Xixax Film Forum

Film Discussion => The Vault => Topic started by: Raikus on June 04, 2004, 06:33:27 PM

Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: Raikus on June 04, 2004, 06:33:27 PM
Fans of the show, namely me, should be pretty excited to hear this:

Whedon Announces April 22nd, 2005 Release Date
SUBMITTED BY Typhon24

June 4, 2004 —

Writer/Director Joss Whedon updated fans after his first day of shooting on 'Serenity', including the first official confirmation of the film's release date:

"Hi guys. Just wanted to give you some news but guess what? I can't get on the site. I have trouble with passwords. So hopefully Chris B will forward this to you with his wily technical knowledgablosity.

Today was (as I think you know) the first day of filming of Serenity. Which is pretty big for me (it felt weird to START with Mal's death, but scheduling isn't my area). It was a blast. Sean said it was like school was back in session after summer vacation, which I have decided to take as a compliment. Gina did a happy dance (and there are few happier sights than Gina doing a happy dance). We're still flying. And the best part is, that's not even why I'm posting.

The real news, and you heard it here first, is that Universal has thrown down an official release date! So mark your calendars, Browncoats, 'cause if you're planning to get married on April 22nd 2005, you better change the date. Seriously. Who gets married in April? Just change it.

April 22nd. Exactly when I wanted to open, 'cause it's SOON. I can't wait for you all to see what we're putting together. It's a crazy-quilt of infotainment that like to call a 'film', and it just may be the best one ever made. Or one of the ones in the middle. Probably not the worst... I'm thinking middle. High middle. So buckle up and get ready for that patented Joss Whedon "high-middle" excitment. It's on its way.

I'm tired, and apparently I have to direct, like, EVERY scene, so I'm crashing. Thanks again, all of you, for helping me home. It's good to be back.

-joss."
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: LostEraser on June 09, 2004, 03:20:12 AM
Was Firefly any good? I was curious about that show. I was VERY skeptical about Buffy for the longest time but a friend of mine showed me some Weadon directed episodes and I thought they we're brilliant. I was actually shocked because I always thought that show sucked. Now I want to watch all the other episodes.
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: Raikus on June 09, 2004, 09:38:32 AM
Firefly's strength lies in its consecutive episodes. Wheaton did a good job of building the characters really well from episode 1-3. Unfortunately, Fox, in its infinite wisdom and splendor, deemed it necessary to air the episodes vastly out of order (so out of order that the last episode they aired was the pilot).

When it was on TV it was 'eh' for me. However I rented the DVD and watched them in order and it was just amazing how everything clicked. It's got great writing, superb acting and the humor that Wheadon usually brings to his craft. The characters are diverse and don't all speak with Joss' voice (a first in my opinion).

Definitely give it a rental on Netflix and see if it works for you.
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: socketlevel on October 24, 2004, 11:48:24 PM
sunrise records in toronto was selling the dvd set cheap so i picked it up on a whim.  have to say i was really sad to see it end, especially since the last episode with the bounty hunter was the best one yet (there is something so amazing about the performace of the bounty hunter, truly chilling.  I was really excited to hear the main influence for that character was owen wilson from the "minus man", that is one of the most underseen films i can think of).  pick it up, you will not regret it.  i would have loved to see these characters develop further.

maybe after the film it will come back with a vengence.

-sl-
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: MacGuffin on April 26, 2005, 03:38:47 PM
(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fus.movies1.yimg.com%2Fmovies.yahoo.com%2Fimages%2Fhv%2Fphoto%2Fmovie_pix%2Funiversal_pictures%2Fserenity%2F_group_photos%2Fadam_baldwin2.jpg&hash=aec7c27a8248479c5545ed61d496c1953bba0924)

Trailer here. (http://www.apple.com/trailers/universal/serenity/)

Release Date: September 30th, 2005 (wide)

Cast: Nathan Fillion (Capt. Malcolm Reynolds), Gina Torres (Zoe), Alan Tudyk (Wash), Sean Maher (Simon), Jewel Staite (Kaylee), Summer Glau (River), Ron Glass (Shepherd Book), Morena Baccarin (Inara), Adam Baldwin (Jayne), Chiwetel Ejiofor (The Operative), David Krumholtz (Mr. Universe), Raphael Feldman (Fanty), Yan Feldman (Mingo), Michael Hitchcock (Dr. Mathias)

Director: Joss Whedon (feature debut)

Screenwriter: Joss Whedon

Premise: Captain Malcolm Reynolds, a hardened veteran on the losing side of a galactic civil war, now ekes out a living pulling off small crimes and transport-for-hire aboard his ship, Serenity. He leads a small, eclectic crew who are the closest thing he has left to family - squabbling, insubordinate and undyingly loyal. When Mal takes on two new passengers - a young doctor and his unstable, telepathic sister - he gets much more than he bargained for. The pair are fugitives from the coalition dominating the universe, who will stop at nothing to reclaim the girl. The crew that was once used to skimming the outskirts of the galaxy unnoticed find themselves caught between the unstoppable military force of the Universal Alliance and the horrific, cannibalistic fury of the Reavers, savages who roam the very edge of space. Hunted by vastly different enemies, they begin to discover that the greatest danger to them may be on board Serenity herself.
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: Raikus on April 26, 2005, 04:12:28 PM
Alright. I'm geeking out. Can't wait to see this. Sadly, no Shepherd in there though and little of Kaylee.
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: modage on April 26, 2005, 10:04:20 PM
haha, how is it that everyone's vision of the future is 'unique' these days?

also: i dont know anything about the show but i like how there are no stars in this movie.  think about it.  big sci fi movie in theatres, no stars.  the last time that happened was probably pitch black.
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: meatball on April 26, 2005, 10:38:27 PM
Animal Mother (Adam Baldwin, the non-Baldwin) is in it!
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: pete on April 26, 2005, 11:10:28 PM
whoa it looks pretty cool.  I'm actually looking forward to it.  and that move where the dude clothlines someone, 'causing him to do a gainer, then catching his foot while he's in the air and slams down on his head, that was pretty funny.
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: Pubrick on April 26, 2005, 11:12:05 PM
Quote from: RaikusAlright. I'm geeking out. Can't wait to see this. Sadly, no Shepherd in there though and little of Kaylee.
yeah there's like no kaylee in there at all. maybe a frame or two.

that sucks, jewel staite was the whole reason i tuned in. i had been hanging since higher ground finished  :violin:
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: MacGuffin on July 30, 2005, 01:30:39 AM
(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmovies.apple.com%2Ftrailers%2Funiversal%2Fimages%2Fserenity_poster.jpg&hash=f2c1e3ac7348c12346e66c6f28dcad2a5356b5d5)

New Trailer here. (http://www.apple.com/trailers/universal/serenity/trailer_2/)
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: polkablues on October 01, 2005, 06:27:56 PM
Time for a serious thread-bump.

This was the best movie I've seen in a long time, of any genre.  More on this when I've reflected a little bit, but thank god for a film that actually bothers to earn the audience's feelings for the characters.

And Nathan Fillion might just be a movie star... not bad for the former third guy on "Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place".
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: Gamblour. on October 01, 2005, 07:09:57 PM
oh shit, forget that I actually saw this. yeah, it fucking rocks. funny all around, great action, great story. and goddamn michael hitchcock is in it!
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: modage on October 01, 2005, 08:45:31 PM
a brief history:

i loved Buffy the movie when it came out.  only saw a few minutes of the tv show and didnt like it.  never saw Firefly the show.  BUT with the good word of mouth, and rabid fans i'm interested.  

but moreso i love the EXTREMELY cool marketing strategy of holding fan screenings MONTHS in advance and doing only internet advertising.  it is because of this i want to reward this film with my viewing in the theatre.  HOWEVER, never having seen the show i'm struggling with whether i should hold out on the movie till dvd after i've had a chance to see the series to increase my appreciation of it or just go see this to support it.  HELP!
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: NEON MERCURY on October 01, 2005, 08:59:21 PM
Quote from: modagea brief history:

i loved Buffy the movie when it came out.  only saw a few minutes of the tv show and didnt like it.  never saw Firefly the show.  BUT with the good word of mouth, and rabid fans i'm interested.  

but moreso i love the EXTREMELY cool marketing strategy of holding fan screenings MONTHS in advance and doing only internet advertising.  it is because of this i want to reward this film with my viewing in the theatre.  HOWEVER, never having seen the show i'm struggling with whether i should hold out on the movie till dvd after i've had a chance to see the series to increase my appreciation of it or just go see this to support it.  HELP!



(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmembers.aol.com%2Fwhitelegg%2Fmonopoly%2Fgo.gif&hash=9ac45cf46c2971449b4405f81d788634cc7b6d97)
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: Pas on October 02, 2005, 11:36:47 AM
Quote from: NEON MERCURY
Quote from: modagea brief history:

i loved Buffy the movie when it came out.  only saw a few minutes of the tv show and didnt like it.  never saw Firefly the show.  BUT with the good word of mouth, and rabid fans i'm interested.  

but moreso i love the EXTREMELY cool marketing strategy of holding fan screenings MONTHS in advance and doing only internet advertising.  it is because of this i want to reward this film with my viewing in the theatre.  HOWEVER, never having seen the show i'm struggling with whether i should hold out on the movie till dvd after i've had a chance to see the series to increase my appreciation of it or just go see this to support it.  HELP!



(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmembers.aol.com%2Fwhitelegg%2Fmonopoly%2Fgo.gif&hash=9ac45cf46c2971449b4405f81d788634cc7b6d97)

Seriously it's that good ?! I don't know if I'm a bitch here but I tought the trailer was kinda gay. Anyway now everyone is raving so I am considering even buying the DVD set since I love good sci-fi....

a)Should I buy the series ?
b)Is it preferable to see the movie after the series ?
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: polkablues on October 02, 2005, 12:21:17 PM
Quote from: Pas Rapa)Should I buy the series ?
b)Is it preferable to see the movie after the series ?

a)I would say yes, although the movie is better than the series ever was.

b)Although I really have no frame of reference, not knowing what it would be like to see the movie without having seen the series, I would imagine seeing it probably helps.
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: Gamblour. on October 02, 2005, 03:13:44 PM
Ok, because this is going to get overhyped, everyone should go see it before that happens. But first, watch the series.

Then, read Orson Scott Card compare Joss Whedon to Shakespeare as he calls this the best sci-fi movie ever:

http://www.hatrack.com/osc/reviews/everything/2005-09-30-extra.shtml
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: ProgWRX on October 02, 2005, 10:50:04 PM
My brothers are HUGE fan of the series, but i could never get into it. I never liked Buffy, im not big fan of sci fi and usually HATE westerns, so this was a combination that didnt seem all that interesting to me. They came home all high from the rush of seeing the movie, and basically convinced me and my gf to go see it today with them.

We both LOVED this movie. I can only wish i couldve watched the series before watching the movie, it couldve only helped to make it even better. Good action with lots of character development! Even having not seen the series, it got me to feel for certain things that ocurred. When we got back home we immediately watched the pilot of the series. Now im looking forward for the rest.

Here's hoping that the film does well enough to maybe spawn a sequel or even better, a revival of the TV show!
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: matt35mm on October 03, 2005, 12:55:48 AM
Yeah I saw this tonight and I've never seen the TV show.  It definitely works anyway.

I will add another :yabbse-thumbup: to the pile of good reviews.
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: hedwig on October 03, 2005, 01:03:29 AM
Quote from: GamblourOrson Scott Card compare Joss Whedon to Shakespeare as he calls this the best sci-fi movie ever:

http://www.hatrack.com/osc/reviews/everything/2005-09-30-extra.shtml

cool article.

but DAMN, i think Card italicizes a non-titular word in at least fifteen of his paragraphs!
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: Pubrick on October 03, 2005, 02:54:43 AM
i was down with firefly sine before it was cool. and i was not into buffy so it's not a whedon thing.

havn't seen this yet but i know i'll love it, so add my pre-emptive good review. tho i don't think u can get a better review than ProgWRX's. if u told me u didn't like buffy, sci-fi, or westerns i would've advised u seriously not to see it. u've inspired me to convince my brother to go. (sorry hedwig, damn that article!)

my favourite thing of the series were Animal Mother's shirts.. and the chicks. can't wait to see both on a huge screen! :yabbse-lipsrsealed:
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: ProgWRX on October 03, 2005, 06:53:13 AM
actually after watching the first episode of the series (the 80something minute one) the chicks look hotter/prettier on the tv show than on the big screen. "Kaylee" and "Inara" being the most notable examples, IMO.
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: Pas on October 03, 2005, 06:57:09 AM
Quote from: Pubricki was down with firefly sine before it was cool. and i was not into buffy so it's not a whedon thing.

havn't seen this yet but i know i'll love it, so add my pre-emptive good review. tho i don't think u can get a better review than ProgWRX's. if u told me u didn't like buffy, sci-fi, or westerns i would've advised u seriously not to see it. u've inspired me to convince my brother to go. (sorry hedwig, damn that article!)

my favourite thing of the series were Animal Mother's shirts.. and the chicks. can't wait to see both on a huge screen! :yabbse-lipsrsealed:

Ok that's cool I'm ordering the tv series right now.

Quote from: Orson Scott Card in that article Gamblour postedOn that ship we had an interlocking community with a history, rather like what has been a-building with Lost and what was developed over the years with Friends (but what never existed in Seinfeld because the main writer, Larry David, doesn't seem to believe in anything, and you can't build a powerful community on a sneer).

Invalidated.
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: Gamblour. on October 03, 2005, 10:40:55 AM
haha, I know Pas, that was a strange comment. But, if you think about it, as existential as Seinfeld is, I can see Card's point.
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: Pubrick on October 03, 2005, 10:44:01 AM
Quote from: ProgWRX"Kaylee" and "Inara" being the most notable examples, IMO.
yes (plus the redhead bryce dallas howard lookalike u'll see later in the series). i didn't wanna say "except the black one" cos i think she's married to larry fishburne. also kaylee (jewel staite) notably lost weight since the series was shot, i noticed in publicity photos she looks freakishly thin, and her pudgy face was always her main attraction. that and the voice.
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: Gamblour. on October 03, 2005, 02:03:47 PM
yeah, but she comes off as bitchy in the special features. or at least, sliiiiightly bitchy so that it ruins the illusion of kaylee.
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: w/o horse on October 04, 2005, 01:25:09 AM
It was okay.  Some of the writing was tv writing to the maxx.  I like his humor, but am less than amazed by the fact that he builds characters and more let down by how two dimensional the characters are.  Still, good popcorn times.

Haven't seen the show, don't feel the need to now.
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: matt35mm on October 04, 2005, 01:33:15 AM
Oh, I wanted to add that I appreciated that there was no sound in space.  Only when they enter an atmosphere.  It's probably not the only movie aside from 2001 that does that, but it's still rare.
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: The Perineum Falcon on October 04, 2005, 09:29:55 PM
Quote from: ProgWRXI never liked Buffy, im not big fan of sci fi and usually HATE westerns, so this was a combination that didnt seem all that interesting to me.

We both LOVED this movie. I can only wish i couldve watched the series before watching the movie, it couldve only helped to make it even better. Good action with lots of character development! Even having not seen the series, it got me to feel for certain things that ocurred.

Here's hoping that the film does well enough to maybe spawn a sequel or even better, a revival of the TV show!
Agreed, wholeheartedly. :yabbse-thumbup:
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: Raikus on October 08, 2005, 12:52:09 PM
Yes!

It exceeded expectations, which is really saying a lot. I was very surprised about what a well rounded, realized story it had. A movie only composed of strong parts is very rare and I thought it had that. It was great to see the characters up on the big screen and not the "movie" versions of the character, but the same as they were on the TV series (except for Jane perhaps. He was a bit too wordy).

***SPOILERS HEREFORTH***

I knew going into the movie that some of the characters were going to die through stumbled upon spoilers. I figured Shepherd was one of them, but when Wash died I was really shocked. Especially with the suddeness of it. Honestly, it pissed me off royally, but I guess any movie/tv series that can cause emotions like that about a character's death speaks for itself. I liked the violence, I liked the story and especially Mal's process during the movie. I didn't like Inara's stupid Nerf pistol bow and arrow, Jane's one use of a big word (can't remember what it was) and I hated Wash's passing.

I was very surprised how much I liked the movie since it focussed on my two least favorite characters (River and Simon) but man did they become interesting quickly. I also liked how Whedon could pull you back into the fun of the movie so quickly (Wash's death - Reaver attack - Kaylee's sex line/"I'm living then"). But now I'm really depressed that this may be the last story we have of them. I hope not, but signs point to yes.
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: killafilm on October 10, 2005, 03:55:20 PM
Quote from: Losing the Horse:It was okay.  Some of the writing was tv writing to the maxx.  I like his humor, but am less than amazed by the fact that he builds characters and more let down by how two dimensional the characters are.  Still, good popcorn times.

Haven't seen the show, don't feel the need to now.

Saw it yesterday and feel almost exactly the same.  It was no where close to all of the hype.  I didn't see any amazing character development.  I didn't care when anyone died, and a large part of me wanted more of the main characters to die.  I'll also say there was some 'tv acting to the maxx.'

While the story may have been 'well rounded' it all came off a bit cliche and unoriginal to me.  Seemed like Whedon was barrowing a little too much from Sci-Fi's past.
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: Recce on October 21, 2005, 09:50:28 PM
Quote from: RaikusYes!
***SPOILERS HEREFORTH***

I knew going into the movie that some of the characters were going to die through stumbled upon spoilers. I figured Shepherd was one of them, but when Wash died I was really shocked. Especially with the suddeness of it. Honestly, it pissed me off royally, but I guess any movie/tv series that can cause emotions like that about a character's death speaks for itself.

***Spoiler***

It bugged me too that they killed Wash, but it definitely worked to make you understand that there were consequences to their actions. I think for anyone who was even remotely into it, you feel understand better just how fucked up things are getting when they kill off the comic relief. Plus, for anyone who followed the show, your stomach tightens at the thought of Whedon going nuts and killing everyone off in a mad attempt at destroying anything Firefly so no one else can mess with it.

Apparently, there are talks about sequels if and when the film grosses a certain large amount of profit. I haven't really followed how its been doing? Anyone know?
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: polkablues on October 21, 2005, 09:59:54 PM
Quote from: RecceApparently, there are talks about sequels if and when the film grosses a certain large amount of profit. I haven't really followed how its been doing? Anyone know?

Not too well.  Huge dropoff in its second week.  Should make a killing overseas and on DVD, though.
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: modage on November 02, 2005, 12:42:00 PM
Title: Serenity
Released: 20th December 2005
SRP: $29.98

Further Details
Universal has today officially announced Serenity which stars Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk. This Joss Whedon directed sci-fi will be available to own from the 20th December, priced at around $29.98. The film itself will be presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen, along with English and French Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks. Extras will include a feature commentary with writer/director Joss Whedon, a director introduction, deleted scenes, outtakes, a Future History: The Story of Earth That Was featurette, a What's in a Firefly featurette and a Re-Lighting the Firefly featurette. We've attached the official artwork at the link below: http://dvdanswers.com/index.php?r=0&s=1&c=8055&n=1&burl=

well, thats cool i'll still be able to see this before the end of the year.
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: grand theft sparrow on November 02, 2005, 01:16:45 PM
I have a question for all the Firefly fans in the house.  

A friend of mine is trying to get me into the show.  I watched the first couple of episodes and, though it's not bad at all, I'm lukewarm to it.  The sci-fi/western mash-up is interesting but it feels forced sometimes; the Western aspect of it is too "on the nose" to really enjoy IMHO.  I never caught it when it was on Fox (being that it was in the timeslot of death) but if I had, I feel like I would have tuned out by now.  Nothing has kicked my ass yet on the show.  Maybe I'm just spoiled by Lost which had me about 30 seconds into the pilot.

So my question is a 2-parter really: does the show get better after the first couple of episodes and, is Serenity easier to like than Firefly or is it a case where you really need to be into the show to even bother with the movie?
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: matt35mm on November 02, 2005, 02:26:49 PM
Quote from: hacksparrowis Serenity easier to like than Firefly or is it a case where you really need to be into the show to even bother with the movie?
I think it's already been established that the movie is worth watching even without having seen the show.  It works as a movie on its own, so don't worry about that.
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: Raikus on November 02, 2005, 03:22:05 PM
I can only speak from my experiences, but when it was on TV I gave it a shot and it just didn't happen. Later I watched the DVD's and it just clicked. Yes the episodes do get better the further you go. Starting, I think, with Our Mrs. Reynolds and continuing. Watching them in order the characters start coming to like and the western motif is "just there" but not overbearing.

The important thing to remember is this is not one of those "character investing" sci fi show like Farscape or Babylon 5 or whatever. It takes a little watching and it will either click for you or not. But I highly suggest you take the chance.
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: Ghostboy on November 02, 2005, 03:31:18 PM
I saw the movie a few weeks ago, and it just didn't click for me enough to make me want to go back and watch the show. I got caught up in it, but only barely. It was smart and well-written, but it just didn't really grab me.
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: polkablues on November 02, 2005, 08:34:53 PM
Quote from: hacksparrowSo my question is a 2-parter really: does the show get better after the first couple of episodes and, is Serenity easier to like than Firefly or is it a case where you really need to be into the show to even bother with the movie?

I'll reiterate what I've said before: I watched the show back when it was on TV and liked it, but never really loved it.  But the movie blew me away.  Everything they were trying to do with the show, they accomplished tenfold in the film.

I have the feeling it would be to your benefit to watch more of the series, if for nothing else than to really get a sense of the richness of the character relationships (which pay off immeasurably in "Serenity").
Title: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: ProgWRX on November 02, 2005, 08:50:03 PM
i had never watched the show, in fact i normally dont like either westerns nor am i a big fan of sci fi, and still went and LOVED the movie. I just HAD to watch the series afterwards.

:saywhat:
Title: Re: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: hedwig on November 26, 2005, 04:27:52 PM
dvd release date: December 20, 2005

(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.amazon.com%2Fimages%2FP%2FB000BW7QWW.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg&hash=9d474508a48d86b8c17d55144754a17ab63601cc)
Title: Re: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: polkablues on November 26, 2005, 08:46:40 PM
How many drunk monkeys were in charge of marketing for this movie?  Every single piece of art I've seen promoting it has been terrible.  This is a major theatrical release, not a Sci-Fi Channel original production!
Title: Re: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: Raikus on December 01, 2005, 02:42:16 PM
Yeah, that DVD looks like a Vivid cover. Or a Tracy Lords flick.
Title: Re: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: MacGuffin on December 01, 2005, 05:34:01 PM
Exclusive: A Serenity Sequel?
This one's for the Browncoats.

IGN FilmForce has heard that, although it was very disappointed in the poor boxoffice showing for Serenity, Universal may not have retired Captain Malcolm Reynolds and his renegade crew just yet.

Sources said that, given the strong sales of the TV series Firefly on DVD, Universal is planning a sequel film to Serenity that will be produced with and to broadcast premiere on the Sci Fi Channel, which is part of the NBC Universal family.

The project is said to be a lower budget undertaking streamlined for the small-screen.

IGN FilmForce checked with Joss Whedon's camp who denied the claim; Universal did not comment.

Time will tell if this rumor pans out.
Title: Re: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: polkablues on December 01, 2005, 06:48:27 PM
Quote from: polkablues on November 26, 2005, 08:46:40 PM
This is a major theatrical release, not a Sci-Fi Channel original production!

Quote from: MacGuffin on December 01, 2005, 05:34:01 PM
Universal is planning a sequel film to Serenity that will be produced with and to broadcast premiere on the Sci Fi Channel

My psychic powers are clearly improving.
Title: Re: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: modage on December 01, 2005, 07:55:56 PM
aww.  straight to sci-fi is pretty bad.  straight to dvd would even be more respectable.
Title: Re: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: Gamblour. on December 01, 2005, 08:59:58 PM
Yeah, this is very true, considering the quality of the Bruce Campbell alien/giant bugs movie I saw a while back.
Title: Re: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: grand theft sparrow on January 14, 2006, 04:47:32 PM
I've never been a huge fan of Joss Whedon, never thought he sucked but I think he's overrated.  I've seen a few episodes of Buffy which I liked but nothing that ever sucked me in (though I am still interested to watch it).  And I saw the first disc of the Firefly box set but I wasn't even inclined to watch the second disc that I borrowed from a friend.  I've suspected that he's just not my preferred brand of geekery; Serenity confirmed my suspicions.  I know I'm alone on this one but I didn't like it.   

The first half-hour was good but kind of got boring after that.  I was grateful that they toned down the "we're a western set in the future, isn't that cool?" aspect of the show for the movie but there's nothing new or exciting here.  It was well-directed (particularly for a "low" budget film with effects) but it felt like rehashed elements from other movies that did it better.  I felt no energy from it at all, except for Chiwetel Ejiofor. 

SPOILERS

And killing off Shepherd and Wash (the two characters I liked the most in the few episodes of the show I watched) was unforgivable.  When Wash took the giant spear to the chest, I immediately stopped caring about how it ended.   

END SPOILERS

Really, what it comes down to is that it's not a horrible show or movie... just unremarkable and overhyped by its fanbase (and this talk of Nathan Fillion being the new Harrison Ford... give me a break).  I don't begrudge the fans their rabid lust for this show and movie but there have been other cancelled shows and underperforming films that deserved boisterous fan support more than this one.
Title: Re: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: modage on January 28, 2006, 04:19:44 PM
my story:

as a little digging into this thread can tell you the overwhelming praise for Firefly and hype for Serenity made me very curious to check it out.  but since i had not gotten around to seeing the show by the time the film was released i decided to wait until i had a chance to watch it first so that i might have a greater appreciation of the film.  so, in that respect, i'm glad i did because i think it helped. 

a few weeks ago i had a chance to start watching Firefly and unlike some of the other shows i started watching the past few years (like Lost, Alias, Freaks and Geeks & Twin Peaks) the show did not really grab me.  at first i was a little embarrassed that it seemed to be sort of SciFi Channel nerd programming.  and this is coming from a nerd but even i thought there had to be a line drawn somewhere!  i mean, all the earmarks of nerd fantasy: hot whore, hot whorehouses, hot slave wives, etc.  in fact especially compared to Lost or Alias first season or two, Firefly really didn't seem to be much of a show at all.  the only really story that it had was with River. 

now, had JJ Abrams been behind Firefly i imagined that every episode, even in some small way, would've been driving that plot forward even with only a minute or two at the beginning or end of the show where they go off on whatever mission had nothing to do with the main storyline.  but really of the 14 episodes only maybe 3 had anything to do with the River storyline?  so as much as the characters were fun i kept wondering what was the POINT?  thats what is/was so great about Alias1&2/Lost is that the mystery drives the show and the characters keep you coming back, but the illusion that you're going SOMEwhere is what makes it compulsive viewing.  still, maybe thats just not the way Whedon works and he had planned out bigger arcs that never got a chance to play out thanks to an early cancellation and a many seasons arc storylines.  BUT had he made better use of his time at the beginning of the series to really HOOK people with MYSTERY maybe it wouldnt have been cancelled. 

about 3/4ths of the way through the show i actually turned to my girlfriend and said that even with the information that had been revealed, just what we knew about the characters up until that point, they could've done so much more to reveal it as mysteries and with flashbacks and such just to get across the SAME information!   i mean if River and Simon had been picked up as mysterious passengers and slowly you learned that they were fugitives, and then you learned that the Alliance was hunting them for River, and then you learned they had done crazy tests to her and then you had seen her powers!  that could've been revealed through like episodes and episodes of like sneaky glances and Simon trying to protect her and not let the crew onto her, but they just knew the whole time she was nutty etc.

the entire series feels like the setup to a great show/movie/story.  it barely had time to get into anything but it was cut short.  still, by the end of the series i was really excited for the film.  REALLY excited considering i was only lukewarm on the show.  but surely they would be able to get into certain things they didn't have time for in the show.  we had finished the show thursday night with word that netflix would deliver serenity on friday.  we watched 3 episodes that night to finish the series in preparation.  friday arrives, i get the mail.  serenity is snapped in half!  weekend ruined.  desperation sets in, a video store nearby is located, i sign up for membership and pay 3.25 to rent the film.  so, the film...

i watched the Whedon introduction to the film addressing his fans and after having just watched the series and not even being that much a fan i still managed to get really excited.  during the opening 30 minutes or so of the film i had a constant smile on my face.  i thought that this WOULD be the film to fulfill the PROMISE of the show.  the jump in production was especially noticable.  it looked GREAT.  and for a lower budget picture with a lot of special effects i thought it looked GREAT.  i mean, most times movies with nearly unlimited budgets have shots that always look so bad to me it takes me out of the film.  even in Kong, Rings, Star Wars, etc. but here i thought everything worked.  and it probably were the restrictions that helped that, unliked people with enough money to show anything/everything they realized they had to be creative to make sure the way things were done were as effective as possible.  and in that respect i wish the show had this kind of budget to realize itself because THAT would be the best show ever. 

but by the end of the film it was clear that Whedon had no intention of wrapping up the series.  which made it even more confounding to see him kill off 2 of his main characters!  i like the idea of going out on an epic note with real peril, but the whole film felt like a prelude to a bigger story.  just like the series!  Serenity should've been the pilot to Firefly 2.0 because so many things that were setup in the show were hardly touched upon in the film.  and i understand only having two hours to tell a story that had been envisioned originally as being many many hours is nearly impossible but you'd think after the trouble he went through to get this film made he would've wanted to put as much in as possible! 

but it felt like he was still holding back (and perhaps holding out for future films) by NOT letting Mal and Inara have a moment or Kaylee & Simon, or explaining what Shepards connection to the Alliance is (as aluded to in the series), or giving us some more of the actual Alliance instead of a single bounty hunter (think of it, what if only Boba Fett had been hunting Luke & Han instead of Vader the Emperor and an entire Empire!  thats no film!), what about those guys who make peoples faces bleed!  basically everything save a reason the Alliance wanted River so badly.  and i realize its much more fun to during the mystery than after it's solved (see: everything) but even character moments like i mentioned above would've benefited a film who wanted to stand on it's own as much as satisfy fans of the series. 

however, looking back on it all i can't help but feel incredibly sad that since the film didn't do well this is probably the last we'll see of these characters.  funny, isn't it?  even though i never completely LOVED the show or the film i did enjoy both and would've liked to see them go further with it.  somehow the cummulative effect of the show is greater than the sum of it's parts.  i even made my desktop background the Serenity artwork from above!  so i'd like to see the film again and i may even buy it but i feel like the whole series and film had a lot of untapped potential that makes me even more upset that we wont get a chance to explore it.
Title: Re: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: MacGuffin on October 04, 2006, 11:21:11 AM
No Serenity 2 confirms Whedon

Sad day for Browncoats, with Joss Whedon putting an – ahem – stake through any chance of a "Serenity" sequel.

Whedon tells the terrific Whedonesque site that although he was intending to make a franchise out of his TV series ("Firefly") turned film, it's a no go.

There's been scuttlebutt over the past couple of weeks suggesting that a sequel was gearing up, but alas, such talk is false.

"There's no sequel, no secret project regarding Serenity or somesuch and I'm not even sure how anyone thought there was talk there," wrote Whedon. "So let's put that to bed and smother it with a pillow."

"Serenity", released last year to much fanfare but little box office returns, apparently didn't even recoup its costs.
Title: Re: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: ProgWRX on October 04, 2006, 01:39:56 PM
too bad :(  i realize people want to move on and do other projects but i still have the selfish fan point of view of wanting more and being dissapointed when series creators seem to abandon things (Arrested Development and now this)
Title: Re: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: Ravi on May 08, 2007, 05:10:42 PM
http://www.dvdactive.com/news/releases/serenity5.html

Title: Serenity
Starring: Nathan Fillion
Released: 21st August 2007
SRP: $26.98

Further Details:
Universal Home Video has sent over early details on a new two-disc collector's edition of Serenity which stars Nathan Fillion, and Alan Tudyk. This Joss Whedon directed sci-fi will be available to own from the 21st August, and should retail at around $26.98. The film itself will be presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen, along with   English Dolby Digital 5.1, and DTS 5.1 Surround tracks. Universal has yet to reveal the extra material I'm afraid, but we'll bring you further details very shortly. Stay tuned.
Title: Re: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: Ravi on May 16, 2007, 03:07:39 AM
(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg517.imageshack.us%2Fimg517%2F8494%2F1327467hic5.jpg&hash=bd253e4380b31c22bddf6c9cbf969406b8b25597)

Yuck.
Title: Re: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: The Perineum Falcon on May 16, 2007, 09:46:50 AM
Yeah, that "Copyrighted Material" is worse than the Criterion C.
Title: Re: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: polkablues on May 16, 2007, 05:17:21 PM
The sad thing is, that's still a thousand times better than any of this movie's previous promotional art.
Title: Re: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: Rudie Obias on June 25, 2008, 08:27:07 PM
i have an ongoing argument with my brother, which was the better sci-fi film of 2005?  star wars episode 3 the revenge of the sith OR serenity?  discuss...

(i will post my answer soon)

ps
i haven't been on this thing in years and i should be regularly back....
Title: Re: Serenity (or Firefly: The Movie)
Post by: hedwig on June 25, 2008, 11:02:21 PM
WELCOME BACK RUDIECOREXXX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!