Firefly: Serenity (review)

[keilexandra]

Firefly: Serenity
Directed by Joss Whedon
1 hr 59 min
PG-13

[oblique spoilers]

I saw about the first half of this at Alpha, but went to bed that night before the film ended. So I finally got around to reserving it at the library and watched the entire thing. And it was amazing. (Hmm, am I the only person who hasn't seen this and is/was going to?)

So, I'll work backwards. The ending was superb, hitting just the right emotional note for me. I confess, at the climax with the Reavers, I got up and walked to the kitchen for a little while. They are scary. Simon surviving is something of a deus ex machina, which annoyed me enough that it doesn't count as a real spoiler. I am mightily annoyed when emotional lows turn out to be unwarranted. I loved River throughout the entire movie, except for her clothes--why did she always wear flimsy/skimpy dresses when everyone else was sensible? Especially on the ice planet--I mean, ice=cold! Some other issues: how exactly did the crew lure the Reavers to fight the battle for them; and if the Reavers are beyond madness, how can they coordinate raids and not kill each other?

Still, the directing and acting were equally beautiful. My first impression of Joss Whedon is certainly favorable--enough that I might reserve the 4 season discs at the library, too. Oh--and Mr. Universe looks really familiar. Is he played by the same guy who plays Charlie in Numb3rs?

Comments

[jpsorrow.livejournal.com]

I've wanted to see this for a long time, but haven't gotten around to it. I'll have to add it to my Christmas list.

[lordubiquitous.livejournal.com]

Ice planet? I don't recall any planets with ice on them. And River has the excuse of being so badass, that it doesn't matter what she wears.

[keilexandra]

Miranda was referenced as an ice planet, I'm pretty sure.

[sethdickinson.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I usually pay attention to practicality, and River always seemed to be pretty sensibly clad. A good balance between the style of the character and utility, especially as she always wore those enormous and awesome combat boots.

[sethdickinson.livejournal.com]

Also, uh, what ice planet? It makes sense that Miranda would be cold since it's so far out, and the lighting's certainly kind of chilly (if harsh), but really it doesn't seem to be all that frigid.

[keilexandra]

I thought Miranda was specifically referred to as a big planet-sized ball of ice, unable to support life, or something. River's combat boots were cool, but she wore short-sleeved dresses when everyone else was wearing full combat gear. I know she does hand-to-hand combat (and the climax scene is full of awesome) but she could at least wear some long sleeves and leggings.

[sethdickinson.livejournal.com]

I believe that story about Miranda was a cover, actually, so no one would go visit. When they actually get there they remark that everything is fine and it's perfectly habitable.

I guess the clothing is a matter of style, then; movies are fond of taking liberties with all sorts of things in the name of style.

[keilexandra]

Ah, okay. And the nitpick about River's clothes was minor, really; I love her dresses, I just don't think they're very practical.

[lady-puck9999.livejournal.com]

Oh Wash? What sort of justice allows a man so wonderful to die such a lame-ass death? Or any death at all, for that matter?