold any false notions that everyone would come through in one piece. Joss was true to his style in that respect and others. I'm thankful that non-fans will have a chance to see an example of Joss Whedon at his best in this movie!

While the theater wasn't crowded where I saw the movie, I hope that Serenity succeeds as either a "sleeper" hit or, better yet, a Word of Mouth hit! I'll tell friends and family to check it out for a good movie experience :D

[Magneto_X]

Btw - Summer Glau was a ballerina before landing the Firefly gig, so I would expect that was her doing a lot of the stunts.

Just found out she was adancer before she was ballarina, too.

Summer did 95% of her stunts, she claims. the only stuff she didn't do was the falling and high risk stuff. They got a stuntwoman for that (and she got help from her in training, too).

[bakla]

I liked the fact that her fight scenes looked almost like a dance. It reminded me a bit of Hong Kong fight scenes that bordered more on choreographed dances than brawls. To me, it emphasized the fact that she was such an effective killing machine that it was effortless for her, and not some sweaty, loud fight. In a sense it makes it easier to understand that she can maintain the pace to kill for a longer period of time without breaking a sweat.

[Donald Stone]

I'm not blaming Whedon and co. for making crap. I'm a big fan of Whedon, his shows and Firefly.

I just don't expect to much from Universal or other studois. They have f8cked with Whedon before.Universal has been damn good to Joss actually, and since it looks like Serenity will more than make back it's budget in theaters, I don't see why they wouldn't greenlight the next 2 sequels.

Course, they'll have to wait a bit as Joss has Wonder Woman and another picture next.

[Grant]

Universal has been damn good to Joss actually, and since it looks like Serenity will more than make back it's budget in theaters, I don't see why they wouldn't greenlight the next 2 sequels.

Course, they'll have to wait a bit as Joss has Wonder Woman and another picture next.

Joss could hand over the next movie to someone else though. I know Tim Minear said he would love to direct the next movie.

[Dennis K]

The local reviewer thought it was shit.

[Grant]

The local reviewer thought it was shit.

I read a couple bad reviews. Some people aren't just going to like it.

[Tony Bang]

Best Movie of The Year. (I loved The Constant Gardener, but Serenity was awesome.)


All the humor, and drama clicked wonderfully. Well-written, excellently acted, and great direction.

If they make a sequal great, but this movie has satifited me.

[howyadoin]

I saw it last night and it wasn't packed either. Friday nights always are packed.

So who knows. The movie was only 40 million so it'll make that back for sure but I kind of doubt it will surpass the 100 million mark.Keep in mind that Whedon - and Firefly - have a fanbase that'll probably go see the movie 2 or 3 times. If not more.

[Grant]

Keep in mind that Whedon - and Firefly - have a fanbase that'll probably go see the movie 2 or 3 times. If not more.

Yes we're a nerdy bunch. I'm probably going to go again.

[Atomic Horror]

Is it just me, or was one of the best bits in the movie the look that River shot Simon after he asked "Am I talking to Miranda right now?"?

[Arune Singh]

Summe Glau REALLY stole the show- "I swallowed a bug."

The first half seemed a bit slow, mostly because I felt like the characters weren't too well fleshed out. Mal and River seemed the most defined, Simon and Jayne next... and everyone else felt like a plot point. When character #1 died, I can't imagine that non-long time fans felt anything. Character #2's death had more weight, but could have been more effective given more characterization.

That all said, I loved the movie and the end sets up the sequel perfectly.

[ragnarok_2012]

Just an awesome movie.

I agree with Arune on every particular, except that the first half moved just fine for me.

According to boxofficemojo.com, the film cost $40 million to make. As movies go, it's relatively inexpensive. The people bankrolling this movie should see a very good return on their investment.

[Magneto_X]

Universal has been damn good to Joss actually, and since it looks like Serenity will more than make back it's budget in theaters, I don't see why they wouldn't greenlight the next 2 sequels.

Course, they'll have to wait a bit as Joss has Wonder Woman and another picture next.

That's good to hear.

[Rabid Trekkie]

Add this to my list of movies I'm buying the first day it hits the DVD rack. My friend will probably go see it as soon as he finishes the dvds I let him borrow. Yesterday he told me he had just seen Shindig and so far he really likes it. So that will be two more tickets to go see the movie.

[Otto66]

Sorry, but too much the fan-boy to not like this movie.
Gotta go back and watch it again with a more critical eye.
Or, go back two or three more times. ;)

[Michael P]

I came to this completely cold, never having seen an episode of Firefly. So, as a new viewer of this franchise, I have to say this movie kicked some serious ass.

The opening sequences did a good job of setting up the universe and the characters (I originally thought the beginning montage was a cheap method of exposition, but the shift into the classroom scene changed my mind, making it work on another level), so that by the end of the first 30 minutes, I knew pretty much everything I needed to know, and had been entertained by a quick heist-gone-wrong scene.

And then it kicked up a notch, moving forward the overall plotline. We got an interesting villain (the best ones are the ones who see themselves as the hero of the piece), a mystery, some more good character interaction, and a build that led to a thematic reveal that, while it changed the tone of the film a bit, did bring things together. And the finale was one massive orgy of spectacle and ideas that just made me giddy. So many good moments: The "Let's You And Him Fight" battle between the Alliance and the Reavers, the death of [spoilers], "Screw this, I wanna live!" and Mal just being a general badass.

Now, I do have to say something about the characters. It's obvious we are dealing with a bunch that toes the line between archetype and cliche. I mean, there's a Hooker With A Heart Of Gold, fercryinoutloud. But what makes it work is largely that Whedon-patented dialogue, establishing relationships between the people, making the unit of the cast greater than the sum of its parts, so that we can forgive a few minor sins in the individuals.

Star Trek is Magellan in space. Star Wars is Prince Valiant in space. Serenity gives us a new genre-bend: John Wayne in space. And it does it with a sense of fun and charm that you can't help but appreciate and enjoy.

[Deathstroke]

Just an awesome movie.

I agree with Arune on every particular, except that the first half moved just fine for me.

According to boxofficemojo.com, the film cost $40 million to make. As movies go, it's relatively inexpensive. The people bankrolling this movie should see a very good return on their investment.

It made just over 10 million in the first weekend to come in second. And I thought the movie moved just fine from beginning to end.

[bakla]

Hopefully word of mouth will keep a good momentum for this film to make a good return.

[howyadoin]

Yes we're a nerdy bunch. I'm probably going to go again.I'd be willing to bet that damn near everyone who saw the preview screeing will go again.

[Arune Singh]

It made just over 10 million in the first weekend to come in second. And I thought the movie moved just fine from beginning to end.

To each their own. I was also dead tired, so that didn't help, but there were just some parts where I felt that, if the characters were more fleshed out, then the film would have moved quicker.

The whole Reaver revelation was quite powerful.

[bakla]

I'd be willing to bet that damn near everyone who saw the preview screeing will go again.
What, you mean you're not going to see it again? :(

[howyadoin]

What, you mean you're not going to see it again?Saw it again last night, actually. And I'm sure there'll be more viewings. I wanna make sure they all have drinkin' money.

[Grant]

Summe Glau REALLY stole the show- "I swallowed a bug."

The first half seemed a bit slow, mostly because I felt like the characters weren't too well fleshed out. Mal and River seemed the most defined, Simon and Jayne next... and everyone else felt like a plot point. When character #1 died, I can't imagine that non-long time fans felt anything. Character #2's death had more weight, but could have been more effective given more characterization.

That all said, I loved the movie and the end sets up the sequel perfectly.

I can't say how I would have reacted if I didn't know characters #1 and #2 from the show. But I'm used to seeing minor characters being killed off in the movies with the minimal amount of characterization.

[bakla]

Saw it again last night, actually. And I'm sure there'll be more viewings. I wanna make sure they all have drinkin' money.
Yay us. I saw it last night again as well. And I'll try and get all my friends to see it - the fact that it's entertaining should be reward enough for the friends I may drag who don't know what they're missing. They may not be fans, but I'm sure they'll enjoy the show regardless.

[Grant]

Hopefully word of mouth will keep a good momentum for this film to make a good return.

Could happen. But I kind of doubt it. 10 million is pretty low. In order for the movie to do well it has to make 30 million with in the next couple weeks I don't see that happening even if all the most diehard Firefly fans go see it a couple of times.

Which is shame because it is a fun movie but hey it happens.

[EmmettHULK]

Damn, I thought the film's fanbase was larger.
This kind of film usually has a "run-and-watch-it-the-first-week" factor, and I thought more people were going to pay for it. But 10 million dollars?
That's like 1 million people, more or less...didn't the DVD sell 2 million?
I was assuming that those who liked the show enought to buy the DVD set would be the first in line to see the film. And everyone all over the net kept saying that they were dragging all their friends to see it on opening weekend...

Frankly, I don't see this making more than 30-35 million in the USA, and whether we want to admit it or not, overseas sales might help, but it also costs money to market, distribut and exhibit the film abroad.
And I don't think Universal would want to pony up another big chunk of cash for a film sequel that might only break even, if at all.

[Donald Stone]

I think Serenity will make it. It made about $10 million in it's first weekend in the US. Now, most movies do a big opening and fade away fast, but I have a feeling that Serenity won't fade away fast, it'll keep strong numbers for a few weeks.

Now figure a lot of movies do double, sometimes triple the US box office worldwide, and the fact that this flick will sell a lot of DVD's and I think it'll make enough for a sequel.

[bakla]

Could happen. But I kind of doubt it. 10 million is pretty low. In order for the movie to do well it has to make 30 million with in the next couple weeks I don't see that happening even if all the most diehard Firefly fans go see it a couple of times.

Which is shame because it is a fun movie but hey it happens.
Well, some movies have maintained a good momentum because of word of mouth, so hopefully Serenity will be the same. Hell, maybe we should just mobilize the Browncoats to go take their friends! :)

In any case, despite my wanting a sequel, if nothing further happens, I'm satisfied. This movie basically tied up all the main loose plotlines and anything else beyond that will be gravy. Although dammit, I want my gravy...

[DF2506]

I saw the movie today and I loved it. Just a great movie. From beginning to end, it was full of suprises (my jaw dropped at the Reaver thing, plus one other thing that happened. whew. I was like: WHAT?! Well, thankfully, I didn't yell it outloud, but I felt it. Totally suprised me. It was sad too) action, suspense, mystery, humor (loved the Joss humor), and more! Just awesome.

Only very minor fan whine (lol): I missed the Firefly theme song. Would have loved to have heard it in the credits. Yes, yes, I knew going into the movie that it wouldn't be there...but heck...I was still hoping. I always liked that song alot. I'd always sing along with it...lol! Seriously. Joss had a great song there.

That said, the music that was in the movie fit it very well (liked the song that was at the end of the movie too).

Anyway, other then that whine, loved it. Can't wait to see it again on dvd!

DF2506
" Batman Begins and Serenity are my two favorite movies this year so far! "

[Grant]

Well, some movies have maintained a good momentum because of word of mouth, so hopefully Serenity will be the same. Hell, maybe we should just mobilize the Browncoats to go take their friends! :)

In any case, despite my wanting a sequel, if nothing further happens, I'm satisfied. This movie basically tied up all the main loose plotlines and anything else beyond that will be gravy. Although dammit, I want my gravy...

Yeah but those movies usually made more then 10 million. Even Underworld made 20 million.

Hey I'm up for more Serenity but I don't think it's going to happen.

[DF2506]

Hey I'm up for more Serenity but I don't think it's going to happen.>

The way I look at it:

More Serentity movies would be GREAT, but if we don't get anymore, well, heck, this movie is WAY more then most short-lived one season shows get! We were VERY lucky to get this movie even! Many thanks to Joss and Universal!

There may or may not be more Serentity movies (heck, the movie made #2 at the box office this weekend! Thats pretty impressive, imo, for a short-lived show. It could have easily not got anywhere near that), but there was THIS movie. And there will be a dvd of this movie! Hopefully a dvd packed with lots of extras!!!! :)

So, ya, I hope for more Serentity movies, but if this it, I'm still happy. :)

DF2506
" Just a really cool movie! "

[Justin D.]

I saw one, maybe two, episodes of Firefly before I saw Serenity yesterday. I've tried to buy the DVD set a few times, but I'm too damn cheap to pay the full price. Besides that, I've actually tried to stay away from any talk about the movie or the characters because I wanted to come in as fresh as I can. What do I think of the movie?

I want to have it's babies.

It's that damn good. I was, and still am, impressed with how much was going on within the movie. The different plots never became confusing and all weaved around each other quite nicely so as to keep me interested in them all. My jaw actually dropped when XXXX died (everyone who's seen it knows who I'm talking about) and I thought, "I can't believe he just did that." The humor was the right kind of humor. Stuff like nervous, uncomfortable jokes in times of stress make snese and are realisitic to many people, including myself.

Yeah, I'll most likely see this again. Also, the theater here was packed with people. Of course, this is the only theater on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi now after Hurricane Katrina, but it's a brand new giant theater with 14 screens and they weren't showing the same movie on eight of those screens.

[atoningunifex]

I had promised someone I would give it a try. So I borroed the DVDs and watched them over the last two weeks and then went and saw the movie.

The movie was a thousand times better than the TV series. I was glad to have watched the TV series. I knew who the characters were and some of the stuff made far more of an impact because of it. Especially the major deaths.

Despite the fact that the movie pretty much focused on my two least favorite characters (the Captain and genius retardo girl) I really found myself pulled in.

It was pretty cool.

[Mac Danny]

I saw the movie today and I loved it. Just a great movie. From beginning to end, it was full of suprises (my jaw dropped at the Reaver thing, plus one other thing that happened. whew. I was like: WHAT?! Well, thankfully, I didn't yell it outloud, but I felt it. Totally suprised me. It was sad too) action, suspense, mystery, humor (loved the Joss humor), and more! Just awesome.

Only very minor fan whine (lol): I missed the Firefly theme song. Would have loved to have heard it in the credits. Yes, yes, I knew going into the movie that it wouldn't be there...but heck...I was still hoping. I always liked that song alot. I'd always sing along with it...lol! Seriously. Joss had a great song there.

That said, the music that was in the movie fit it very well (liked the song that was at the end of the movie too).

Anyway, other then that whine, loved it. Can't wait to see it again on dvd!

DF2506
" Batman Begins and Serenity are my two favorite movies this year so far! "


An instrumental version of the theme song played during the end credits. That was nice. I would have liked that too, but maybe too much of an inside thing for non fans.

It was a great movie. very good and touching. It didn't leave me with a happy feeling, but it left me with a "damn it's over feeling"

and a "Shame about "XXXXXXXXX" feeling."

-Dan

[Ryan K]

I went and saw it Saturday afternoon and LOVED it. I need to go see it again. My dad went with me just because he kinda wanted to go to the movies (didn't matter what). He probably got more involved in it than I did and left saying "that was better than the last three Star Wars movies". He wants to watch my DVD set now.

But the movie was just absolutely everything I wanted. Great action. Graet humor. Nice romance. Gut wrenching at times. Edge of your seat (when **** dies it really becomes anything goes for the final act). And Mal was just as bad ass as I could have wanted. Plus the reveal about the Reavers was very satisfying while still leaving enough mysteries of the show to make sequels (or whatever medium they decide to continue the story in).

I genuinelly cannot express how happy I was with the movie ans how good I thought it was.

[BoosterBronze]

An instrumental version of the theme song played during the end credits. That was nice. I would have liked that too, but maybe too much of an inside thing for non fans.

-Dan

The instrumental version during the credits helped us get a rousing SINGALONG going for the hardcore fans.

LOVED this flick.

[Tobias March]

I'm spreading the 'Serenity', meme as far and wide as possible. Just spent the weekend in England, insisting, nay, demanding my friends go see the pic. And a further amigo lost somewhere in LA sent me an email outlining just how much he loved the movie.

It's going to be a slow burn but this film will be a success.

[Shellhead]

First, I confess that I'm a browncoat. I never heard the term until today, but I was a fan of the show when it originally aired.

This movie deserves to do well, but I think that it's crippled by the fact that the tv show was quickly cancelled. It doesn't matter that Fox made a mistake, and that the episodes should have been aired in the proper order, people know that the show was cancelled, so most people aren't going to see this movie. The only hope is the word-of-mouth, which can sometimes result in higher box office numbers on the 2nd and 3rd weekends. For example, The Ring did better box office after the first weekend, due to strong word-of-mouth.

Another challenge for this movie is the same problem that the Firefly series faced: the advertising will show a combination of genres that repels many fans of the two separate genres. I admit that when I saw the ads for the original Firefly series, I wasn't interested, because I'm not much into the cowboy stuff. And I'm sure there are people who like the cowboy stuff but can't stand science-fiction. But once a friend got me to watch an episode of Firefly, I saw how great the show was and got hooked.

The day before I saw this, I used a comp day from work (it was about to expire anyway) and did a marathon viewing of my Firefly DVD set, which I just got back from a friend that I loaned it to, so I had never seen some of those episodes before. Comparing the two...

The movie was definitely more action-packed than the tv show, which itself had some great action scenes. The special effects were bigger, the plot twists were more extreme, and important characters died. But in a few minor ways, I felt that the movie fell slightly short of the tv series. The movie was more serious and less funny, although the lines that made me laugh were extremely funny. They seemed to have abandoned the swearing in mandarin chinese for the most part, and english, for that matter, despite the fact that some of the plot twists should have provoked some very salty language from characters like Jayne. And this great ensemble cast didn't get enough exposure overall, compared to say, three episodes of the tv show (for comparable length of time). I suppose that's the way it had to be to tell this particular story, but there was heavy focus on Mal and the Tams, and just not enough good lines for the others. Still, it wasn't as bad as the Star Trek movies where Kirk hogged the camera.

I'm grateful that this movie got made, and I fervently hope that it does well enough to result in sequels and/or a new Firefly series. But decent science-fiction action movies usually do much better box office than this. I think it reflects poorly on science-fiction fans in general, that some of them are reflexively shunning this movie because of cowboy hats, or Joss Whedon, or whatever. It's not like George Lucas was writing dialogue that justified his big box office returns, and even his action scenes paled in comparision with those in Serenity. But I learned years ago that quality does not always result in success. So that may be the fate of Serenity and Firefly, artistic success and commercial failure.

[Sam]

Serenity gives us a new genre-bend: John Wayne in space.

I'd lean more toward Sergio Leone in space, myself.

[Sam]

Frankly, I don't see this making more than 30-35 million in the USA, and whether we want to admit it or not, overseas sales might help, but it also costs money to market, distribut and exhibit the film abroad.

Keep in mind, this film might have looked expensive, but it only cost them $40 million to make. If it makes $30 in the USA, then the money abroad plus DVD sales ensure a tidy profit for the studio. I read that a $10 million opening was well within what the studio was looking for to consider this a success.

Especially when you consider the core audience of nerds and Whedon fans who saw it opening weekend and will see it a couple more times.

[Shellhead]

An excellent quote from a review at imdb:

"Finally, this message goes out to every person who ever complained about the most recent three Star Wars films for whatever reason (bad writing, wooden acting, poor directing, etc): Serenity gets it all right and you owe it to yourself to check it out and have your socks entertained right off of you."

[The Last Confederate]

Great movie, one of the best I've ever seen.

However, I only have ONE question about it.

It is supposed to be about River right? Well where were the
TWO BY TWO HANDS OF BLUE?????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????

[Magneto_X]

They will probaly show in the sequel/s. *crosses fingers*

[Grant]

Great movie, one of the best I've ever seen.

However, I only have ONE question about it.

It is supposed to be about River right? Well where were the
TWO BY TWO HANDS OF BLUE?????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????

You can find out in the comic book.

Unless you don't want to read it then highlight below.

Simon and Book killed them

[Grant]

I'd lean more toward Sergio Leone in space, myself.

Feels more like John Ford then Sergio Leone to me.

[Nikita]

Finally saw Serenity last night. Man, it was awesome. I was sooo disappointed in Revenge of the Sith and Serenity totally made up for that. BUT, I was really bummed about the two main characters that were killed off. Why??? If they are going to make sequels, these two people aren't going to be in them???? Again, why were they killed off???? :(

[Shellhead]

Finally saw Serenity last night. Man, it was awesome. I was sooo disappointed in Revenge of the Sith and Serenity totally made up for that. BUT, I was really bummed about the two main characters that were killed off. Why??? If they are going to make sequels, these two people aren't going to be in them???? Again, why were they killed off???? :(

I was surprised by that, too, and I felt really bad, because I thought that one of those actors was playing the least interesting character on the show. The other guy, the one who had his character killed off first, was one of my favorites on the show.

[howyadoin]

If they are going to make sequels, these two people aren't going to be in them????What, they couldn't show them in flashback sequences? Dath Vader died in Return of the Jedi, but he's been in 3 movies since.

Again, why were they killed off????Because it made the movie better?

[TheMuertoCorpse]

I found it pretentious, dull, unimaginative.

So many lines made me roll my eyes and think ("This is a person some people call a genius writer?")

I thought the special effects were uninvolving and chintzy-looking...and seriously, the characters didn't make me feel interested in their plight or rooting for them. (when Wash was killed I feel totally MEH, while the small group of people around me gasped in what I think was shock or disbelief)

I don't see how this can make more than 30 million either , in the USA, tops.

[Shellhead]

I found it pretentious, dull, unimaginative.

So many lines made me roll my eyes and think ("This is a person some people call a genius writer?")

I thought the special effects were uninvolving and chintzy-looking...and seriously, the characters didn't make me feel interested in their plight or rooting for them. (when Wash was killed I feel totally MEH, while the small group of people around me gasped in what I think was shock or disbelief)

I don't see how this can make more than 30 million either , in the USA, tops.

They only had a $40 million budget, in a day and age when a non-science-fiction action movie often has more than double that budget. With that constraint in mind, Serenity is an impressive-looking movie. Then again, there is more to making a great movie than impressive special effects. Lucas pulled out all the best CGI effects for the recent Star Wars movies, but the actors couldn't act well against the CGI (because it doesn't look like anything during the shoot), and they struggled with his crappy dialogue.

I suspect that you didn't care when Wash died because you were unfamiliar with the show and this movie didn't give him enough screen time to make you care. This doesn't reflect badly on you, it's a minor shortcoming in the movie. That scene made me feel bad, because I went into this thinking that he was the weakest actor in the ensemble. But that wasn't why he was killed off, or at least it had nothing to do with why the preacher character dies, given that he was one of the better actors in this group.

[stealthwise]

I found it pretentious, dull, unimaginative.

So many lines made me roll my eyes and think ("This is a person some people call a genius writer?")

I thought the special effects were uninvolving and chintzy-looking...and seriously, the characters didn't make me feel interested in their plight or rooting for them. (when Wash was killed I feel totally MEH, while the small group of people around me gasped in what I think was shock or disbelief)

I don't see how this can make more than 30 million either , in the USA, tops.

Sorry you didn't like it, but thanks for paying to see it. :D

[TheMuertoCorpse]

Sorry you didn't like it, but thanks for paying to see it. :D
Who said I paid for it?
I'm an usher at our town's Loews Cineplex...I saw it gratis.
The trailers were hardly compelling to me, so I had no intention of paying for this.
But I saw the film and I was not really moved or impressed or touched.
I feel it was mediocre at best.

[Nikita]

What, they couldn't show them in flashback sequences? Dath Vader died in Return of the Jedi, but he's been in 3 movies since.

Because it made the movie better?


Because Serenity is not Return of the Jedi. I hate flashback sequences in movies just to bring certain characters back who got killed off earlier. (in certian movies that is)

And how did killing them off make the movie better??? I loved The Sheppard. He was one of my favorite characters and he barely got any screen time and then he was dead. :(

Bah humbug.

[Shellhead]

Because Serenity is not Return of the Jedi. I hate flashback sequences in movies just to bring certain characters back who got killed off earlier. (in certian movies that is)

And how did killing them off make the movie better??? I loved The Sheppard. He was one of my favorite characters and he barely got any screen time and then he was dead. :(

Bah humbug.

The stakes were high in this movie, in terms of storytelling. You have the heroes going head-on against two of the biggest threats in their entire reality, the Alliance and the Reavers. To not take any casualties from either would have made it harder to take those threats seriously from here on out.

[howyadoin]

And how did killing them off make the movie better???1. Calm down.

2. Use spoiler tags. There are people out there who haven't seen it yet.

3. The second death was a really powerul, moving plot development, and it raised the stakes. After that, it felt like any of them could die at any moment. That cranked the tension up a lot for me, and I'm sure I'm not alone in that regard.

4. Would you rather a nice Disney ending where everybody is happy? That sounds pretty lame to me.

[howyadoin]

To not take any casualties from either would have made it harder to take those threats seriously from here on out.Exactly. Who took the Imperial Stormtroopers (or George Lucas, for that matter) seriously after they got their asses handed to them by f*cking Muppets?

[Michael P]

Death #1 fits that category as well, as there would have been no impetus for Serenity's crew to go on their one-in-a-million-chance mission had the Operative tried to kill their friends and failed.

It also fits within the Campbellian framework of the Hero's Journey, as the wise master/father figure is supposed to die before the hero completes his quest.

[howyadoin]

Death #1 fits that category as well, as there would have been no impetus for Serenity's crew to go on their one-in-a-million-chance mission had the Operative tried to kill their friends and failed.

It also fits within the Campbellian framework of the Hero's Journey, as the wise master/father figure is supposed to die before the hero completes his quest.Damn, nicely said.

[Shellhead]

Exactly. Who took the Imperial Stormtroopers (or George Lucas, for that matter) seriously after they got their asses handed to them by f*cking Muppets?

Bingo. I gave up on the whole Star Wars franchise right about the time that the Ewoks showed up.

[Grant]

3. The second death was a really powerul, moving plot development, and it raised the stakes. After that, it felt like any of them could die at any moment. That cranked the tension up a lot for me, and I'm sure I'm not alone in that regard.

Totally I thought for sure Zoe and Simon were goners after Wash died..

[cactusmaac]

National Review really liked it.

http://www.nationalreview.com/comment/preston200510050823.asp

To describe the plot in much more detail would spoil it, but I will say that this film is at turns as dark as any horror film, as freewheeling as any Indiana Jones film, and as funny as any comedy. The latter came almost as a shock to me; having never watched any of Whedon’s other work I just didn’t see the pacing, timing, and deadpan humor coming at all. Serenity is everything good science fiction should be — swaggering, a little absurd, unpredictable, and wildly entertaining.

Guess I'll go see it.

[torippu]

Totally I thought for sure Zoe and Simon were goners after Wash died..
Count me in this group as well. I thought for sure that they were goners and that all this talk of a sequel/trilogy on the official and fan boards was just an effort to get as much $$ out of one movie as possible.

[kalorama]

Late to the party, but I have to say I really enjoyed the movie, more than I was expecting. I watched about half of the aired epeisodes of the original series and, I must say, I never got what all the fuss was about. As a fan of both Angel and Buffy, I was disappointed in Firefly, finding it kind of blah and uninvolving. So I was somewhat surprised by how much I liked the movie. As I told a friend at work (and she concurred) it was easily the best big-screen sci-fi to come down the pike in a long time.

As to the issue of characters dying ... Add me to the list of those who think it was not only beneficial to the story, but necessary. There had to be some concrete demonstration of the ruthlessness of the enemy and the stakes of the conflict. Plus, in my opinion, the characters who bought it were probably the most expendable (and least interesting) of the group, as I recall them from my limited memory of the TV show.

And box office is always difficult to predict, but a $10 mill opening weekend and generally strong, positive reviews and word-of-mouth for a medium budget picture like this (especially one with less than auspicious origins) is a pretty good start.

[Sam]

Count me in this group as well. I thought for sure that they were goners and that all this talk of a sequel/trilogy on the official and fan boards was just an effort to get as much $$ out of one movie as possible.

I half suspected the entire cast would be dead by the end of the movie, actually.

[Grant]

I half suspected the entire cast would be dead by the end of the movie, actually.

I think the only two who at weren't even even wounded at the end were Inara and River.

I'm such a geek I saw it again today. Even better the second time.

[Shellhead]

I noticed something interesting at imdb today. Serenity is already #119 on their list of top 250 movies of all time. While Serenity has an average rating of 8.6 from the 11,042 people who have voted so far at imdb, they only count their regular voters for the top 250 list, which brings the Serenity rating down to 8.1. Below are excerpts from the list, starting with the top 23 movies, all of which either tied Serenity's 8.6 or beat it, followed by a whole slew of movies that tied Serenity's adjusted 8.1 score.


Rank Rating Title Votes
1. 9.0 The Godfather (1972) 138,243
2. 9.0 The Shawshank Redemption (1994) 167,364
3. 8.9 The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) 121,515
4. 8.9 The Godfather: Part II (1974) 79,502
5. 8.8 Shichinin no samurai (1954) 36,628
6. 8.8 Schindler's List (1993) 106,719
7. 8.8 Casablanca (1942) 71,979
8. 8.7 Star Wars (1977) 149,668
9. 8.7 Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) 116,487
10. 8.7 Buono, il brutto, il cattivo, Il (1966) 35,558
11. 8.7 Pulp Fiction (1994) 148,464
12. 8.7 The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) 172,007
13. 8.7 One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) 76,763
14. 8.7 The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) 128,651
15. 8.7 Rear Window (1954) 44,988
16. 8.6 Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) 69,375
17. 8.6 Citizen Kane (1941) 66,130
18. 8.6 Cidade de Deus (2002) 32,755
19. 8.6 The Usual Suspects (1995) 113,080
20. 8.6 Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) 101,593
21. 8.6 12 Angry Men (1957) 32,582
22. 8.6 C'era una volta il West (1968) 20,027
23. 8.6 Memento (2000) 100,562

104. 8.1 Oldboy (2003) 14,239
105. 8.1 Blade Runner (1982) 80,685
106. 8.1 Full Metal Jacket (1987) 52,655
107. 8.1 Rebecca (1940) 12,529
108. 8.1 Wo hu cang long (2000) 55,985
109. 8.1 The General (1927) 7,345
110. 8.1 Yojimbo (1961) 10,225
111. 8.1 Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) 84,751
112. 8.1 Ladri di biciclette (1948) 8,257
113. 8.1 The Princess Bride (1987) 58,303
114. 8.1 Batman Begins (2005) 55,611
115. 8.1 The Sixth Sense (1999) 105,260
116. 8.1 The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) 6,829
117. 8.1 Once Upon a Time in America (1984) 21,725
118. 8.1 The Big Sleep (1946) 10,987
119. 8.1 Serenity (2005) 11,042
120. 8.1 Notorious (1946) 11,696
121. 8.1 Before Sunset (2004) 11,833
122. 8.1 It Happened One Night (1934) 8,733
123. 8.1 Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) 22,148
124. 8.1 Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983) 93,015
125. 8.1 Duck Soup (1933) 10,873
126. 8.1 The Elephant Man (1980) 18,200
127. 8.1 Smultronstället (1957) 6,022
128. 8.1 Cool Hand Luke (1967) 15,671
129. 8.1 The Graduate (1967) 30,219
130. 8.1 Unforgiven (1992) 33,921
131. 8.1 Finding Neverland (2004) 25,245
132. 8.1 Patton (1970) 15,796

[The Batman]

^^^^

yeah but that's determined by internet voting right? it's entirely possible for that ranking to be the product of over-zealous Firefly/Serenity fans rather than any real groundswell of popular opinion.

[Shellhead]

^^^^

yeah but that's determined by internet voting right? it's entirely possible for that ranking to be the product of over-zealous Firefly/Serenity fans rather than any real groundswell of popular opinion.

That's why imdb doesn't count votes for purpose of their top 250 list, *unless* that voter is somebody who regularly votes at imdb. Nice try, though. They also exclude movies with less than 1,250 votes.

[The Batman]

"Nice try, though" . . ?

[Shellhead]

"Nice try, though" . . ?

I always like to see people using critical thinking skills. While it's valid to say that internet users do not (currently) reflect popular opinion with 100% accuracy, imdb is taking measures to filter the raw voting so that fans of just one movie will not distort the results. When the vast majority of the people on this planet have access to the internet, access to all movies, and the ability to read imdb in their native language, then we can safely say that imdb accurately reflects popular opinion. But looking at their results, I think they're doing a pretty good job so far.

[Deathstroke]

My plan is to go see it again this Friday, anyone else doing the same?

[bakla]

My plan is to go see it again this Friday, anyone else doing the same?
Me, but I hope to see it again beforehand. I just really get into it. I think the fact that I know I can't pop in the DVD just yet makes me want to see it more.

[Dark Galaxy]

My plan is to go see it again this Friday, anyone else doing the same?
It's a busy week, but I was hoping to squeeze in another showing before the weekend is out.

[howyadoin]

My plan is to go see it again this Friday, anyone else doing the same?Before the weekend's out, hopefully.

[Scottsdale_Saint]

had an odd experience tonight, as i'd gotten several family members and friends to go see serenity(my second time, their first). bought tickets and went in to save seats while everyone was getting refreshments, trailers start, first one goes by, then the second, the third...by now i'm wondering where the hell is everybody?

well, the final trailer airs, and as the movie's about to start an usher comes in and yells something low and difficult to hear. the lights come up and everyone says, "what'd you say?!!!" usher states, "everyone has to exit, as there's an emergency of some sort, don't panic but you have to leave." well in the lobby there's a small group of people getting ticket vouchers, there's three fire trucks outside, the whole emergency crew shebang. i go outside, find my friends, and they tell me they heard it was a gas leak, and i'd also heard that the theater was closed for the night. oh well, bummer...i'll try to go this weekend. :mad: :(

[Tages]

*SPOILERS*

Honestly, I didn't mind Wash dying. I didn't like him much. But Book? I would have much rather seen almost anyone on the show die than him. He was the most interesting character.

[Nate Grey]

*SPOILERS*

Honestly, I didn't mind Wash dying. I didn't like him much. But Book? I would have much rather seen almost anyone on the show die than him. He was the most interesting character.

Agreed, but I always got the feeling Whedon just didn't know what to do with that character. :(

[Tobias March]

My plan is to go see it again this Friday, anyone else doing the same?

Yep just got a text to the effect that my ticket's been bought. Taking in a double bill with Night Watch also. This is the best weekend showing I can remember for some time.....

Not that Night Watch is a guaranteed cool flick, but I think it's safe to assume that'll be interesting ;-)

[Legato]

I saw Serenity and I thought it was a good sci-fi action flick but it appears, judging from the Box Office, that the film isn't doing well at the moment. So I have to ask what went wrong for the movie to not me a Box Office success.

[StoneGold]

Lousy name, and based on a TV show no one watched, so naturally they assumed they wouldn't want to see the movie either. But really, lousy, terrible title.

[JohnPopa]

The hardcore audience is tiny/non-existent and the trailers didn't succeed in putting it over as a solid space romp. The 'from the creator of Buffy and Angel' push is useless because the people that that would mean something to were probably already on board with it and people that don't watch those shows are either not going to care or probably think those shows are stupid.

Really, it didn't have a chance, regardless of its quality.

[SalazarSleaze2]

Bad marketing*
Based on a failed TV Show that nobody's heard of*
No stars*

The film's cult fanbase is simply not large enough to sustain better box office numbers.
Even with multiple viewings (and I have heard of people going 6,7 and 8 times), the film is struggling, and will be out of the top ten next week.

[cactusmaac]

http://holycrap.denmark.com/jar%20jar.jpg

Not enough comic relief?

[ragnarok_2012]

It cost about $40 million to make, and it's a solid movie. The dvd set for the tv show has sold over 500,000 copies (before the movie officially premiered), and it's safe to say that it will sell a lot more copies during the coming Christmas season. As of this past weekend, it had earned over $15 million worldwide (and it won't premiere in a lot of countries for a month or two). Factor in dvd sales and whatnot and you have a profitable movie. Maybe not Star Wars money, but it's definitely an instant cult classic.

I agree that there could have been a much stronger marketing push, though.

[Slam_Bradley]

Well, let's see. I didn't watch the show. The trailer was, at best, underwhelming. The only buzz I've heard about it is from fans of the tv show. There's just nothing there to make me part with $8. Actually, more, because I'd be looking at going with a date.

[Davideaux]

The title is terrible. Call it 'Serenity Star' or 'Serenity Galaxy' or something scifi related. I haven't seen it yet but when I tell others that I want to check it out, they look completely befuddled when I tell them it's a sci-fi movie and not a chick flick.

[JohnPopa]

Well, 500,000 DVDs at $40 a pop (which is a really high price) is only nineteen million bucks and some change. It might break even over time (it's not like DVD sales are sheer profit, there's cost involved with that too) but it's probably not going to be especially profitable.

I don't think making a ton of movie was the real goal of the producers anyway, I think they just wanted to give Whedon some love so he'll make more pictures for them in the future.

EDIT: When I say the above price of $40 is really high, I mean I don't expect the movie DVD to be that expensive and I'm just using the 500,000 number as a basic sales figure, assuming everyone who bought the TV show set will also buy the movie DVD, just for the sake of argument.

[StoneGold]

The title is terrible. Call it 'Serenity Star' or 'Serenity Galaxy' or something scifi related.
Honestly, those are still pretty crappy. You just can't dress up Serenity and have it work as an action-adventure sci-fi movie.

[Legato]

Bad marketing I can agree with but I just cant agree on the movie doing poorly because of a lousy title. 40 Year Old Virgin wasn't an impressive title either but it did good box office wise.

[Donald Stone]

I don't think it was marketed that badly. There where trailers everywhere on TV, not just the niche channels like CN and Sci Fi, but freaking NBC was running the trailer.

I think part of it was just bad timing. Look at everything else that came out, nothing did that well at the box office.

[DDM]

It cost about $40 million to make, and it's a solid movie. The dvd set for the tv show has sold over 500,000 copies (before the movie officially premiered), and it's safe to say that it will sell a lot more copies during the coming Christmas season. As of this past weekend, it had earned over $15 million worldwide (and it won't premiere in a lot of countries for a month or two). Factor in dvd sales and whatnot and you have a profitable movie. Maybe not Star Wars money, but it's definitely an instant cult classic.

I agree that there could have been a much stronger marketing push, though.

The studio looks to make a profit from the movie alone. Anyone can factor in international money sales & DVD sales then say it made a profit. Even the movie bombs make their money back through DVD sales.

[JohnPopa]

Yeah but '40 Year-Old Virgin' tells you exactly what you're getting. Why call an action movie 'Serenity?' It doesn't imply action, science fiction ... anything.

[Davideaux]

Honestly, those are still pretty crappy. You just can't dress up Serenity and have it work as an action-adventure sci-fi movie.

Yeah, I didn't think they were good. Just using them as examples of a title tying in sci-fi with the story elements.

[Spiff]

Well I wasn't attached to the TV show at all, having only seen it on Fox, and didn't think it was the end all be all, but I thought the same about Babylon 5 before I borrowed the DVDs and realized it was one of the greatest shows ever.

Still, the trailer definitely didn't look that interesting. There was none of the supposed Whedon wit in it (and if there was, it wasn't funny). And I hate, HATE, the spacey female cliche/stereotype.

History of Violence was awesome, though.

[StoneGold]

Bad marketing I can agree with but I just cant agree on the movie doing poorly because of a lousy title. 40 Year Old Virgin wasn't an impressive title either but it did good box office wise.
I'd disagree. 40 Year Old Virgin is a great title. It's relatievly concise enough to fit on a marquis, it's different enough from every other movie title to let you know exactly what movie you are going to see, and, as previously stated, you know exactly what you are getting when you are going to see the movie. It refers to sex (or lack thereof) directly in the title.

Serenity give you jack squat. At best the title tells you nothing, at worst, it feeds you misinformation.

[Davideaux]

The movie was marketed as a Joss Whedon creation. How many movies use the director as selling point? Only movies directed by Spielberg, Coppola and other recognized film directors can use that tactic as a selling point.

Did having TV actors hurt its chances?

[StoneGold]

The movie was marketed as a Joss Whedon creation. How many movies use the director as selling point? Only movies directed by Spielberg, Coppola and other recognized film directors can use that tactic as a selling point.

Did having TV actors hurt its chances?
Could have. At the very least, might have gotten better press had the Operative been someone anyone knew. I mean, biggest star in the movie was what, David Krumholtz?

[EmmettHULK]

Soft-spoken Morgan Freeman as the operative would've been lovely.

[Artemis1]

I'd disagree. 40 Year Old Virgin is a great title. It's relatievly concise enough to fit on a marquis, it's different enough from every other movie title to let you know exactly what movie you are going to see, and, as previously stated, you know exactly what you are getting when you are going to see the movie. It refers to sex (or lack thereof) directly in the title.

Serenity give you jack squat. At best the title tells you nothing, at worst, it feeds you misinformation.

Yeah. When I heard that there was a movie called "Serenity" coming out, I thought it would be another one of those romantic comedy crap fests.

[StoneGold]

Soft-spoken Morgan Freeman as the operative would've been lovely.
Kind of lacking on the action end. If Mal is getting his ass kicked by Morgan Freeman...

Honestly, I don't know if there is a black actor today who has both the star power and the physical ability to pull off the Op role and get his name prominantly featured on the poster. Maybe Wesley Snipes a couple years ago, but not today.

[Rabid Trekkie]

Kind of lacking on the action end. If Mal is getting his ass kicked by Morgan Freeman...

Honestly, I don't know if there is a black actor today who has both the star power and the physical ability to pull off the Op role and get his name prominantly featured on the poster. Maybe Wesley Snipes a couple years ago, but not today.

Sam Jackson.

[hugh45]

When it comes out on dvd,maybe it would create a buzz that later,they
can make a S pt.deux.

[G. Wayne]

i don't know, i'd say the idea to make a movie based on a prematurely canceled tv show that didn't even get a chance anyway is kinda flawed from the start. so no one watched the show, but of course they'll watch the movie ...right?

never saw the show, loved the movie, btw. i'm a big whedon fan though. the general opinion seems to be that whedon fans think it's the best movie EVER!!!!, sci-fi fans thinks it's okay, and everyone else is "meh."

but the whole star power thing, i was thinking gina torres was the biggest name attached.

[Anthony]

Bad marketing tactics. The trailer never had a good "grab you moment" Only if you had a familiarity with the director or with the show, would Serentity even make it on your radar. Nobody I knew (outside of comic book circles) even had an idea what the movie was about. A girl beating people down and a crew ship that has some personal and personnel issues.

Now the movie was great and I'll work at spreading it by word of mouth, but the trailers they showed on television were bland.

[Legato]

Sam Jackson.

I dont think the movie viewers would settle with Mr.Jackson getting his ass kicked by Mal.

He is not black but Christian Bale would do pretty well as The Operative.

[cactusmaac]

All this griping over the movie's name, the marketing and the lack of stars (which is a bit strange since pretty much every genre movie has fanboys hollering for unknowns to be cast) is not addressing why Serenity failed.

It didn't do well because for all Whedon's following in the geek community, his name doesn't bring nearly enough people to guarantee a mainstream commerical success.

The wider audience passed because Firefly had minimal success as a TV series and there wasn't much about the movie that made it seem a must-see.

[Grant]

I think they didn't do enough to attract the general audience. Everything was targeted to the fans and the geeks. I think the title wasn't a huge issue because plenty of successful movies have vague titles (The Matrix anyone) but the advertising in general didn't seem to appeal to anyone who wasn't familer with the source material.

[Slappy san]

I dunno why. I just know its sad. The show and movie will probably only be appreciated years from now.

[MKTerra]

I don't think the title's so bad. Though, I am surprised it wasn't something more like "Firefly: Serenity."

I've heard nothing but good things about Firefly. It's actually tempting me to go see the movie.

[Scottsdale_Saint]

the fact that this movie had done as poorly as it has says a lot about the movie going public in the U.S. IMHO. just look at some of the box office take from this year...

mr and mrs smith-$180 million-entertaining yet vapid piece of fluff.

the longest yard-$160 million-stupid limp crap remake of a great movie

fantastic four-$160 million-O.K. movie, i guess but far from what it could have and should have been

the pacifier-$113 million-another vin diesel vehicle, in a comedy no less. please...stop it now.

the dukes of hazzard-$80 million-you know everything you need to know, when seann william scott is the best actor in a movie-well besides jessica's shorts, that is.

bewitched-$62 million-i didn't talk to one person that liked this movie, and that's about 20 people ranging in age from 25-60.

hitchiker's guide to the galaxy-$51 million-probably the most appropriate comparison, a spirited romp, with limited appeal to the masses and it still made twice as much.

my point with the above stats is i guess you can never predict what the american public will decide to see at the movie theaters, but quality is definitely not a precursor to making money, apparently. i'm far from a whedon sycophant, but i would hope that most people could tell that Serenity was a far superior movie to everything listed above, except HHGTTG, and it just didn't matter.

i just don't want to hear any more casual moviegoers bitching how there isn't any quality movies out there this year...how would you know, you're to busy going to see the crap!

[Scottsdale_Saint]

using the, a movie was marketed poorly, is such a tired excuse to me. if people continue to insist on the same old stars in the same old roles, they're going to get the same cookie cutter garbage that passes for movies these days.

i'm not saying that Serenity was the greatest or most original movie ever made (though, i loved it, and all 12 non-comic or genre people i went with liked it). but you know what, it had no major star, and was infinitely more enjoyable than 90 percent of the 150 movies i've seen in the past two years.

[JeffreyWKramer]

The biggest thing which went wrong was probably bad marketing. I've seen virtually no trailers for the film on general TV. Advertising only on Sci-Fi and a couple niche channels like that guarantees a niche film. Good marketing is particularly important when the property in question has no big-name stars and is a spin-off from a niche TV show that failed to survive for lack of viewers.

The sad thing is, when I saw it on Saturday, the crowd - though small - all seemed to love it. Lots of people laughed at the funny bits, everyone seemed very into it, and this was clearly not a bunch of FIREFLY fanatics. I think this film *could* have done great among a general audience, if it had been sold to them.

[Donald Stone]

I've seen virtually no trailers for the film on general TV. Advertising only on Sci-Fi and a couple niche channels like that guarantees a niche film.
See, thats odd, because for the week before the film openend there where trailers everywhere. Not just Sci Fi and CN, but all the Universal group networks. That includes the likes of USA and NBC. Trailers where shown during primetime on both of those networks.

[JeffreyWKramer]

See, thats odd, because for the week before the film openend there where trailers everywhere. Not just Sci Fi and CN, but all the Universal group networks. That includes the likes of USA and NBC. Trailers where shown during primetime on both of those networks.

If you say so. I didn't see any, and while I don't pay much attention to TV, Ian has it on all the time.

Besides, when you're dealing with a show with no stars and a niche fanbase, more than one week of promotion might be a good idea.

[Rabid Trekkie]

If you say so. I didn't see any, and while I don't pay much attention to TV, Ian has it on all the time.

Besides, when you're dealing with a show with no stars and a niche fanbase, more than one week of promotion might be a good idea.

I saw the commercials for about two or three weeks, but I think the problem was when they were aired. UPN here mostly ran the commercials during shows that not many people were watching anyway, like Alias which they are rerunning at the same time as Grey's Anatomy. WB ran the commercial once that I can remember during their cartoons, between Batman and Xialin Showdown.

Maybe the company wasn't willing to pay enough for good commercial time slots?

[Amokitty]

I live near Seattle and the trailers were shown in movie theaters, and they were also on TV for about 2 weeks before the opening. The Seattle-Tacoma metro area got plenty of trailer coverage.

Unfortunately, I thought the trailers sucked! They focused almost completely on River, and ignored the rest of the crew. They also weren't very coherent at giving any real idea at the plot. It looked jumbled to me. If I didn't already know about Firefly, the trailer would lead me to think that there's a little girl named Serenity that knows about martial arts and she gets to fight a lot. No space opera, just River.

The movie was absolutely fantastic, but you wouldn't know it from the trailers that were made off it. They were just that disappointing.

[BoosterBronze]

Ill put my name in the hat as a guy who thinks a better title might have been in order. Though I dont know what it would be.

I saw lots of marketing for this movie so I dont think the studios dropped the ball.

But did Serenity really fail? I mean, for a moderately budgeted movie, to open this time of year, with no real stars, hasn't it performed pretty well?

[GremlinClr]

I wonder, do they trailer focus groups like they do for movies and TV shows? It would probably help for people who aren't involved with it to give some contructive criticism since a lot of times a movies success really depends on the trailer.

[Shellhead]

Ill put my name in the hat as a guy who thinks a better title might have been in order. Though I dont know what it would be.

I saw lots of marketing for this movie so I dont think the studios dropped the ball.

But did Serenity really fail? I mean, for a moderately budgeted movie, to open this time of year, with no real stars, hasn't it performed pretty well?

For movies coming out at this time of year, Serenity did okay. Second in the box office on opening weekend doesn't completely suck. Then again, it's reasonable to compare the box office with any other science-fiction movie, regardless of what time of year it was released. And by that measure, Serenity did poorly. Especially since most big budget SF movies come out in the peak attendance months of the summer, competing with lots of other big movies.

[StoneGold]

I think the title wasn't a huge issue because plenty of successful movies have vague titles (The Matrix anyone) but the advertising in general didn't seem to appeal to anyone who wasn't familer with the source material.
The problem with the title Serenity isn't the vagueness, it's that it goes against what the movie is. OK, Matrix, there's at least the idea of something kind of sci-fi, but it has an X in it, a lot of hard syllables, you say the word and there's a general sense of action. That's why they named Arnie John Matrix in Commando. Serenity, on the other hand, is a soft word. Lots of soft syllables. Means peace. Which would go against the big kaboomboom action that's actually inside the movie.

[Shellhead]

They should have called it Firefight.

[Matt K]

They should have called it Firefight.

I'd call it Super Fun Action Movie in Space but that's just me.

Personally I think this movie would probably made more if it just came out on dvd (possibly) but seriously as long as it makes some money there's no problem. Why? Because it was a capstone to a tv series. Odds weren't good they'd make a sequel anyhow (or any show) so pretty much it was lucky Joss convinced a studio to even greelight the film.

[Phil Clark]

I wouldn't put the blame on an unknown cast or an unknown director. Anyone remember a little film with a group of unknown (at the time) actors and an unproven director that went on to become one of the biggest box office draws of all time. A little film with the silly title "Star Wars".

What Star Wars had going for it that Serenity didn't was a unique and agressive ad campaign and good timing. It was totally different from anything out at that time. Serenity (while cool and slightly unique) doesn't have that same "Wow, this is different" vibe. I love the show, and still need to see the movie, and am a Whedon fan... so don't take this as negativity. Just observations.

[J Dog]

What went wrong?

EVERYTHING WENT WRONG!

Sorry, but I am against the Browncoats.

[Shellhead]

I wouldn't put the blame on an unknown cast or an unknown director. Anyone remember a little film with a group of unknown (at the time) actors and an unproven director that went on to become one of the biggest box office draws of all time. A little film with the silly title "Star Wars".

What Star Wars had going for it that Serenity didn't was a unique and agressive ad campaign and good timing. It was totally different from anything out at that time. Serenity (while cool and slightly unique) doesn't have that same "Wow, this is different" vibe. I love the show, and still need to see the movie, and am a Whedon fan... so don't take this as negativity. Just observations.

I was young at the time, so I don't remember if George Lucas was an unknown at the time that Star Wars came out. I kind of doubt it, because his American Grafitti did so well that it inspired a whole retro 50's fad in the mid-70's.

I agree that the Serenity marketing needed to show us why this movie was different or special. Star Wars, Alien and The Matrix all grabbed attention, because their commercials conveyed something special.

[Jared]

but the whole star power thing, i was thinking gina torres was the biggest name attached.

I would think Adam Baldwin, who was in Full Metal Jacket and Independance Day. And his last name is Baldwin, which probably makes people wonder if he's another brother of Alec.

Other than a minor role on 24's third season, Gina Torres has mostlly just done genre TV, I think. She was a recurring villain on Alias's first season, but the show was really struggling in ratings back then.

I think Serenity sounds too much like Serendipity. Though I confess I can't think of a better title that would actually fit myself. I don't think adding "Firefly" would help at all. Though I wonder how many people actually go to movie theaters having not yet decided what they're going to see? I used to do this all the time, but mainly because I lived barely a minute away from a multiplex.

[DrewTheXenocide]

I thought Serenity was a good title. Better than something like Firefly: The Motion Picture, or something. But I sorta had to drag the non-comic geeks I hang out with to go see it, because they didn't know what the hell it was about.

The only reason I was excited to see it was because I love Angel, Whedon's currently rocking Astonishing X-Men right now, and people here were hailing Firefly as one of the greatest shows of all time.

Although, the "So and so many viewers can't be wrong!" deal, from when I first saw the trailer made me wince a little.

[Sam]

Honestly, those are still pretty crappy. You just can't dress up Serenity and have it work as an action-adventure sci-fi movie.

Except, of course, that people who bothered to actually go and see the thing has pretty overwhelmingly liked it. I think I've seen a bad review from a single critic, compared to dozens of reviews ranging from positive to glowing.

I suspect the movie will do surprisingly well in DVD form via word of mouth and cult status. Quality does count for something, even if one of those things isn't box office revenue.

(Keep in mind, the studio were fairly open about the fact that in their own projections, they considered $10 million a good opening weekend. They bankrolled it anyway, so they must be expecting to make money on the back end.)

[howyadoin]

I don't think the title's so bad. Though, I am surprised it wasn't something more like "Firefly: Serenity."They can't use "Firefly" without paying money to Fox. And that's just not gonna happen.

I've heard nothing but good things about Firefly. It's actually tempting me to go see the movie.It's not too late.

[MKTerra]

They can't use "Firefly" without paying money to Fox. And that's just not gonna happen.Ahh, that explains it.

[Ontir]

I saw Serenity and I thought it was a good sci-fi action flick but it appears, judging from the Box Office, that the film isn't doing well at the moment. So I have to ask what went wrong for the movie to not me a Box Office success.


The film was #2 last week, and has dropped to #8 this week, hardly a bomb, plus cinematic release only accounts for 11% of a film's profits, and this film will do extremely well in DVD sales and pay-per-view. I also expect that it will do well enough to stay onscreen for a few more weeks, allowing it to earn another $10 - 20 million, or so.

[StoneGold]

Except, of course, that people who bothered to actually go and see the thing has pretty overwhelmingly liked it. I think I've seen a bad review from a single critic, compared to dozens of reviews ranging from positive to glowing.

But that's the question, if it was so good, what kept people from slapping down $10 for a ticket?

[howyadoin]

But that's the question, if it was so good, what kept people from slapping down $10 for a ticket?Because those people didn't know it was good?

[scyfli]

The film was #2 last week, and has dropped to #8 this week, hardly a bomb, plus cinematic release only accounts for 11% of a film's profits, and this film will do extremely well in DVD sales and pay-per-view. I also expect that it will do well enough to stay onscreen for a few more weeks, allowing it to earn another $10 - 20 million, or so.


Don't forget the overseas market. Serenity will earn its budget easily when those returns come in, if not before. I reckon we'll see a sequel before too long.

[Dr. Banner]

Besides "Star Wars", do movies set on spa