The Pop Pirate

Serenity Review (Finally)

So this review is late.

I saw Serenity tuesday night, but I've been very hesitant to review it. Not because the movie was bad- far from it- but because I realize that I have absolutely no objectivity about it. In the end, I said screw it- I'll write the only review I can, the review of an unabashed Firefly fanboy, a browncoat. So consider this a warning: if you are not a fan, this review may or may not ring true to you. But hopefully it will.

Rarely am I surprised by a movie that I've been highly anticipating, but Serenity suprised me. It was surprisingly fast-paced, surprisingly well written (and that's saying a lot since I was expecting Joss Whedon) and, well, surprisingly good.

In fact, it's the pacing that makes me question how non-fans will respond to the movie. It moves at a pretty good clip, and if you're not already familiar with the characters and the rhythm of the dialouge, you might miss a lot. But for the fan, it's a thrill ride, through and through, not the leisurely pace one would expect from an episode of Firefly.

When it comes down to it, I think the element of this movie that elevates it to greatness is not the excellent effects, nor the pitch perfect acting, but its uncompromising and beautiful story. Mr. Whedon is an expert storyteller, and his craftsmanship is plenty evident here. Each element is carefully planned and executed to bring the viewer to the ragged edge and bring them back.

I won't go into too much detail, but this movie truly breaks ground in the range of emotions a film can evoke. We've all laughed and cried at movies, but when was the last time you were truly worried for a character? Or got mad at them?

Take this emotional range and add to it poignant but understated political comment, mesmerizing visuals and witty, crackling dialouge, and you've got yourself a darn fine way to spend a couple of hours.

Again, maybe it's because I know these characters. Maybe it's because I am predisposed to love anything related to Firefly. Or maybe- just maybe- this film is really, really good. Come September 30th, judge for yourself.

posted by Jeff @ 10:07 PM