Serenity – a short review
I am not a science-fiction fan, and yet recently a couple of productions have completely won me over: the latest Dr Who series earlier this year, and then Serenity last night.
I had watched the pilot of the axed TV series from which the movie spins off (Firefly) and was intrigued by it visually, plot-wise, but most importantly by the script. Funny, fast, imaginative language delivered by all-round characters that try not to fall into stereotypes. Not too much, at least.
I had also watched the opening ten minutes of the movie on a streaming video website and was completely captivated. The movie turned out to be all that and more. I still cannot believe I did not get bored during fights, chases and battles – and believe me, I have been known to fall asleep during battle scenes in all the Star Wars movies I ever sat through. On the contrary, this time I was on the edge of my seat, a bit deafened by West India Quay Cineworld's mother of a sound system, cheering my heroes along their way just like I was supposed to. It felt great. I felt happy. And not just because Adam Baldwin (as Jayne) though not exactly my cup of tea, is particularly pleasant to look at.
As far as the plot goes, without giving too much away, I can say that it's the 26th century and starship Serenity's motley crew of rebels have to protect their very special cargo from 'the Alliance'. You can read a more detailed plot summary on the IMDB website.
A breakdown of Serenity's very high rating on the IMDB website shows that women enjoyed the movie more than men. I can definitely see the appeal this movie has on someone who might not be a fan of big guns and space ships, possibly because it is a whole package of wit and blockbusting action.
Four and a half out of five.
Update (12 October 2005): 'Sci-fi film Serenity has ended Pride and Prejudice's four-week reign at the top of the UK film chart.'