Saw Serenity last night. I am not a hardcore Joss Whedon-ite: I watched the first few seasons of Buffy before kind of losing interest, and I only saw a few episodes of Angel. I am was, however, a big fan of Firefly, and was very sorry it fell victim to the poo-flinging chimps responsible for the majority of Fox's programming.
I won't spoil anything about the movie (it won't be released until the end of the month). I'll just say that I enjoyed it quite a bit. Serenity's more action-oriented than the TV show, which is understandable when you consider Whedon's usual verbal gymnastics probably aren't the best fit for a 2-hour movie, though the dialogue is still superior. It isn't necessary to have seen the show, but it helps, as some characters get shorter shrift than others in the introduction department.
And I can happily say I found River's character much less annoying here than in the TV show.
One big difference is the scope. Firefly was, at heart, an episodic TV show, and Whedon could afford (or so he thought) to spend time developing backgrounds and writing smaller stories. In Serenity, he really shoots his wad - creatively speaking. One almost gets the feeling he's trying to justify Universal giving him a sequel, though if rumors are to believed, Serenity is just the first in a three-picture deal.
I don't know if those unfamiliar with Firefly are going to make Serenity a success. I hope they do. It's an intelligently written little film with great characters and some nifty twists. That it just happens to be sci-fi shouldn't put anybody off checking it out.
And I think Jayne deserves his own movie.
Jayne!
The man they call Jayne!
Oh, he robbed from the rich
and he gave to the poor.
Stood up to the man
and he gave him what for.
Our love for him now
ain't hard to explain.
The hero of Canton
the man they call Jayne.
When I lived in Sherman Oaks, the guy we shared a wall with played "Badger" on the FIREFLY TV show. As much as I hated him (being the bizaare, self important dillweed he was) I shared his thought that not since cancelling FAMILY GUY had FOX made such a blunder in programming. I mean, they had a pilot of the show which they DIDN'T show for the show's debut, then they showed 2-3 episodes and cut to the World Series for a week or two. Probably one of the most exciting World Series's in recent years as well..unless you're a Giants fan. Then...we just dont talk abou
I've been watching the series this week on DVD. The proper series premier made so much sense, what the heck was FOX thinking?
This has something to do with why I never watch network TV any more.
Saw a preview at the movies for an up coming Josh Whedon flick- like a combo of a Buffesque super-strong woman and his failed Futuristic Firefly TV show.
Looks to be very interesting...and he sure likes to make some Kick-ass female characters.
:-)
I saw Serenity back in June, and I really liked it quite a bit. I'm sort of biased on Joss related things, so my hope that it does well may not be entirely based on the movie.
For those of you with Netflix, or its ilk, it is totally worth watching the entire TV series. Pete recommended that I do so some time ago. And it was a good suggestion. Sort of a sci-fi western, if that makes any sense. Looking forward to the movie, as the series' cancelation left gaping holes in an otherwise compelling story line completely unadressed.