Serenity

Joss Whedon's film sequel to the axed Firefly TV series gives both fans of the show and newbies a chance to join the ship and its crew on their ultimate adventure.

The plot: The crew of the Firefly class freighter Serenity are a mix of former rebels (Captain Mal Reynolds played by Nathan Fillion, and Zoe Alleyne played by Gina Torres), a gun for hire (Jayne Cobb played by Adam Baldwin), a priest (Shepherd Book played by Ron Glass), a sparky engineer (Kaylee played by Jewel Staite) and fugitives (Simon Tam played by Sean Maher and his sister River played by Summer Glau).

Serenity stays in business by engaging in various types of nefarious activity, usually harming only the Alliance (think the Northern states of the Union, only malevolent) or bad guys. For the feature film, though, Whedon brings what I imagine are the core secrets he was holding for the TV series to climax on the big screen.

The story centres on River Tam and the reasons why the Alliance is hunting her so unrelentingly. She has been medically enhanced to become a powerful telepath (and killing machine) and knows a deep, dark secret that the rulers of the Alliance don't want known by the people. Mal comes to understand this and after a close friend is killed by an Alliance operative is determined to find the truth and expose it to the universe.

For a more detailed plot click here.

In summary: While it is certain that the film is best appreciated by fans of the series, newbies can also jump right in as Whedon carefully outlines the essential plot points very early on. Along the way we see the Whedon traits - lots of action and smart dialogue - that quickly endear the characters. Indeed, the benefit of the cast having worked for several months together on the series clearly shows in a camaraderie that only a good ensemble cast can impart.

What struck me about Firefly was how quickly and easily the cast became a great ensemble in the TV series. Only a handful of episodes were made, yet the actors were very natural and comfortable together - the characters seemed 'real'. As a Star Trek fan, who is continually horrified at how long it takes for the assorted casts to gel into real people - 'loosen up' I think is the best description - I have to give Joss Whedon tremendous credit in the crafting of the characters and directing of the actors in the Firefly TV series. This clearly flows through well to the big screen adaptation.

The Casablanca comparison: Captain Reynolds, like Rick, is a rebel who fought for the losing, but not wrong, side. Both men live at the edge of polite society on the periphery of war. Yet both Mal and Rick deploy the courage to act on their convictions when the circumstance demands it, forming a relationship through action that ultimately causes one of their adversaries to aid them in the end.

The rating: The characters are the heart of Serenity and the strength of the cast is what moves me to give this film a 9 out of 10. The story is good but not particularly deep and the action scenes (with the exception of River's fight scenes) are good but not spectacular. See it if you like sci fi and witty dialogue. Then buy the Firefly series on DVD and sit down for a few evenings to watch.