Serenity

Starring: Nathan Fillion, Summer Glau, Chiwetel Ejiofor

Directed by: Joss Whedon

4.5 out of 5 stars

Lately, science fiction movies have been disappointments at best. Beneath the overblown CGI sequences there’s just not that much to them … until now.

‘Serenity’ is not only entertaining, it’s also the future of science fiction movies. This movie is ‘Star Wars’ for a new era – and fortunately it doesn’t suck like the ‘Star Wars’ movies made in this new era. The film is the continuation of cult TV show ‘Firefly,’ which FOX canceled in 2002 after airing only 11 of the 14 episodes.

Fans of ‘Firefly’ will better appreciate ‘Serenity’ than newcomers, if only because the movie offers a sense of conclusion that the show’s early cancellation prevented, but everyone should have a good time.

Both the show and the movie are set 500 years into the future, and the protagonists travel from world to world committing assorted crimes in their spaceship called Serenity.

While the movie is primarily science fiction, there are hints of other genres as well. The numerous planets and moons humanity has settled are barely livable, giving the movie a Western feel. There’s also a hint of horror, as well as some film noir styling just to make sure everyone could find at least one genre they like.

Now, no science fiction movie would be complete without an interplanetary government to revile. All of humanity is a part of the Alliance, a single super-power created from the remains of the American and Chinese governments. But that’s where the science fiction clichs end. Most sci-fi is about the novelty of space and the supernatural. Not this movie. ‘Serenity’ is about believable characters living on the ‘raggedy edge’ instead of the excitement of space.

The movie isn’t burdened by a big-name cast; it keeps the same incredibly talented actors and actresses from the TV show. Summer Glau, who plays a paranoid schizophrenic psychic named River Tam, is one of the best young actresses Hollywood has seen in years. Jewel Staite and Alan Tudyk are both well-suited for Serenity’s lovable mechanic and hilarious pilot, respectively.

The special effects in the movie are spectacular without being unrealistic. The only downside is I wish there could be more CGI. The sequences are matched by fast-paced action that’ll keep you jittery until well after the movie is over. The numerous action sequences make it resoundingly clear that the main characters are in incredible danger and the stakes keep getting higher and higher.

‘Serenity’ is anything but your usual fare. Good casting, fast-paced action and witty dialogue make this a movie one to be remembered.

Published on September 28, 2005 at 12:00 pm