Netflix Flick of the Week: ‘Serenity’

The film Serenity is the movie sequel to Joss Wehdon's popular, but short-lived TV series Firefly. Firefly was a sci-fi series with many western elements thrown in. Though the film does a good job of explaining things to those unfamiliar with the series, here's a quick synopsis. In the future, our Earth that we know has been dried up of all its resources, causing the people to travel to other parts of the galaxy. There we're able to terra-form new planets and the central planets became under control of the Alliance (the galaxy's form of government). The series follows Captain Malcolm Reynolds (Nathan Fillion), a former soldier of the rebellion that fought and lost against the Alliance, and his “lovable” crew of the starship Serenity as they travel around the outer planets, looking for any work they can get and avoiding the Alliance, as they hide two fugitives, a doctor named Simon, and his psychic sister River.

One thing that made the series so great was the relationships between the crewmembers of Serenity. The film carries the great chemistry that the actors had in the TV series onto the big screen. Each of the different crewmembers has his or her own distinct personality. From Zoë (Gina Torres) being the tough-nosed second in command, to Wash (Alan Tudyk) as the snarky, comical pilot, to Simon (Sean Maher) as the smart but caring doctor, each character gets enough time to really shine. The writing is really top-notch for a sci-fi film and the acting is spot on most of the time. Nathan Fillon, who plays the captain, brings his A-game to this film, going from a wise-ass to a cold, stern leader flawlessly. Chiwetel Ejiofor is also great as the villain. As for the story itself, it's pretty straightforward and easy to follow. The pace is great and like I said, it does a good job of explain things to newcomers.

The main problem that I saw with the film was that while it does explain things for newcomers, it definitely helps to have watched the TV series in advance. As some things, mostly character relationships, make better sense if you watch the series. You're also more attached to the cast going in and it hurts more when certain characters die (no spoilers). The effects in the film are also kind of hit and miss, ranging from video-game like to actually pretty impressive for the time.

Overall: While it helps to watch Firefly in advance. Serenity stands by-itself as a really solid sci-fi film. The acting and writing is what really makes this movie shine. For those who are familiar with Firefly, its everything you've come to expect from the series. Those unfamiliar, its still a very fun and unique film that will leave you satisfied. However, I still advise you check out the series, it's one of my favorites of all time.

The film currently holds a 4.1 out of 5 stars on Netflix.