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SERENITY review
So weird.
That was the sensation I had tonight. I’ve only very rarely sat on the outside of the fandom at a geek event looking at the freak show as that. Usually, I’m the ringleader of the freak show – the HeadGeek. I guess technically, since I’m responsible for this event, along with Tim League, I still am the ring leader, but… I’m not a fan of the material that this is a film of.
Several months ago, Tim League asked me what I thought the odds where that I could get some sort of SERENITY event going locally. I had just had a brief and odd email exchange with Joss Whedon about a completely separate subject matter – so, I had Joss’ email address (NO, I WON’T EMAIL or FORWARD STUFF FOR YOU!) – so I told Tim, “Well, I’ve got Whedon’s email – let’s see!”
Now, I wasn’t doing this for me. None of the trailers or any of the episodes I’d seen had made a dent in my geek jones. It just hit me as… whatever. However, Tim League – I’d crawl on broken glass for, he is my Ringling Brother or vice versa. We’ve thrown and will continue to throw many epic events. Many of which start up as an act of lunacy on my part that Tim entertains because of a morbid fascination to see if it can be done. And with Tim, anything can be done. Also – my good friend, Robogeek… He’s a stark raving Whedonite. The man glows and floats two inches above the ground when he speaks of FIREFLY and SERENITY. He emails me fairly constantly that Mal should be John Carter. He is… obsessed. Personally, I’ve never really seen it. And lastly, I’d try to get this done for all the Whedon lovers that I know read this site that would make the trek to the event, if it were to come off.
Tim and I wanted to do the event in one of two Western town backlot style places outside Austin. There’s Willie Nelson’s Western Town… and then there’s the one that was built for Disney’s abysmal ALAMO. I was pulling for the Alamo set… somehow doing an Alamo Drafthouse Rolling Roadshow event at the Alamo… well, that’s cool.
I email Joss and I just never hear anything back. I figure, well… so much for that. 3 weeks later, Tim calls, “Any luck on that SERENITY thing?” “Nope.” And through the phone I felt a bit of Tim League die. This was one for him. Hell, most are for him and me, but HE really wanted this one. There wasn’t anything I could do… I think I gave him some false hope, saying something along the lines of how Joss Whedon is a busy man, working on multiple scripts, fine tuning his first theatrical feature and trying to build a massive grassroots following – I’m probably a minor pot hole on his roadmap ahead.
Then I got started on FANTASTIC FEST programming and BNAT programming. A massive endeavor – Involving a zillion phone calls, emails and research. About two weeks into that, I get an email from Joss – he’d just seen the email, apparently I’d emailed some account he hardly ever checks – he gave me a new address to write to, and definitely wanted to get this event going. Said it sounded fantastic. A smile ripped across my face – and I copy and pasted Joss’ text and in an email to Tim with the subject line, “You still want to do this?” I sent it. Almost instantly I get this hoot and hollering jumping up and down phone call from Tim and apparently an entire celebrating staff. Apparently the Alamo and the folks behind the scenes there… they kinda go nuts for this Whedon guy. It wasn’t quite at the rock solid state, but it was well on the way.
Quickly it was all set up. In the past couple of days though, I wasn’t really looking forward to this. I like the episodes of Buffy that I like, really kinda dislike ANGEL mainly cuz I don’t like that actor – he just doesn’t work for me. And FIREFLY – it just felt off to me. Think I watched 3 of the episodes on the DVD set and just never really wanted to watch the rest. Can’t really point to why, other than… I didn’t love anything about the show. It just wasn’t my thing.
As a result – I never went to any of the insane Brown Coat screenings – and I’m not entirely sure if I know what a Brown Coat or the Signal is. I’ve kinda been burnt on TV sci fi since the 4th Season of BABYLON 5. The STAR TREK shows just no longer held that passion that I used to have for it. BABYLON 5 just sort did what it did. FARSCAPE just felt bizarre to me. There just isn’t any TV sci-fi that I’ve seen in the past 7 years that made my geek go gaga. I don’t say that as a matter of pride, it’s actually really really sad to me. I love my old shows, and sure a big portion of it could just be my shrinking time dedicated to serial entertainment addiction. For me the last great Sci-Fi related show was X-FILES.
However, my blah-ness to something that so many of my friends dearly wish I was a geek on, kinda depressed me. There’s a seeming PEER PRESSURE by my fellow geeks that I love FIREFLY and this film SERENITY. So – here I am. I help get a giant SERENITY event off the ground. Perfect location. A great new girlfriend. Two of the lovely stars of the show in attendance. And above us, the stars… most of em.
First off – Disney’s ALAMO and San Antonio set is just jaw-droppingly fantastic. To my right was the façade of the Chapel. To my left, that’s where Bowie was. Behind me, that’s where the cannon shot the chain that cut all those Imperialist Mexicans in half. We were literally watching SERENITY in the courtyard of the Alamo. No lights of the city. Only the occasional airplane in the crystal clear night sky – and several hundred mega-geeks and a giant balloon screen to snap me out of my fantasy.
Oh… and the smell of central Texas bar-b-que in the air. I can’t tell you how awesome it is to smell bar-b-que while watching a movie in the courtyard of the ALAMO is. It’s just one of those perfect combinations. Just great.
Tim came out and introduced Summer and Jewel – and they were very cute – very gosh gee whiz. “Who knew, we go for a drive out into the night and suddenly it’s like FIELD OF DREAMS!” – not sure which of them said that, think it was Summer, might’ve been Jewel – but it was very true.
Before the film – Tim had a 5 minute “How to curse in Chinese” short that should be in every school in the country. So incredibly important.
Then it was time for the film.
The audience LOVED this film. It was this side of Rocky Horror – no acting with the film, but the film played them perfectly. This was a perfect way to see the film.
What’d I think of it? I liked it. If the opening wasn’t as weak as I felt it was – had the production values all been kicked up an extra bit to give it more than that “TV SCI FI MOVIE” feel – I think I might could have loved it.
Everything that takes place prior to Serenity’s decision to go rob that rim outpost was tedium upon tedium. Now, I haven’t followed the show. I didn’t really know shit about River’s character prior to this film, nor did I know she had a brother or that he was a doctor. But you know what – all that dense as hell exposition was just a big brick wall to climb to see the movie.
Trust the audience a little. Putting a cliff note origin story at the beginning isn’t nearly as thrilling as just diving in with the characters – building that scene to play a bit more. As a clueless member of the audience – I didn’t need to know she’s an incredibly deadly living machine of death. It would have been so much cooler to have her just suddenly doing it, and for us to be as surprised as the crew of SERENITY. Mal covered the, I want her on this mission cuz she’s psychic bit. Her brother being so protective of her after being fed the, “She’s the deadliest thing known to man” thing… well it just felt ridiculous.
All that early exposition just felt like, “On last week’s episode,” which has always been a device I hated about Television. Just leap into the story. Because…
After this thing leaps into adventure with the crew, it really begins to shine. It does feel a bit like Han Solo with a new ship. Hell, they even have the same hair, side gun and quick draw routine.
The underlying theme of “The truth is out there” is always a fun theme to play with. I like that the heroes are thieves, outlaws and folks on the fringe. My favorite character is probably Jane. He’s a bit of a poor man’s Bill Paxton, but that’s kinda cool. The pilot from KNIGHT’S TALE that would fong you within an inch of your life is always fun to see in films. And Mal is pretty darn good, but none of the actresses were really given much to work with here. Oh sure, River has some great mugging and physical action – but they’re just the least interesting characters in the film for me.
Also, the sort of wanton killing of characters in the film – I get that for fans of the show this was a big thing, and it was a shock to see so many characters getting all ripped up – but for me… one of the coat-less, this felt like they were just throwing characters away. Good ones. Sure, it made it more tense, when folks are dying on all sides of you – it makes the mission that much more desperate. I could feel the audience take the gut punch when the various characters died, but for me it was more like, “Shame – I kinda liked that character.”
Having said all that – about every 10 minutes of this film, the movie gets twice as good as the previous 10 minutes. By the end of the movie, I was into it and invested in the characters that I dug. Did it make me want to see the rest of the series? Not particularly – but I wouldn’t mind seeing this again some time. It’s much better than most of the sci-fi that we’ve gotten on the big screen recently, but that’s more of a sad statement regarding the state of science fiction, than heaping amounts of praise on this.
Like – I prefer this to CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK, but not PITCH BLACK. This owns ALIEN VS PREDATOR and I, ROBOT. There’s some stuff that’s really quite nice in the film – like everything having to do with the Space Cannibals… especially the little Road Warrior bit with land speeders.
Didn’t really care for the self-aware bad guy. Anytime a bad guy declares himself as evil, but necessary – I instantly don’t buy the character. All the bad guys that I believe are bad guys in this world – I guarantee you they don’t think they’re bad guys doing the necessary evil. It’s scarier than that… I believe they believe that God believes what they believe and anyone that believes otherwise… well they’re the evil ones. Meaning, I’m the bad guy. But fuck that news, I’m the good guy!
But I had a very good time with the movie. Just, having seen the best film of the year last night, this felt like a fig Newton, a lite treat.
Having said that – it’s obviously earth-shatteringly awesome for those that “believe”. And for all those like me that just don’t get the show – without spoiling anything – there’s some really really cool shit in here that you’ll dig, even if you don’t think this show deserved to be turned into a movie before AUTOMAN and MISFITS OF SCIENCE and MANIMAL and MAN FROM ATLANTIS did. Those would so own this. Heh.
Supporting this film will just help get more sci-fi out there. This is a good one, not the great one. It’s a far cry from STAR WARS or EMPIRE STRIKES BACK or WRATH OF KHAN or ALIENS – but hey… so is everything else. This is a good time.
After the film though – I almost let what enjoyment I had for the film drift away – due to some rude jackasses that decided to be “the ugly fans” – and if you’ve ever been to a convention and seen those people that rush to microphone to ask a “jackass question” that’s about embarrassing the actresses, director, writers, whoever is on the spot… Well that’s what popped up first here. However, Summer and Jewel recovered wonderfully and went on to do a very fun Q&A. Nothing particularly deep, but I think I kinda fell in school boy love with Summer in the Q&A – she’s a sweetheart, absolutely adorable.
Wish I had loved it like those all wrapped up in love with this thing. I love that feeling.
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It really sounds like this movie is going to be "pretty good." That's all.
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I can't wait to see it , the characters in this show just all work for me. And I love Adam Baldwin , he's good in just about every part I have seen him in.
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Sep 29, 2005 3:44:04 AM CDT
Wrath of Khan is one of my favourite films, I thought Serenity w
by andy dufresne
I thought it was a wonderful movie.
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I was turned off by the show at first, didn't seem to be something I could relate to. But I kept watching it as my friends spoke so highly of it. And sure enough it grew on me. I highly recommend it. (HARRY)
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Is this the first time you've read this site? This is actually halfway decent for a Harry review. He didn't mention how any of the characters reminded him of a unfortunate bodily function, there were no bizarre conspiracy theories and even though he was practically balletic about not stepping on Whedon's toes, he was pretty clear he felt it was so-so. The pointless and shameless mention of his having a girlfriend was in bad taste, but it could've been worse. I didn't even have to try and interpret his twisted grammar for once.
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Sep 29, 2005 4:32:03 AM CDT
"The pointless and shameless mention of his having a girlfriend
by dogsoup
I just thought that needed restating. I was actually weighing in on how Harry really felt, and then after that I felt cheated. Sad, sad day today...it's like something died in this world....
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...for my first viewing of the show. I suppose I have to now so that I can see what side of this debate I will end up on.
PS: Hurray for new reviews from Harry!
PPS: My "ps" was not sarcasm. but genuine glee. -
Sep 29, 2005 4:34:37 AM CDT
Again, KNOWLES CAN WATCH KOREAN CINEMA WITHOUT SUBTITLES, and SA
by lordenigma
Oy vey Harry, but you deserve a big bear hug from someone because of it. It makes you unique, like a really old Buick. Still cool, but antiquated to the rocket ship ideals of Harley Earl. This easily ranks as one of the best Sci-Fi films in years. Nothing comes close to it, but you cant understand what it's about? Let me just explain this to you, and the next time you are smoking pot with QT. Remember it: People who care will always be able to defeat people who dont.
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Sure its flawed..but I kinda loved it...
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Sep 29, 2005 4:54:04 AM CDT
I hate those fucking geeks that try and ruin everything for ever
by jon e cin
Have some class and respect. Every convention Q&A and almost every opening night "geek" movie has these "asshole geeks" that mock the film and make sure to ruin everyones experience.
It doesnt really make you cool to make fun of a movie you paid $10 bucks to see.
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I dug Cursor. Oh, yeah, and I'll be seeing this on Friday morning.
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and you still don't
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I understand the film. I even like it. The plot of the film is pretty basic. There's a government cover-up, they're worried the psychic knows all, they want to plug the leak and will use the goose-stepping wing of the military to squash and destroy anyone in the way of wiping out this last remnant of "the truth" which their regime lives in fear of being revealed. -- What I don't get isn't the plot or the characters or any of the various twists and turns (which there really aren't many of in this film) - it actually comes down to the fact that I'm not a fan of the show. I do not have the baggage of the series to make the emotional scenes nearly as emotional as is apparent for most of you fans. I actually regret that I am not really a fan of the show. It ultimately comes down to a matter of taste. I like the film more than I do the series, but not so much that I'm gaga for it. I feel it's ultimately under-financed, that many parts are short-shifted and that it has a tedious opening overly populated in clumsy exposition. After the opening - the film gets much better - but stuff like, "And that's not incense" annoys me. It feels a bit like Velma in Scooby Doo announcing the trick they're going to pull on the villain. Or that this whole dead world is so damn clean. No dead leaves, or dust, or anything that gives a sense of time passing and a decaying paradise. Apparently this planet has no seasons, wind, rain. That sequence had plot atmosphere - but no cinematic atmosphere. What happened there was horrible, but I didn't believe the environment. A nitpick? Definitely. Did it ruin the film for me? Absolutely not. But it was something that bothered me. There were all sorts of things I liked and ate up in the film. And I whole-heartedly recommend it, because for folks that haven't followed the series - it'll be good. For many of the fans that love the show, they'll love this thing inside and out. I'm just not one of those people.
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Hey Harry,
I reccommend you give the DVD's another go. A lot of people seem to get hooked slowly. You said you did three eps? Try five in a row and I believe it'll start to seep in. The show is layered and a slow burn in many ways. The characters are rich in their appeal and the show was constructed to create a family over time. That is, if you wanna "get" the things you say you don't right now. You don't have to but it might give you a quieter life. Cheers. -
Also, I would say that some of the criticism of the twists and plot turns could be laid at Wrath of Khan's feet. Being under-financed and not loving the characters in the same way without the general Trek Fandom. You could say Spock's death was overblown if you didn't know Star Trek and didn't love that character. And fans had a lot longer and many more episodes to build up that love.
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and was not trying to slag it off.
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Thankyou for helping us Browncoats spread the signal and for getting behind a project like that even though you hadn't seen Firefly. Mighty fine of you. This movie means the 'verse to a whole lot of people.
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Yeah maybe Whedon played it safe when it came to the origin stuff. There are a lot of characters and they all have various interpersonal relationships and by the time you work all that in maybe cuts on the time you can devote to the plot. I think X-Men suffered some of the same obstacles being an origin story with a low budget but what it sets up is hopefully is a payoff in a second film. If I have a problem with Harry's review here is that it's a little short sighted. Firefly was set up to work on TV. There has to be a transition to make it bigger. The ship was nothing more than a pest to the government and Whedon had to come up with a story that would allow these nobodies to effect the universe in which they live. Again this significantly raises the stakes for the next story.
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Terra forming leaves all the planets a sunny paradise Harry, and with no one around to man the weather controls it's left that way. It worked for me because of the Juxtaposition of paradise and hell. It also works as a metaphor, the alliance were trying to create perfect people with their perfect planet. The the utopian sun shines down on their dead planet. Works perfectly when you think about it, but that's just me.
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Okay, I saw this movie during the first screenings and loved it (also dug the hell out of the show), but that's neither here nor there. I just continue to find it kinda sad that folks like Harry brush off television when its actually a far more viable storytelling format than films these days. This is not to dog on films in general, but having anywhere from 13-to-24 hours to develop characters, story, themes, etc. seems to make a lot more sense to me than having to boil everything down to two-hour bits (unless you're someone like Scorsese, then you give yourself three hours to do what you could accomplish just as well in one and a half), particularly in the sci-fi/fantasy genre. With some exceptions, most films have slowly become the foodstuffs of our ADD-addled society--go in, get it all in a two-hour burst, and get out. Television...GOOD television...requires patience, dedication and perseverence. Try finding any of those traits in the folks who helped "The Dukes of Hazard" to open at #1.
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Check Out the episode titled "Out Of Gas" thats has to be the best episode EVER in the series.
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I'm with Harry on this one. I thought the show was just so-so. I couldn't really get into it. And the movie really does have that "made for Sc-Fi Network" look.
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Sep 29, 2005 6:51:36 AM CDT
Made for TV look? From the guy who was the DP on unforgiven?...
by andy dufresne
.....riiiight. If people knew nothing of the show it's based on the "TV" look would not have come into it at all.
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because judging from the trailers (mind you, I haven't seen the movie yet) it really does have the tv look. Especially in that bar fight scene where they start to play that cheesy rock/techno music.
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So wait - this "utopia" it never rains - yet it's a green paradise? So there's what... a planet wide sprinkler system? And all the grass, I guess is engineered to never grow longer than 2 and a half inches? So utopia has no seasons? No wind? I mean, if the sun is out every day - anything of color would be bleached. Just because the people die, it doesn't mean plants - which are still alive - cease to grow, shed leaves. Now, I suppose there could be robots running around taking care of remedial tasks like watering stuff, and I suppose they could be self-servicing and repairing - but has anything like that been hinted at in the FIREFLY universe? Loved the KNB make-up on the cadavers btw. Like I said - the perfect state of that planet so reminded me of all those terrible utopian fucking planets that the Next Generation and modern Trek went to. ---- Andy - also regarding the DP of Unforgiven - the film was SHOT handsomely - but it was mainly confined to the cinematic language of television. Like most of Ron Howard's stuff. It's a style you can see on most directors that come from Series work. They can have the best DP in the world, but unless the director directs him to vary from the TV visual vocabulary - which is the Director's background - it won't truly be cinematic.
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They cannot stand to hear that people don't love this movie, or the series. Look, the Browncoats are about as annoying as Rocky Horror fans. If you are lucky, then you won't see any of them at your local theatre when you see this movie. They could make you hate it.
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When I saw this movie, the Browncoats were singing Jayne's song for a good half hour. Then they did some chant (I don't even know what it was) right as the movie was introduced. This movie isn't even close to being worth that kind of fandom. Hell, as has been pointed out by some critics, it looks like a long TV episode. I don't mind people loving the movie, but at least be realistic about it. Kahn is genius compared to this movie.
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Some people like asparagus, others don't.
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I don't think TV sucks - I just don't have time for it. Most of the press screenings are from 7-10pm - primetime - I hate commercials like the plague. And I don't even watch the animated stuff on FOX. I read, watch DVDs, working to produce 3 movies right now, program two film festivals, run this site, help my sis raise a nephew, learn to walk again and try to foster a relationship with my current gf. TV isn't very important to me. I love film, literature, music and history... as my primary fascinations. As a result - I don't play video games or watch TV. Occassionally I'll check out a show on DVD - when I can skip commercials. But frankly - I get about 9 dvds a day sent to me, including box sets of TV shows. My primary addiction is cinema. SO... The DVDs with a priority are theatrical entertainment, not the boob tube.
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you guys are cunts.
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Sep 29, 2005 7:57:31 AM CDT
Amazing how bitter some of you are that I only really liked it.
by headgeek
Hey if I'm lucky, I get to spend 2 days a week with my gf. Then - only half of each of those. She works fairly non-stop. And the same is true of me. She's unfortunately the least of my time consumptions. Most of my time is babysitting the site, getting through dvds, writing and currently - programming film festivals and setting up cool events for film lovers. If I watch TV, it's usually a bit of CNN or the other news networks. Unless my nephew is here - then it's PBS, Nick, Cartoon Network, Disney Channel or a DVD that he wants to see.... or throwing a football around. Then there's my British show, interviews, talking with various folks that call - everything from University Students wanting quotes for papers they're writing to News Reporters wanting the same, to young filmmakers wanting advice - to filmmaking partners of mine on these 3 projects, to charitable organizations wanting my help to raise money for dozens of causes, to speaking engagements at schools and institutions... oh yeah, and friends and family too. Oh - ghost - think you know who's directing my movie eh? You so smart.
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Coming from the man who loved the remake of Assault on Precinct Thirteen. I think your contempt for Whedon has been around for some time. Probably, partially because so many of those that "get it" are constantly assaulting you every time you speak on it, and partially because of your inability to enjoy eposidic work. You didn't come into this movie with an empty slate, you came in with years of battering from whedonites, so you dealt it extra scrutiny you wouldn't have given it had it not been TV's Joss Whedon directing it. It's got reams of depth that Revenge of the Sith never had, has subtext, and forsight, and I understand that's probably too much for you.
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Harry, I understand you get dozens of DVDs thrown at you everyday, but seriously try watching Firefly up to the three episodes "Ariel", "Out of Gas" and "War Stories". If after those three you're still not loving the show then it's probably not for you. But at least you will be able to say you've seen the best of what the show has to offer. Oh, and watch them with your girlfriend, she might enjoy Firefly too. :)
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to say you only "like it" when you go gaga for almost everything almost makes it seem like a pan. Dudes, ease of his personal life. Love to see how you pricks would stand up under this much scrutiny.
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Yeah Harry, it was set up in the FF episode "Aerial" that all central planets (and by association Alliance strongholds) are sterile paradises. Machines do maintenance and half the stuff that would need season (grass, trees etc) are probably genetic freaks or just plain fake. (think the garffiti robots in Demolition man). Fair comment about the TV background, but I still think Whedon does some nice work that just doesn't "Moulin" all over the place. The long shot on Serenity at the beginning where they walk through the ship (well it's two shots but good ol' trickery makes it look like one)is a very rich shot. The way the space battles were filmed were still interesting in a genre that has been mined to death. It was filmed like a western and needed a cinematic language to match. About what you said about the TNG worlds: exactly right, that was kinda the point. When you think about it, the Alliance is like an evil way in which to view the Federation. Wanting evryone to be one big unified group, wanting it too much in the case of the Alliance. The brilliant Enterprise (which is a testament to Human endeavour) is a complete contrast to the fly trap of Serenity. So it's appropriate that the planet in which the Alliance try and FORCE people to be "better" would be featureless "Utopia", like the ones TNG so knew.
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He gave the movie a good review. He didn't love it. So what? It's not like he kicked your dog.
Get over yourselves. There's a reason why Whedon projects have a "cult" following and is not loved on a massive following. Your the cult. Know your place in the world, put on the white tennis shoes, drink the Kool-Aid, sleep forever and enjoy the trip to outer space. -
....I can except Harry only "liking" and not "loving". Jeez why are people getting so worked up? This should be a place to discuss movies. Our love of them, our opinions on them, what we like, what we hate. Why are people attacking Harry personally? If you don't agree with someone, debate them on the ponts of the issue. Christ AICN wasn't always like this was it? Some of us come here for the movies.
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are douchebags. critique the review not the guys personal life.
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After watching a few of the episodes Firefly since seeing the first trailer for Serenity, the tv spots etc are really hitting the mark.
I'm still laughing at Fillion's response to the gun in his face and Baldwin wanting leadership of the ship. He's got some real charm and hope this moves him onto 'better' films.
And anyway, the actress that plays the hooker is like a version of Tera Patrick you can take home to meet momma. -
Never wrote a full on review of any Rodriguez related flick on this site other than FACULTY and SIN CITY. If you re-read the DVD column you'd see that I recommened that DVD to parents with kids - and I've gotten letters of thanks from about 15 parents whose kids loved it, and who loved sitting around with 3D glasses seeing a movie dreamt up by a little boy the same age as their kids. It's a novelty. ---- As for a "Hatred or Grudge with Joss Whedon" - at most there's a playful game I play with Herc in regards to Whedon. I have at home every last episode of BUFFY on DVD and I have watched them all and other than really disliking the actor that plays Angel - I like most of the show and love some of it. HUSH is like my favoritest thing from TV ever. And ONCE MORE WITH FEELING is only ever fully appreciated with an Alamo Audience doing the sing along. Heh. What have I not liked from Whedon? Not a fan of his early draft of TOY STORY - mainly because - it's a pretty big departure from the final film. I love SPEED & TOY STORY. Hate ALIEN RESURRECTION, think that TITAN AE was bland as hell... though I so wanted to love that, it wasn't funny. Don't like ANGEL - can't get over disliking the title character. Watch him in CROW: WICKED PRAYER to see just how god awful he is when he doesn't have Whedon to save his ass. At some point I'll probably check out some of the other episodes of FIREFLY - but it isn't my top priority right now. I literally think that Whedon doing WONDER WOMAN is about the most perfect marriage of creator and character... ever conceived. However, I do think he gets a little "cute" too often, but he has a gift for creating endearing characters. -- Ghost - I liked SHREK 2 btw - but almost entirely for Puss In Boots - and I would have rather seen a film about Puss - than another Shrek movie. I enjoyed the first SHREK and didn't really want another story with those characters. Just like, I enjoyed MADAGASCAR - but I don't need a sequel. Nor do I think it is a better animated film than CORPSE BRIDE - and my personal feeling is that WALLACE & GROMIT will own a Gold trophy of a bald guy for Animation early next year. And if you're knocking the remake of ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 - then I can only assume you haven't seen it. It's a blast - that filmmaker is someone to watch. Ethan Hawke and Fishburne own that film. So cool.
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I wouldn't give Wheddon shit for Alien, since he hates the movie and almost nothing of what he wrote made it into the final cut.
I'm encouraged that you actually gave Buffy the chance it deserved. Maybe you don't hate whedon. But I think its rare in the state of mainstream hollywood today to have a writer who is gifted at giving characters depth. Whedon's characters are always layered, something I think that rarely happens anymore. And his women are given rare opportunities to play against type.
as far as assault is concerned, I did see it. Only after reading your review. I've spent the last 5 months apologizing to my friends for making them rent it. They've never stopped mocking me for it. It's an abomination. -
Because it was made for television. The set-up of firefly was designed to be able to develop a cast of characters over a long period of time. Joss Whedon says of his own ANGEL, that after the first season he expanded the cast because an emsemble works better for the kind of television he writes. Firefly started as a television show, and a great one (IMO). But for films the focus must be different. While it annoys me that Harry didn't like firefly (because my love for the series makes it hard for me to imagine anybody not loving it too) it's understandable. if you can, Harry, watch some more firefly, but it's up to you. For the rest of my llooyal Whedonites, love the series, love the film, but please don't turn into arseholes over it.
If this was a film without the TV-show baggage, disregarding the fact that it would never be made, what would the premise be reduced to? I have no idea. Do you? -
I think all geeks, in a way, can understand that feeling of just not getting something everyone else seems to dig. You can't like EVERYTHING. Take Lord of the Rings, for example. I feel the same way about it as you do about Serenity/Firefly, Harry. I liked it well enough, but I just never LOVED it. My friends went completely ape shit over LOTR but for me, it had a pretentious air about it that kept me from absolutely falling in love with it. Like the movie was TRYING to keep me at arms length. I think was because Peter Jackson made a conscious decision to make the movie as plausible as possible. An admirable choice, but I often felt like I was watching the History Channel in an alternate universe. I recognize how well crafted it was and, as I said, I liked it well enough, but it certainly wasn't the greatest thing since double sided tape (sliced bread had a good, long run). So, you gave it a shot, didn't love it. It happens. But KUDOS on putting together what seems like a stellar event. Now, as for there being no good sci-fi on TV...there's this amazing little show called Battlestar Galactica that, if you can manage to get past the fact that it's NOT the original, is one of THE best shows on TV.
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I would have liked him to love it too, but I understand why he came to this. Personally my favorite episode of Firefly is Objects in Space, and I think if any person, including Harry, needs to know why to love this series, they need to check out that episode.
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And there's me struggling to fit in a shit, a meal, a taped episode of the new Boycie show on BBC1 and an argument with a member of my family in a day...
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before the movie comes out, I suggest 3 episodes: The original 2-hour pilot, Out of Gas, and Objects in Space. Those 3 (or 4 if you count the pilot as 2) episodes will give the new viewer a good grasp on who these characters are and some insight into the show. If you have time for a couple more, I would also suggest Ariel and War Stories. I agree that a couple of the early episodes are not nearly as strong as the rest and can see why some might give up after Disc #1.
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Finnaly Harry responds to the bitches who feel there comments rock Harry's world...... Wait do they????
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Fuuny one dr_bugger, Boycie show is not the best though. Harry, Thats a lot of shit to get through every day, when do you have time to eat?? You must be just skin and bones man...... Does anyone think that the big secret in Lost is that the others on the island are slaves who arrived there on the Black Rock???
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It's usually "absolutely hated it" or "absolutely loved it". I'm just glad this isn't one of those "hated it" reviews.
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I was a fan of the show and jumped at the chance to see it early at one of the special events. The movie is good, but could have used more money. I actually liked the show MUCH better than the movie.
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I loved Chronicles of Riddick, yeah i know it ain't perfect. But this movie looks pretty weak. And I'm a huge sci-fi fan. But not the cheesy low budget sci-fi with cartoon special effects you see on T.V. So maybe i'll check it out on DVD.....
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Boycie and Del flying the ship, Rodney forced to read the map (whilst moaning he doesn't get to fly), Marlene getting pissed on integalactic cocktails, Uncle Albert talking about his days in World War 2001, Trigger on weapons detail (He uses a broom for a heat seeking space missile), Denzel doing whatever Denzel did and Mickey Pearce selling some space phones as they go to the planet Nag's Head where Mike offers a pint and a cheese roll...all in a days work for Trotter's Intergalactic Trading.
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Reading the vile spewing from the Firefly/Serenity fans, I can actually FEEL myself becoming a non-fan!!! Really enjoyed the show, got the DVD's, watched 'em, some eps. 2 or 3 times...but getting closer to release, I've found myself less and less interested. Harry points out some thing's in his review that I thought would be problems, mostly the look of the film, Whedon's lack of cinematic direction...he makes valid points, for anyone that knows anything about filmmaking! Keep up the good work Harry, I truely look forward to seeing the films you are working on, also, what British show? curious. I know you want to keep the talk backs open, but seriously consider some moderation, at least boot people who contribute nothing but hate and personal attacks! It never ceases to amaze me how people can take things SO out of context.
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is the best series of all time. God bless them actors
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Sep 29, 2005 10:40:05 AM CDT
You guys remind me of that guy who just really can't wrap hi
by bob zyurunkel
"What do you mean you don't like shrimp? How can you not like shrimp? Have you ever even tried it? Like this, I mean, broiled and dipped in butter? Not crappy little shrimp from a can or in popcorn shrimp or something. Like what I have here, nice big juicy shrimp. Here, take a bite. Just take a bite, I swear to god you'll love this. Come on, take a bite. One bite. Just one fucking bite! Try it! Say it! Say you love shrimp! SAY IT!!!"
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...talk about high concept! I'd pay good money to see that. They could even have a yellow ship shaped like a whistle with 3 wheels coming down when it lands and a load of black shit spewing out of the exhaust. Uncle Albert would have to drive though, with a 'hilarious' running joke whereby he continually sinks/crashes the ship.
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...considering your rather condescending tone towards the Whedon fans of the last few months (which was very dissappoining behaviour for the self-proclaimed 'Head Geek') your review is overall far more positive than I expected. There are many things a disagree with but I felt I should point out at least one: in the opening, your remark of "I didn
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Sep 29, 2005 10:58:33 AM CDT
"Reading the vile spewing from the Firefly/Serenity fans, I can
by daryl van horn
That may be the single dumbest thing I've read here and that's saying something. If you like something, like it for itself. Or dislike it for itself. Not because of what the more rabid core of fans are saying. Trek, Star Wars, LotR, they all have their annoying hard core fans who put people off (and yell at Harry). It has nothing to do with the work itself.
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dangit I expected more pictures
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Bob Zyurunkel you are right on mate...people at my work get their panties all twisted every time it comes up that i haven't bothered to watch firefly yet... "WHAT? I'LL BURN THE WHOLE FIRST SEASON FOR YOU! YOU'RE NOT INERESTED? HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE? IT'S SO GREAT OH MY GOD OH MY GOD" it was the same way with Buffy, another show that I thought was merely OK but everyone fucking soiled themselves over it. i don't get it. he's a decent writer, with some good concepts and some funny dialogue here and there but i really don't understand why people are a) so over the moon for him and b) so unwilling to accept that other people don't enjoy it as much as they do. even trekkies aren't this fucking pathetic about shoving it down everyone's throat. personally, i'm NOT going to see this movie just for that reason. being a geek about something is perfectly acceptable (god knows i have my guilty pleasures), but why get so up in arms that everyone doesn't feel exactly the same way?
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I hate all this Josh Whedon shit pushed down my throats. I really don't want to buy the hype of a mediocre series (Whether Buffy, Angel and Firefly) where I'll struggle to gain any real interest ala Lost. BTW I said Josh on purpose just to piss off any Whedonites.
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Single dumbest thing? Yeah, but it was funny!!! I don't recall writing anything about liking or disliking the show, I think my statement was pretty clear!
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"this owns ALIEN VS PREDATOR"!
"this felt like a fig Newton"! -
Coming from a non-Star Trek fan, this movie better be pretty fricking good for you to compare it to Wrath of Khan. I just watched it yesterday, and Wrath of Khan works on a number of levels. I have never watched Firefly, and I will give Serenity a shot, but it has a LONG way to go to compare to Wrath of Khan. They should have ended Star Trek after that movie.
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Serenity won't compare to Wrath of Kahn unless you're invested in the characters the way you were likely invested in Star Trek's characters before you saw that movie. That said, I read one review online yesterday that said it was the most cohesive, entertaining piece of sci-fi storytelling SINCE Wrath of Kahn.
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Sep 29, 2005 11:37:43 AM CDT
It takes some time, but once you "get" it, you're hooked
by acappellaman
My brother pushed me and my wife HARD to watch Firefly. I didn't resist much since I usually trust my brother's taste, but I had little interest. Once we did decide to give it a shot, it took a while to get into it. We were into the second disk and my wife was starting to lose interest - she ALMOST gave up, giving it the "meh" review Harry did. All of a sudden, it started to click, and we were both hooked. I think it was Out of Gas that finally pushed us over the edge. The weird thing is - all those early episodes that didn't seem to be very good to us at first viewing, all of a sudden were much better. Once you know the characters, the small things they do are that much more fun to watch. Now my wife is practically frothing at the mouth waiting to see the movie this weekend. I don't know many people that wouldn't fall in love with this show if they give it a fair chance. I'm sure there would be some, but not many.
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the sincerity with which so many of you plead with harry to just watch a few more episodes freaks me the fuck out. maybe it's time you all took some amyl nitrate and got whedon where you have always wanted him.
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Harry sounds like those elitist pricks who say "I don't watch movies, I read books." TV didn't stop with X-Files.(god did it suck in the end) He probably still refuses to watch Battlestar. You've become what you used to hate...
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it's not a matter of "getting it." i get it, i just don't particularly enjoy joss whedon. and the few minutes or so that i've seen of various firefly episodes here at work didn't make me want to fall all over myself getting to the store to buy every copy of the DVD. OK? Is that fucking OK with you crazy fuckers if I don't like the show? i mean jesus fucking christ, it's like mormons showing up at your door every day asking why you still haven't gotten around to reading the latest issue of Watchtower or whatever their fucking magazine is called. WE GET IT YOU LIKE THE SHOW, now get this - I don't.
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...as does any movie not named Alien VS. Predator. Worst movie ever. If Harry, king of hyperbole thinks this is a 'MEH' film, then I'm certainly not gonna waste my time.
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It's been soooooo long since talent actually gave the people what they want. I can't fucking stand it! I watch Buffy/Angel shit for years, only to have some show that lasted 11 episodes to get the movie treatment. C'mon. John Woo still sucks. Ridley Scott is still living off Blade Runner while he preps some historical yawner that any studio director could do. Tarantino placed a self-ban on his cool dialogue. Doom is directed by the guy who did the shitty Romeo Must Die!! Sorry Joss, Vampires are cooler than Space Cowboys. Sorry if that sounds juvenile, but when 25yr old geeks have to wrench excitement from 7 year old entertainmenmt like Madagascar, we got a problem. So it's not written badly, so fuckin what? I don't wanna see a bunch of
movies about talking animals or kid wizards? There's as many single men as there are married men in this country. Is it a crime to want cool shit? Hollywood is so pussy! -
I'm not trying to flame anybody or throw down some massive diss on all you Whedon fans out there -- you've got 'em, you love 'em, you can have 'em. BUT STOP THINKING THAT EVERYONE ON THE PLANET SHOULD THINK THE SAME WAY YOU DO!!!! You're like ultra-conservative republicans, you think anyone with opinions other than yours are wrong, wrong, wrong. Like Harry says, it's a matter of taste... and I have a particular dislike for dull, half-witty, cheap-looking TV science-fiction. I think it's too bad that Harry went out on a limb, organized a screening, even had nice things to say about the film, because he gets crucified because it's not really his thing. What more do you want?
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Sep 29, 2005 12:17:52 PM CDT
And if I see one more movie or comic titled something like "John
by neo zeed
I'll put a fuckin Jihad on Hollywood Tommorrow!
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How do you feel about it, Harry? I felt the same way you did about FIREFLY, but gave it another chance a couple of weeks ago, and have fallen head-over-heels in love with it. Even bought the DVD set when it came out, and am just now finishing it up. For TV, I think it's incredible in all respects, and this comes from a big fan of the original, which I watched faithfully every Sunday as a kid when it first aired.
Sadly, I'm still "meh" with FIREFLY, and I watched the SCI FI marathon this past Monday. Got bored with it very quickly. And I am a die-hard BUFFY fan - never missed an episode; never missed an episode of ANGEL, either, but never really cared for it. Compared to BUFFY, I think it was directionless and mediocre. -
I fucking love Joss. Buffy and Angel are my two favorite shows ever. Firefly was fantastic and taken off the air way too soon by a stupid network. Serenity kicks ass. BUT... Some of my fellow fans do need to chill and accept and understand that everyone doesn't share their taste and that some people just don't like Joss' stuff. And that it's not the end of the world. It is a bit spooky to see some people act like religious fanatics trying to convert people. "Accept Joss into your heart or you will burn in hell!" And this is from someone who HAS managed to get many people to check out Buffy, Angel and Firefly on DVD (most of them dig em too!).
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"I think my statement was pretty clear!" Well, apparently not to yourself. You said that your dislike of the hardcore fans made you become a non-fan. So your status as fan or non-fan of the show is not determined by the quality of the work itself, but by your dislike of the fans. Which I still say is pretty damn dumb.
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I had mushroom risotto at a pub the other day with some mates. It was very informal so I invited people to try my mushroom risotto. One Friend said "No, I really hate mushroom risotto". "Oh?" I replied, "When was the last time you had it?". "Ages ago". "You really should try it again." The meal came. "That's RICE!" he exclaimed. "Yeah, what were you expecting?" "Those little round balls of crap." "You mean cous cous?" "Oh, quite possibly I was." He tried it, and now likes mushroom risotto.
The moral of this story is that mushroom risotto is nice. -
Sep 29, 2005 12:42:13 PM CDT
And if I see one more movie or comic titled something like "John
by neo zeed
I'll put a fuckin Jihad on Hollywood Tommorrow!
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not love it, I love Angel but like Buffy, I don't suck Whedon's cock and I don't force people who don't like it to watch it until they do. But to some of the really vocal complainers I'll say this, say someone hasn't seen Star Wars or LOTR or the first Matrix, you'd still say to them "I'll lend it to you if you like" And you would be, maybe suprised if they don't. But unless you were an asshole you wouldn't call them a fuckmonkey asshat prick would you? BUT if they came back and told you "I have a particular dislike for dull, half-witty, cheap-looking TV science-fiction." You'd probably tell them they were wrong and why. It's a matter of taste if you don't like something but just because you don't like doesn't mean its dull or half witted just not to your taste. I don't like Sinatra but I can still hear the talent. I think that's why SOME firefly fans feel the need to defend something they really like; there is a alot of undue criticism for the show. But yeh it's quirky and not to everyone's taste, doesn't mean it's shit though.
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They should do three or four good TV seasons, then cap it all off with a feature.
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Sep 29, 2005 1:11:59 PM CDT
Harry, do I have to give you crap about not reviewing the 40 Yea
by darkwater
Because its getting kind of old... But seriously, put to rest all of the doubts that people have of your many conquests in bed.
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...maybe us "Browncoats" do suck. What gives with jumping on Harry for calling the movie (and I quote) "a good time?" So it doesn't mean as much to him as it means to you, big fuckin' deal.
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Sep 29, 2005 1:23:53 PM CDT
I just registered here to say this: Harry Knowles's review o
by whedonfant
Yes I am a Browncoat and upon being linked to this site I read Harry Knowles review with much interest. The problems with the review are apparent to everyone: he clearly wrote the review in his mind before he had even seen the movie. He knew as soon as the hype reached breaking point for Serenity that he HAD to give it a bad review in order to make himself look edgy and different to the rest. I understand that Harry is very respected in Hollywood circles - why is this? Because he says he enjoys foreign films with no subtitles more than outstanding pieces of entertainment which are actually in English? Do the foreign movies have that brillian wit and comedy? Do the characters have deep backstories that he can't relate to because he doesn't understand what the hell they're saying? Do the stories take monumental twists which turn around the whole story - only Harry wouldn't know since he doesn't understand what happened since they're all speaking Korean? I have seen Serenity two times - and it truly is one of the best-made movies I have ever seen in my entire life. I knew the character backstories and connections and I was heavily emotionally involved with them right from the very first second of the movie - which is why is was such a weird, all out assualt on the senses for me. I came out the movie with my jaws wide open, unable to believe what I'd just seen. The movie didn't use a cheap twist to get me to leave the cinema so awed - it was 2 houra of gripping moviemaking the likes of which I haven't seen ever. The closest experience I've had is the last 45 minutes of Signs - which was ruined somewhat by the whole illogical water aspect. All two hours of Serenity is like that last 45 minutes of Signs: you're unable to think about anything else other than the movie, it draws you in, and literally throws you of the cinema out of breath. Harry's review seemed odd to me because he didn't seem to have gone through the same experience I did - and because of that, I'm guessing that he simply didn't pay attention to the movie, he was probabaly more busy paying attention to his girlfriend or the reactions of the audience or he was writing the review in his head and trying to pick out bad parts (of which there are literally none). Let me put the record straight: Serenity has the greatest climax in movie-making history. This isn't a flat Reservoir Dogs style cop-out - this is a climax that draws you in so much that you'll grab the hands of hte person next to you and they'll be grabbing back just as hard. This is the most intense cinematic experience I've ever had, and if it's not apprieciated now, it will be apprieciated in the future as a true American Classic.
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Sep 29, 2005 1:33:44 PM CDT
"I understand that Harry is very respected in Hollywood circles
by iamlegolas
He is?
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You need to have thicker skin. This is the first movie and you are already flipping out at every bad review? Give it a day. See the movie. Then decide how offbase the critics are.
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Sep 29, 2005 1:54:41 PM CDT
The Female Cast of Ally Mcbeal was an anorexic group.
by seppukudkurosawa
Or a group of anorexics, same thing.
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I pray to God Serenity is better than the last 45 minutes of Signs. That movie Su-hucked. Although Whedonfant was right about one thing, Harry had this review written in his head a month before he ever saw Serenity. That's pretty clear.
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So I very much doubt you managed to fuck anyone.
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ok, my suspicions were right... they are all fucking crazy.
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And I'm looking forward to Serenity. I'm glad that Harry (as a non-fan) liked the film. That bodes well. I just hope it rocks. I'm a huge Star Wars fan, love them all, and Firefly is as close to Star Wars as anything can be without being a rip-off... and by that I mean I just really dig everything about it. Hell, I even like the theme tune. I'm not expecting Serenity it be a masterpiece, hell, I doubt it will even crack my top 10 films of the year, but I just want a blast at the cinema (and later on DVD too, no doubt).
And why is everyone giving Harry a hard time? I've never understood that. Harry replies to all the Wankers and that means he won't have time to reply to many genuine humane questions, not rabid fanboy insults. -
one....two......three
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Like another poster said, if you are invested in FF the way people were with Star Trek, then the movie is up there. Is Wrath of Khan better? Probably, it has held up to repeat viewings over decades and still influences sci-fi. I don't know yet if Serenity will. But there is a definate comparison to be made. To clear up, I am a huge Star Trek fan. and also a huge Firefly fan.
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It cant be any worse that the train wreck of the last three Star Wars movie. What's ashame is not as many people will give it the chance it deserves.
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I hope you will wake up one day and realize just how small you are. I hope your soul is crushed by knowing how great Harry is, and how worthless you are.
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Basil Rathbone wouldn't have done better.
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Yvette4...I'm sorry Harry broke your heart and has moved on to another woman. Just cherish the memories you have of his "man-lolly", and try not to focus on the "angry pirate" he gave you, ok?
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I'll admit that as a Firefly Fan, I feel pretty vindicated by the good reviews it has been getting especially after more than a year of jackasses screaming "Straight to video!" As for Harry's review, not too bad. A little too concerned with how expensive everything looked as opposed to the storytelling.
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And not just because I agree with you, but because it is clear-eyed and honest. Serenity is fun. It's good. Sure. But not the greatest thing ever put to film. Personally, I'm hoping this functions more like Star Trek 1 to a future Wrath of Khan. I'm sure Whedon's got it in him, but this one (despite the deaths) just ain't all the way there. Anyway, for what it's worth ... good job walking the line.
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Tub girl is actually more on the ball than most people who dislike something. In this instance that something is Whedon- because it looks like he's actually done the research, and watched the programs, before deciding to rail against it. He may have advanced schizoid tendencies with delusional narcissism and a highly-developed case of agoraphobia...but he's more informed than most trolls.
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seeing as though you have exactly two minutes before you get banned, why not re-post your serenity poem? Just so people know the real you and try and get the Moderators to ban you for good.
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"advanced schizoid tendencies with delusional narcissism and a highly-developed case of agoraphobia..." but I think you are wrong in believing he is anti-Whedon. His insane ramblings are meant to piss off both fans and non-fans. He does not consider anyone else a Whedon fan. He believes unless you are as devoted to all things Whedon as he is (and hopefully no one else is quite that crazy) you deserve his scorn. As I have said before about this nutter, it is fans like him that people like Joss Whedon take out restraining orders against.
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OK I'm taking out bets for what his next name's going to be. Sereneman 6/1, Josstick 8/1, grrrarggh 10/1 and harryknowlesisafuckinggoddamntwist-------- 2/1
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Seriously dude. And you're changing genders now too?
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I loved Firefly, but I don't want to be in the theatre with any of you "Browncoats." I'll see this movie in a couple of weeks, in the middle of a week day so that I can enjoy the film without all of this pathetic ranting. Seriously, GROW UP!!! "Serenity" is just a movie and "Firefly" was just a TV show. That's it. I'm sad the show was cancelled, too, but, y'know, I found something else to fill my time on Friday nights, i.e., gettin' naughty with my beautiful wife.
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When you don't get something (and by that I mean you don't connect with it, not don't understand it) then that's that. If this movie didn't do to Harry what it did to me, which is gave me hope for the future of sci-fi/action films, then that's too bad. Disagree with his review? Sure. Be a dick about it and start throwing out personal insults? No thanks. Try to change his mind? No point. Just so long as he concentrates on making Mars good... :)
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Sep 29, 2005 3:32:26 PM CDT
BUFFY -- An Unsuccessful Movie That Turned Into A Wildly Success
by zombiesolutions
discuss.
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Sep 29, 2005 3:40:28 PM CDT
Yvette 4 (aka Tonay / Tubgirl Tonay) Needs To Be Banned Immediat
by zombiesolutions
there is no place for that kind of viscious, hateful speech (not to mention the trolling). say bye bye and please never come back. thanks.
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Sep 29, 2005 3:41:14 PM CDT
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (movie version) unsuccessful?
by seppukudkurosawa
It was way ahead of its time, look at it's cast! Hilary "one million dollar baby/kirate girl" Swank, David "Scream 3/2/1" Arquette, not to mention the amazing likes of Rutger Hauer, Paul Reubens and Donald Sutherland. Seriously though, it wasn't as unwatchable as you might think. And I'm pretty doubtful as to whether Serenity will be turned into an actual franchise- not because it won't be successful (not for me to say), but because if it does make its money, chances are Joss will use it as a launching platform for his writer/director career more than anything else.
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Sep 29, 2005 3:51:10 PM CDT
Tim did write some of my favourite Angel episodes (see: Hero)
by seppukudkurosawa
but, though I never noticed it before, he was assistant director on re-animator (thanks for that little tidbit IMDB)...anyone associated with that movie deserves a special honorary oscar all of their own. (Though I don't think that's much of an honour nowadays).
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This is a shame, I know. I think Galactica has come close to being an excellent sci-fi show but it all depends on how the series pans out. The pilot (i.e. the miniseries) was as good as it's ever gonna get methinks (although last week's mid-season finale was cool), and it was an example of just how fucking fantastic TV sci-fi can be when done right. Sure, Moore may have raped a few Trek fanboy's asses in his time, but when he can produce something as good as this who cares! I think the cast is the best for any sci-fi show. Lost also has the potential to become a geek's wet dream. I know a lot of it has got my geek-juices flowing, and I'm not just talking about Kate crawling through a vent shaft!
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Sep 29, 2005 3:56:31 PM CDT
Of course we could all go to Tonays/Yvette's webiste and jus
by tonywilson
http://forums.breakthetrend.com/member.php ?s=89f89b2613333ce2b05fe 95b66e17a56&u=1778 _________ just delete the gaps if you want to tell this fucking twat what you think of him.
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Maybe that's because you sound like a douchebag. The dude's paying for your ticket and you're so afraid of being a "baby" that you'd rather sit in the lobby of a theater and sulk for two hours after embarrassing your roomate and storming out of the theater? How mature.
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Tonay's barely an adult
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Sep 29, 2005 4:05:57 PM CDT
If you go on that link you'll find his mobile (cell phone) n
by seppukudkurosawa
Now I'm not the type to hold a grudge, but I'm sure there are people who do out there. I think it's our responsibility to defend these talkbacks any way we please; Harry's given them to us, but they're ours to maintain. *Score to Braveheart suddenly chimes in out of nowhere. We must fight for, not just our freedom, but the freedom of talkerbackers everywhere!
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Come on, man. Trolling his cell phone is kind of fucked up. Let's leave site disputes on the site.
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I was just entering the possibility into the arena.
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just cuz he didnt absolutely fall in love with the movie, don't fuck with him. He was very honest in his opinion of the film and backed it up with facts about it and his background so you could see where he's coming from. It's not like he's gonna stop you brown-coats from seeing it. You fucking Whedonites are worse than Star Wars fans.
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I hope you realize whose cell phone we're talking about. There are a handful of people getting up in Harry's grill, but not really that many. Like greatn said, more of them are getting up in "ours."
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Sep 29, 2005 4:31:10 PM CDT
AcapellaMan....my wife and I were introduced to it in the exact
by cletus van damme
It's funny, but when it was on Fox, I knew Whedon did it and instantly turned the channel because in my mind at that point "Whedon=Buffy=Angel=Gay." But I got the DVD set from a guy at work and my wife and I watched it last winter during a blizzard and we watched all 13-14 episodes in 2 days and were dying for more. You guys really should give the DVDs a chance, if I can convert to Whedonism (for Firefly, anyway), anyone can.
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Sep 29, 2005 4:33:09 PM CDT
Damn it, I hate it when all the really good posts are deleted be
by fluffyunbound
In the future, hold off on banning train wreck posters until after I get to view the accident, m'kay?
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He ruined this talkback.
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Sep 29, 2005 4:56:50 PM CDT
In some ways Tonay has destroyed AICN talkbacks forever with his
by whedonfant
He will probably never be forgotten. That's infamy and notoriety for you.
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Sep 29, 2005 5:01:10 PM CDT
Tonay represents how far the human spirit can go when it bypasse
by whedonfant
He is the champion of darkness. The Scourge of the Internet, indeed.
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is that the majority of them have not even given the show or movie a chance. It's not that we "Whedonites" want to shove it down their throats, per se. It's that it's really immature to be yelling "straight to video" "this movie's gonna suck ass" "how can anyone like Joss Whedon's writing?" when you've never really tried it out.******** Let me tell you a story. As a young colleg-age female when Buffy first aired, I was way too cool for that "stupid teenage shit". Never even watched ONE episode, and I bad-mouthed it whenever the topic came up. I didn't even know who the fuck Joss Whedon was. Just about 7 months ago, I decided I'd give it a try because so many people I know and respect rave about it. The first few episodes - meh and a little more meh. But then - BAM - I was totally in love with the show, just like that and watched every single episode. And I am in no way afraid to suck it up and admit that I was wrong about it from the get-go and should have given it a chance back when it started. I was the same with Firefly. The first disc (3 episodes) - meh and more meh. And then - BAM - "Shindig" and "Our Mrs. Reynolds" had me changing my tune - and now I LOVE the first three episodes too. Seriously, you've got to give this more than 10 minutes of your oh-so-valuable time. That's the problem with a lot of people today, you are sooooooo busy (with what - putting down fans on TBs??) that you just REFUSE to like something if it doesn't reach out and grab you by the balls in the first 10 minutes. THAT is what modern Hollywood has taught us - that the story start with a bang and end with a bang - no real character development, nothing. Oh well, your loss. There will always be haters that hate just for the fun of it. You are missing out on life, my friends - you spend so much time hating that you can't enjoy anything anymore. It's really kind of sad... (P.S. I admit that some "Browncoats" are scary and over-the-top - but that comes with anything that has a built-in fanbase ala Star Wars, Star Trek, LOTR - it's almost like a badge of honor, which franchise has the freakiest fans???)
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Sep 29, 2005 5:03:00 PM CDT
I hate people who make that massive effort of dragging their mou
by seppukudkurosawa
but I'm going to have to be one such person. First of all, I think this person's prose is just basically Tonay's but slowed down a little and "disguised" by hiding his tourettes. Secondly, well here's the quote: "Let me put the record straight: Serenity has the greatest climax in movie-making history. This isn't a flat Reservoir Dogs style cop-out - this is a climax that draws you in so much that you'll grab the hands of hte person next to you and they'll be grabbing back just as hard. This is the most intense cinematic experience I've ever had, and if it's not apprieciated now, it will be apprieciated in the future as a true American Classic." Either this person's Tonay, or like Antonio Banderas' character in Zorro, he's learnt everything he knows from the real deal. Plus see that post under yours...
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Too bad the jackholes you're trying to reach probably won't read it.
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If the hyperbolic review and his bizarre posts devoted to Tonay didn't raise anybody eyebrows, the fact that both referred to Tonay as "the scourge of the Internet" should pretty much confirm suspicions.
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Sep 29, 2005 5:15:33 PM CDT
Seppu, do you spend all day online accusing everyone of being To
by whedonfant
I hope you enjoy your life.
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There is no doubt Serenity will be #1 at the box office this weekend. What a great movie!
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Sep 29, 2005 5:17:05 PM CDT
Even if they did I'd imagine it's too late for them now
by seppukudkurosawa
You're either knee-jerk or you're not.
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http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2005/09/29/live_it_up/liveitup08.txt
Good to hear a "real" movie critic actually can recognize great entertainment. Just kidding Harry I still love ya. -
Sep 29, 2005 5:20:27 PM CDT
Whedonfant- do you spend all day online pissing people off and t
by seppukudkurosawa
"I just made one hell of a furore over on AICN, you should have been there, they all went pig-crazy with anger". Nobody's angry so much as bemused. Why do you do it?
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Sep 29, 2005 5:42:21 PM CDT
Harry, pick up where you left off on "FIREFLY"... because it was
by jdanielp
The dvd set was a Valentine's Day gift for my wife. She's a big fan of Joss. I was more patient with the series than I would have been, otherwise. I just think it takes a bit more time to really get into these characters. Continue with the set and let us know, Harry, ...at least 3 more episodes.
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But then he LOVED cabin fever how can you be sure about anything anymore. Maybe Whedon needs to explain the movie to him like Eli Roth and namedrop 'Beat'Takeshi, then he'll like it. Hey I'm not hyped about Serenity (saving that bad boy for a Cinemax premiere) but you still gotta tell it like it is!
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Sep 29, 2005 6:11:43 PM CDT
I don't care if Takeshi Kitano's brought up in describin
by seppukudkurosawa
The man who made Sonatine and Violent Cop should be referenced as much as possible. In fact this talkback reminds me of the scene in VC where he goes into a bully's home, brushes past his mother, goes up to the kid's room and just starts slapping the kid silly. Why? Because I'm only about a five hour drive away from where Tonay lives...
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Word 2 yo' mutha!
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Cabin Fever was so poor that not even Harry could convince me otherwise. To tell you the truth I just wanted to stretch the number of references to Beat Takeshi in a Josh Whedon talkback for bizarre personal reasons.
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Sep 29, 2005 7:08:54 PM CDT
No problem at all dude. You wanna play 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon?
by neo zeed
Can ya Link Takeshi to Bacon in 3 moves?
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Here goes: Beat Takeshi said the title line at the end of "Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence!", which also starred David Bowie whose song Rebel Rebel was featured on the soundtrack to Charlie's Angels:Full Throttle which co-starred Ashton Kutcher's Mrs to be, Demi Moore(not that I officially know this information mind you), who was in a Few Good Men alongside...you got it, Kevin Bacon. I can't believe I made it!
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Takeshi was in Brother with Omar Epps who was in Higher Learning with Laurance Fishburne who was in Mystic River with Kevin Bacon.
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Sep 29, 2005 7:36:51 PM CDT
Wow . Last time Harry responded so many times in a talkback was
by thirteen 13
well was......actually this is a first. This is a very emotional talkback. I'll be there Friday to see Serenity. I'm a newly converted Firefly fan after watching the season box set on DVD.
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But can harry stay un-star struck for the rest of his reviews like Eli Roth, Robert Rodriguez,Del Toro, Bryan Singer, Tarantino. I actually thought this interview was fair and balanced. I just wish he can keep up the standard when it comes to his "boys."
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am I like Harry? Do I therefore like the same sort of stuff. Apart from Godzilla and maybe the Matrix Reloaded, I've rarely seen Harry retract a review he put down in words, which leads you to believe that he actually liked the films that later got panned, and, even after, went on liking them. I think Harry's quite a consistent kind of guy when it comes to his tastes- if a film's described as, "A frenzied orgy of sex and violence, with infinite coolness to match" in the trailer and lead-up campaign, then chances are Harry's gonna dig it no matter what. There is no definitive taste no, and Harry wears his own on his sleeve; if you really find his reviews unreliable I'm not going to tell you not to read them (too big a temptation), just don't trust them to represent you and leave it at that.
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Sep 29, 2005 8:39:41 PM CDT
After skimming through most of the posts, I'm shocked nobody
by shermdawg
This is the only sci-fi show/movie that gave me that "holy shit that was cool" feeling since the original Star Wars trilogy. At one time I assumed there was more fans of this show than Firefly, but I'm beginning to think that I was wrong. I donn't see why, I mean yes Firefly is good, but Farscape blows it away, I just wish they got a bigscreen flick like Serenity, it still might happen but Ben Browder is stuck on that extremely hard to follow Stargate SG-1. That's what I get for ignoring it till season nine. Back to Firefly, I tuned in and tuned out during its initial run and passed on the dvd's, but I've been catching up with the show on the Sci-Fi channel. The first five or six episodes are so-so, the episode involving the ball was a snoozefest, but the episode Captain Rawbeard mentioned "Out of Gas" (which I'm assuming is the one where Mal stays aboard the crippled ship while the oxygen is running out) won me over. That was one of the best sci-fi episodes of any show I've ever seen, and I've seen a bunch. The following episode involving the hospital break in was awesome too. I'm going to the first showing tomorrow, this is the first film to get my ass in the theater since War of the Worlds ( It's sad, I've only been to five flicks this year, I'm usually up to fifteen or so by this time, there just isn't anything decent coming out nowadays. ) hope it's good as I'm hearing it is. If it's not I can just fantasize about the chick that plays Zoe, damn she's hot.
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Tonay... Yvette... shit, I must have missed something darn tootin'. Shouldn't have played golf this afternoon, I guess... Somebody fill me in!
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Sep 29, 2005 9:21:59 PM CDT
You missed three people getting banned and their posts deleted:
by seppukudkurosawa
Ghostinthemunch, Hugemac and Yvette (Swedish, Two-Time Olympic Gold Medal Winner for Synchronized Swimming 1972, 1976.) Your memories will also be swiftly deleted by the ravishing onslaught of time.
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it's interviews like this one that shows me that he has an objective mind. That he can look beyond shit like "browncoat" hype and "sci-fi savior junk." Fact is he's not Whedons boy, review goes: It is was a good yarn, but not mindblowing or anything" But he's Kevin Smith's boy so review goes,"I love the movie, for me, it is right there with CHASING AMY as one of my faves from the brain of Kevin Smith." Actual quote. And that one doesn't even have "orgies of sex and violence, with infinite coolness to match." It's a fucking bad rom-com. Unlike Chasing Amy, Jersey didn't have one scene of truth in the whole movie. Harry's baised is baised plain and simple. If he doesn't represent me (and I guess he doesn't) who is he supposed to represent? Baised people of America?
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Sep 29, 2005 9:38:16 PM CDT
At least when Harry's lukewarm on a movie you can understand
by half vader
Every time he gets excited grammar and lucidity go out the window. Reading those things makes my head hurt. It's like he's on an insane sugar rush or something. Oh wait. He probably is (sound of stone breaking glass).
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*WE* who *WATCHED* the whole show didn't really know that until Serenity!!
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Farscape is an absolutely fantastic series. I also feel the need to stick up for the mighty Babylon 5 which I feel Harry slightly dissed. As far as I'm concerned, B5, Farscape and Firefly (oh what it could have become with a few full seasons) are the wholly trinity of Sci-Fi TV series, and the great but not-quite-ther also rans like The X-Files and ST: Deep Space 9 be damned. Or not, since I quite like them too. :^)
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Because I believe that Harry wrote the word "believe" at least 5 times in his criticism of the bad guy. Can you believe that? I can't believe that. That's just unbelievable. LOL.
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Ok, now that I've slipped in a X-Files quote, I can go to bed.
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NeoZeed, you speak about Harry and his "boys." I have to say, I think Harry takes too much flak in this regard. It is quite possible that he is one of those guys who gets, how you say, "starstruck." And a combination of that and his friendship with certain filmmakers probably colors his opinion of their work to some degree. But I don't think he ever tries to swindle his constituency (which may not even be the point, but for what it's worth, there ya go); especially in the case of Robert Rodriguez, who he's acknowledged in "print" to have made flawed films. Granted, he didn't review 'OUaTiM,' but still. I don't really know where I'm going with this. But I think he gets raked over the coals too much for that; then again, he's had nastier words for people who didn't like a couple of their films than some of the Browncoats had for him. So I don't know. ******* P.S.: Since when is Bryan Singer one of Harry's "boys?"
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I loved, loved, loved Buffy, but really couln't get a handle on Firefly even having watched the whole box set. Felt that the acting was weak (although mostly suffering from badly written dialogue) shitty flimsy looking sets and there was nothing really to get your teath into, I just found it dull. However, on a slightly different tack, and i'm amazed at Harry's comments about the state of Sci-fi, cos man I gotta say that the new Battlestar Galactica is some of the best Sci-fi I have ever seen be it TV or Film. A show with real Vision, Scope, anyone who's not had the pleasure should seriously think about checking it out. Perfect writing, great stories, well shot, great GC and takes itself seriously which Firefly somehow failed to do. Really can't speak highly enough of this show, check it out.
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Sep 30, 2005 12:03:01 AM CDT
Wait, you watched three episodes and didn't know River had a
by lenny nero
I'm assuming you watched the DVD in order? I would think it's spelled out pretty clearly during the durn pilot. Not to hate, Harry, but somebody simply wasn't paying attention. Give it another try, Western-lovin' boy-o.
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Sep 30, 2005 12:39:58 AM CDT
Battlestar is disturbingly good. So Harry, did you ever get to
by iamnicksaicnsn
I watched the episode where the Doctor accepts God because of Model 6's bullshit, and it was so tense, after the ep, I almost thought I'd have a heart attack. Sickeningly good tv. I'd like to know if Harry ever got around to checking LOST out, see what he thinks of the best show on tv right now (expect for last night's stupid retread. I wonder why I cared so little about Michael and Sawyer. I guess the Desmond story-line is the thing that grabs me the most, but oh well, we're all caught up, they can't fuck us over again, right?)
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I figured with the tons of Singer praise he's has at least rapped with the dude. Maybe he's not his roaddog so you can X him right out, but the rest of the list is more than accurate. I certainly didn't need to throw him in there for sure, with the ever growing members of "Harry's Posse." Glad you agree with me on most respects, but does Harry gets raked over the coals a lot? Yeah I guess he does. Does he deserve it each and every time? Shoe betcha!
Cause the "breaks" he gives to these directors is getting out of whack. I hate using Eli Roth as an example again but it certainly was the straw that broke the camel's back. The frequent hype on this dude is so out of control that Harry had to mask the only negative review of Hostel as semi-negative. When it was clearly negative. If this hack can get praise because he can drop the "bomb" Sleepaway Camp reference behind closed doors, but suck on camera cause he thinks he's the next big thing, Forget it. Since Whedon was too busy making TV shows to go to BNAT (to prove to the headgeek personally that he's "down" by dropping Dario Argento's name or whatever) his flick gets the critical eye? But the rest gets a slide? I just want to see his hype stop before it gets worse cause it's getting more worse by the minute. And I don't even care about Serenity, I just hate elitist clique shit. And if Harry ain't watching TV which is where the talent is, and is solely watching movies.. it's no wonder he's going nuts. After a season of 24 (which you can see for free) I laugh in the face of most Hollywood films quality. -
"OMFG!! Harry said he liked it but he didn't say he would cum on its face! You suck!" I'm glad that unlike a lot of TBers, I give an overhyped movie a chance instead of going straight to the backlash or I'd never see this.
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Somebody mentioned in another talkback that Harry might not be as into Firefly/Serenity because he's not the one "discovering" it and evangelizing it to others. It's not a knock, he basically admits to this in his review and it's understandable--part of the fun of geekdom is the act of introducing people to new weird things, and in this case it was the other way around and at least it sounds like he did his best to respect the material because it means something to his friends. ******* The not watching TV thing...there is just TOO MUCH cool stuff to watch now, and the list grows every day. You have to read all these books, see all these movies, watch entire seasons of TV shows...I don't know how anyone can keep up with all of it, or have room in their heart to love every bit of it. Some things work for some people, others for others. After watching the Firefly marathon on SciFi the other day, I'm now interested in seeing the film. The show is IMHO very solid, and I'm not a "Whedonite" or whatever but I can see why people like it--it's quite well done for what it is...
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You like a lot of other things which a lot of us are also like, "OK, whatever," the only thing bad about it being that we have to see the huge caps-OMG-THIS-FREAKIN-ROCKED-YOU-WILL-ALL-GO-NOW crap that you just couldn't find it in your heart to do for Serenity. That's cool. Perhaps you could have delegated this review column to someone who was a little less drole about the best Science Fiction TV series not named XX Trek?
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Sep 30, 2005 10:58:20 AM CDT
Harry Doesn't Have Time For Firefly; He's Too Busy Answe
by www.valiens.com
So I'll catch you up to speed, Harry. Han Solo and his pals travel through boring space doing boring things you've seen in every other space show. If you don't watch it from the very beginning, you have no clue what's going on or which characters are which. Except yes you do because they are built on the same template as every other space show. So there you go. Set your phasers to "Snooze Alarm" and get some rest.
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Quite simply: Owned.
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This whole notion that quality sci-fi is dead is just ridiculous. BSG is an amazing drama with a sci-fi setting, not crap about gadgets and silly concepts. People seem to have forgotten what true sci-fi is: stories about the human condition in extraordinary circumstances. BSG fits this, as does Firefly, Farscape, and Trek at its best. Firefly worked brilliantly because it was never really about the overarching plot, but about the characters - how they choose to survive, where they draw their moral/ethical lines, and how they connect with each other. The whole concept is in the intro - find a job, keep flyin'. BSG, on the other hand, is also about survival, but in a completely different way - whereas Firefly is about the survival of the individual within a totalitarian society, BSG is about survival of the human race from within a military structure, and it's much more plot oriented - the characters are defined by how they react to the plot. Both of these are excellent sci-fi models with different methods and tones.
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I guess you have to be a Buffy fan to like Serenity because only buffy fans can like Serenity. If you say so than it must be true! You are almighty and we bow at your feet for your knowledge on something you've never seen is MOST IMPRESSIVE. I guess all the positive reviews are just drueling buffy fans and none of them have any knowledge on the current state of cinema. I don't usually try and attack people but your posts just get dumber each time, and somehow they are always in a Whedon TB!
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The AICN reviewers aren't real or respected? So why are you so pissed that Herc didn't write a review? He's real and respected just because he's a Firefly fan? Get real.
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Sep 30, 2005 3:07:06 PM CDT
I LOVED Chronicles Of Riddick. That movie has more replay value
by doom ii
a lot of movies that made 5 times the money. People love to dis that film, but I dug it. Amazing special effects in Riddick. At no point in that film did I think "That looks kinds shitty" and that happened several times during the last 3 Star Wars films. Oh yeah, I think Vin Diesel is a tool, but I loved Riddick. Kinda like I HATE Weseley "EGO" Snipes, but loved Blade 1...
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http://greekbastard.tripod.com/ "Tonay's House of Sodomy"
I'm not kidding, LMFAO!!
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You wrote, "This whole notion that quality sci-fi is dead is just ridiculous." I agree with you on this point. I think we're seeing a near-renaissance of science fiction, in fact, despite the fact I thought the genre was waning a few years ago. "Battlestar Galactica" is the best of the lot, in my opinion, and I hope its commercial and ratings success give rise to other science fiction shows... which, I guess, is happening. I mean, "Invasion," "Threshold," and "Surface" were all written and produced due to the success of "BSG" and "Lost," right? I'm not sold on these new shows like I was with "Firefly" and "BSG," but I'm just glad science fiction is getting more love in the mass media. I think, possibly, another icebreaker for science fiction shows and movies being put into production was "The Return of the King" winning 13 Academy Awards. That was a while ago, I know, but I'm sure it had a ripple effect on the industry. I'm enjoying the fact quality science fiction is alive and well.
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Sep 30, 2005 5:08:27 PM CDT
Good movie! Although Mal's fight at the end reminded me of o
by shermdawg
Wasn't it First Contact where Picard and the Borg Queen fought on chains, or was that Insurrection where he fought the skin stretchy dude? It doesn't matter though, this freakin owned any of those flicks. I'm not sure if this is gonna do good this weekend, the main theater in my neck of the woods only had this playing on one screen with like three showtimes, little screen too. I'd put money on Jessica Alba taking the top spot this weekend. Hope that's not the case. Oh, if I was in charge of X3, I'd stop production right now, fire Halle Berry's overrated ass, and hire Gina Torres immediately as Storm! Of course I wouldn't wish her to be in a bad movie, oh wait, she was in the Matrix sequels, nevermind.
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It is my extreme pleasure to announce that SERENITY rocked. _____ Okay, now I don't want to start calling myself a browncoat (cause that is just too goddamn corny), but I am now officialy a fan and I am definately buying the DVDs... ______ My one criticism of the film is that it does feel like you've come in to a show that already started. Which, of course, it is. That being said, the set-up is just about perfectly done. I can't imagine anyone being lost. And whereas there were certainly in-jokes that i missed (a few people in the audience reacted with "oooohs" to some dialouge related to a certain captain and a certain 'companion'), it really didn't matter. _____ This movie is a crowd pleaser from start to finish, and I really, really hope they continue the story in some fashion whether in film form or a continued tv series. Yes, it's that cool. For fucks sake is has Space Zombies in it! Go see it ASAP. _____ P.S. The thing i really want to see now is more backstory about the war. There is one tense scene where they hint at the battle of Serenity or something where both Mal and Zoe go ashen with anger... are there any "prequel" epsiodes on the DVD? The war sounds great...
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Sep 30, 2005 5:22:15 PM CDT
"fire Halle Berry's overrated ass, and hire Gina Torres imme
by zombiesolutions
i'll second that emotion!
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The Reavers aren't zombies, they are just brainwashed cannibals. I mean c'mon zombies being able to pilot a ship? sheesh.
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just, you know, smart ones.
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Honestly wasnt expecting much but just saw Serenity in a packed theater I might add, and was pretty much blown away! The audience definitely loved it applauding at the end and numerous X's throughout the film, most notably when the ships mechanic said to Simon, "oh we are gonna live" or something to that effect after him revealing that he wanted to get a little closer to her. I actually went right out after the movie and bought the entire season! I had no interest in this film except that it would kill some time and have cool visuals. Now, I think this has a chance at a 30mil opening! Even if it is not that much I think it will be way over the 15mil put on HSX.com Hope theres a sequel!
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Harry says he tried to watch the show. Then he claims he didn't know River had a brother who was a doctor... WHO IS ON THE SAME FUCKING SPACESHIP AS HER WHICH THE SHOW HAPPENS TO BE BASED ON. Makes a lot of sense. Oh and the opening? That wasn't dumb exposition, nor something repackaged from the show. That was the first time you find out how she really got out, and also got to see some of what they were doing to her. It adds depth to Simon, because it's previously thought he paid someone else to do it. It shows how far he is willing to go for her. Harry musn't have watched either of the two most important episodes Serenity and Ariel. As for the state of science fiction movies, I've seen three of the best this year: Revenge of the Sith, Hitchhikers' Guide, and Serenity.
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There is nothing more pathetic than people who have to trash something else in order to justify their affection for something. Oh and by the way, movies for dorks only generally don't make $380 million.
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As a critic, I have to advise you that people are allowed their opinion and to express said opinion. Moriarty is one of the best, most unbiased critics on the web, and I'm sorry he didn't cum all over the film as you did, but that doesn't mean that they're picking on the film unnecessarily. I am a huge Firefly fan, but I do find some fault with the film. It's a great, 3.5/4 star movie, with some problematic character development as a self-contained film, which is what all are supposed to view this as. Although there is a preceding TV show, that does not excuse bits of laziness on Whedon's part. Some of the filmmaking, too--very little, let me add--is slightly too TV for my tastes. And yes, Mori launched an attack at Browncoats because, as you've so very well proven, they can be a pain in the ass. Two months ago, every AICN reader got the idea that they should see Serenity, but after a while, it was simply slammed down their throats. I don't like it when Harry does that, and I don't like it when you do that. There is more to life than Whedon. Go read a book. Get a hobby. Make love to your girlfriend. Just stop trolling. *pant pant* okay, that's all.
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You hit the nail somewhat on the head, though; sometimes it just seemed too static. If you've studied camerawork at all, and not just focal length or aspect ratio, there is a difference in what they teach. Faulty lighting? Check. An overdependence on medium shots and two-shots? Check. An episodic structure that could flow better? Check. To me, it clearly gives off that impression--at times, as I mentioned in my former post (re: "very little")--and other films do this as well. I call other films out on this as well. Just Like Heaven? Same problems. Just because it doesn't give you that impression doesn't mean it that others agree with you. It's not simply enough to have a good cinematographer. You need to know how to challenge him, and sometimes it seemed that Whedon was a bit too into his own head. I think with Wonder Woman he'll have figured out some of the kinks, and I can't wait. But simply, compare the action in this film to, say, Spider-Man or Rob Roy--and I am aware they are very different beasts--and you start noticing a few flaws. That is all.
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I saw the movie this afternoon. It was my first entry into Whedon's universe. I have to say that I am surprised at how much I enjoyed this movie. It was a pure fun sci-fi ride and I really hope people go out and support this. I feel that as a geek community we need to support cool films like this that give an artist room to breathe and do "his or her thang" if you know what I mean. Have I seen better films this year? Yes, of course. But I've also seen much worse too. This movie left me charged. I enjoyed the characters, the sets, the story, etc. It gave my week good balance between seeing a movie like this and A History of Violence which I saw two days ago. I definitely can't wait to catch both again. I hope fans of this series and Whedon's work enjoy the heck out of this movie! And people like me with no previous insight to this world- I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did. Fun fun fun!
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noone had it. Not that it sold out, Best Buy and Circuit City both said they have it in the computer, but they didn't carry it in there stores any longer. My other options were Target and "The Wal-Mart" and I knew I'd be outta luck there. Looks like the net is my last, best hope. I'd like to own it, but I know it'll be watched once and then gather dust with all my other dvd's. I got this thing, where any dvd or video I watch (well not porn) I fall asleep, no matter how good it is. I guess all my years of gaming caused this.
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Please stop. I have a great book recommendation. HERE AT THE NEW YORKER by Brendan Gill. It will give you a great idea what a journalist has to put up with on a daily basis. Just, please, get off the boards.
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Sep 30, 2005 8:44:00 PM CDT
"I hate people who make that massive effort of dragging their mo
by ted striker
Someone her said: "I hate people who make that massive effort of dragging their mouse over someone else's text and "quoting" it." I'd like to say that I hate that too. What a waste of time.
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I went to the Best Buy right dwn the st. from my theatre here in Austin and it was there in multiple copies. Watched the first disc just now and really dug it esp. "Bushwacked" Classic interrogation scene! Now, however, I have to force myself to go out and have a life it bein Friday night and all. I'm sure the 2nd disc will be more engrossing drunk anyway. By the way, I respect all of you.
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well it isn't Austin either. I hopin they might get a new shipment next week. Frankly I think the dude at Best Buy didn't know what he was talkin about. I'm sure I could go to the mall and pay out the wahzoo at Sam Goody or whatever music store is there now, but I HATE THE MALL. Well, any store that doesn't have a outside entrance. I'll get that set, hell I'd even buy the Farscape sets too, but I'm not spending four hundred dollars on dvd's. I feel sorry for all the suckers who bought the X-files sets only for them to drop to fifty bucks.
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Sep 30, 2005 10:44:22 PM CDT
Oh by the way, something funny happened tonight on the Sci-Fi Fi
by shermdawg
They had a warning of objectionable content before a lesbian scene, but didn't before the part where Mal gets his ear cut off. C'mon people there isn't anything objectionable about a little HLA. Who's with me?
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HAHAHHAAH BRING IT BACK!
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Thanks for the suggestion! I'm definitely going to take you up on getting Firefly. Peace!
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All the people that loved firefly are just SO happy to get their series into a movie that they will call it the greatest movie ever, I mean cmon. It's a good movie I saw it today but it's got a lot of hey, seen it in other movies but better, qualities to it. Deus ex machinas a plenty. I realize Bladerunner is amazing but why must all sci fi pay homage or blatantly rip it off depending on your view. Also, apparently all cities on other planets exist on the side of a mountain with waterfalls. Seriously Rivendell and Naboo over and over come up with a different fucking location for once.
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Oct 01, 2005 9:29:47 AM CDT
"This movie needed Vampires and WEREwolves!" I Agree, But At Le
by zombiesolutions
kick their assess River!!! watch out!!! (btw, everyone needs to chill out. SERENITY was really cool, and i loved it lots, but it sure as hell wasn't the divine apotheosis some of you are s0aying it is. the point you re missing -- ht emost important point it that it was really cool. just about everybody likes it. that's good enough, right? you should be crossing yer fingers for a continuation. i know i want to see more ragtag adventures now, and i'm going to invest in the DVDs... the haters are only hating becuse the gushers sound like stark raving lunatics)
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I saw the movie last night, and yes, I'm a Firefly fan, not technically a Browncoat, and I loved it. All you people bitching it's a made for tv movie are on crack. It works as a MOVIE. There was nothing amateurish about the special effects, in fact they looked better than most of the recent Star Wars trilogy because it wasn't 100% green screen. And the Whedon haters who bitch about the dialogue can kiss my ass, because the snark, the Western-isms and the Chinese swearing are all significantly downplayed for a mainstream audience (just enough to keep people who appreciate unique dialogue happy - my favorite had to be Kaylee's "Twixt my nethers" line. LOL!). Perhaps if you hadn't seen the show you might not understand why these people would follow Mal when he's being such a hard ass (you don't really get to see the camaraderie from the show). The one thing that bugged me as a Firefly fan was the bit of retcon about how much Simon actually knew about River's condition, but that wouldn't matter to anyone who hadn't seen the show. And the Operative was one of the most interesting villains I've seen in a long time - I'd say how he ends up bucks most sci-fi/adventure cliches. I'm not here to preach the Browncoat gospel, but this movie is definitely worth it for anyone remotely interested in good scifi and whose mind is not clouded by Whedonhate.
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Well, duh. Did you ever stop to consider that maybe it's supposed to seem bizarre? Alien, maybe? I guess some people are attracted to bizarre things and some people aren't. One more thing: Joss Whedon and everything he's ever done sucks donkey balls. Deal with it, bitches!
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Sheesh. It lasted HALF a season. It's not that huge of an investment in time. HK, you call yourself a sci fi fan but you eschew sci fi on TV?! WTF? The best sci fi is happening on TV, my friend. It's the only medium that characters and ideas can grow and thrive within. Movie sci fi has to go for the grand slam in the first inning every time or it won't be considered a success. Obviously, most movie sci fi projects fail at this. TV sci goes for the ninth inning win and the viewers are treated to all of the ups and downs along the way. Firefly was an excellent show. Serenity is a freakin' excellent film with the potential to grow into a memorable franchise.! Those of you who are on the fence about seeing it... knock it off! Go see Serenity now!! You will not be disappointed *** Do NOT see Flightplan instead. Flightplan's "controversy" is totally contrived. Flightplan blows on so many levels. I saw it at an advanced screening (knowing nothing about it in advance other than J Foster was in it) and rolled my eyes for the duration of the film. I was aghast when I learned it won the box office last weekend. Flightplan does not deserve to win one weekend's box office much less this weekend. Serenity is in second place in this weekend's box office race. Go see Serenity now!!! :) -mattro
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Farscape is *finally* in syndication. In addition to playing on WGN (it was on earlier this afternoon), this link will take you to a list of stations around the country where you can catch it: http://www.watchfarscape.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35170 * Moving on...nice to see some people sticking up for 'Scape here and it's good to know it hasn't been entirely forgotten. The FS story is in a great place for a possible theatrical film. It could really go just about anywhere at this point and next to nothing of importance was left dangling at the end of the miniseries. FS begs for your patience and support. If you can make it to the middle of S2, you WILL be sucked in and it'll become your temporary tele-media crack 'til you finish off the whole thing. I've always been rather amazed that there doesn't appear to be anyone in the AICN hierarchy that became a 'Scape fanatic. Clearly I am biased, but it seems to have just about everything the AICN dudes hold sacred: babes, 'splosions, storytelling, humor, ships, guns, action, aliens and so on and so on. Is there a single geek amongst the big guys (Harry, Mori, Quint, Herc et al.) here who has viewed the entire series from beginning to end? I do not mean that as a criticism, but rather as a simple query.
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Wash, however, can stay dead. (Please, this can't be a spoiler by now!) Not that I hate the guy or anything. Now that he's out of the picture, I'll put money on a Zoe/Jayne romance in the sequels. And yes once again, Gina Torres is hot. Nuff said. Nuff said.
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You can tell that he is bending over backwards to say that he kinda liked it. Clearly, it didn't do much for him at all. I love sci-fi but I have no desire to see this. Whedon is "ok", but certainly overrated..he's a decent craftman, but no artistic genius. No one really cares about this movie and nothing can change that.
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dumbass statement of the year. If that were true there wouldn't be talkback after talkback arguing about it.
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I haven't been around for long, but I gotta ask, are "Whedonites" scarier than Starwars/LOTR/Matrix fans? I mean, Harry, Morty, and Quint, all took the middle road. Usualy they give a solid up/down vote to their reviews. I suspect they really enjoyed it. Pussies.
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Oct 02, 2005 3:03:14 AM CDT
Wouldn't that be the other way around? They fear the Brownsh
by justice41
Because they realize these Whedonites are wack jobs. Wack jobs that make threats of violence.
Nothing like discovering your a religious zealot and You brownstains are. with your silly dogma and hero worship. Pathetic.
Well according to BO so far your little Christ figure is being rejected by the majority.
3.9 million on a friday is pathetic. Fantastic Four made more in one weekend than I suspect this will make it's entire run.
But to be fair there is a lot of sports on the boob tube this week. -
really, i do. i didn't think i would, but i tried them and what do you know... they're tastey.
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and I watched it solely based on Harry's review of it. I was sorely disappointed.
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Why would these Joss Whedon people (as stupid as they are) want to identify themselves with nazis? Farscape is the best thing to ever be on TV... but I'm not that into the term "Scaper." But, I guess you don't get to decide what people call you. I still prefer "Trekkie" to "Trekker" as well... 'cuz I kick it old school.
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Look at the numbers for this weekend.
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Movie revenues are like tax revenues. When taxes are lower (and less complicated) the government pulls in more money because when people have more to spend it grows the economy. When theater prices are lower (and free of the bullshit, such as commercials and $4 soda) more people go to the movies. It is interesting, for all the obsession over downloading it is high prices that are driving people away. Ten dollars to see a movie just ain't gonna cut it. Oh, and some decent promotion wouldn't hurt either. Sadly, Viggo's shot at establishing himself post-LOTR, "A History of Violence" which looks excellent also did dismal numbers.
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and LOVED it. The best movie I have seen this year IMO. I just wish more people were making the trip to theaters instead of waiting for DVD. I never watched one episode of Buffy OR Angel, but bought the Firefly DVD after watching FOX totally screw it over a couple of Friday nights in 2002(when it wasn't pre empted by sports). I fell in love with the characters and everything else about the show. Everyone I know who has actually watched an episode has come away really liking it. After seeing this, I did get the same feeling I got when I saw The Matrix... that if more people actually watched it, it would become something big. The Matrix sequels didn't get greenlit by the original box office receipts... it took the DVD sales for that, so hopefully Serenity will see the same thing happen to it. (Of course, I'm hoping that if it does get sequels like the Matrix did, they both won't SUCK like the Matrix's did). Even if Serenity doesn't find it's way to sequels, at least I got my closure that FOX robbed me of. OR hey, bring it back to TV. It would make a great lead in to Battlestar Galactica. You STILL can't take the sky from me! So there!
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Just kidding.
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Oct 02, 2005 10:28:04 PM CDT
Sorry guys. Even speaking as a Browncoat, I think we have to lay
by lenny nero
The talk we talked didn't work out. No matter what universe you're in, looking at per-screen averages, hoping for good DVD buys and rentals, $10 million opening weekend is considerably low. The best we can hope for is good word-of-mouth next week, lest Universal pulls it from half its theaters. I saw the film for a second time Friday, then came home to see the opening day numbers. Then, seeing it on Saturday, I watched it with a sad heart, knowing that this was the end of SERENITY, at least in the world of film and TV. It hurts, I know, but we shouldn't lie to ourselves. It got busted, fair and square. Take the hit. Even with DVD rentals, Universal isn't going to touch this franchise again. I'm sorry, but it's true. Please don't flame me.
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Oct 02, 2005 10:48:11 PM CDT
Well Lenny if this is indeed the end, all of you Browncoats are
by shermdawg
If there still is one.
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Have we learned nothing from the crew of Serenity? They're underdogs who fly below the radar but come through in the end, even though they might stumble (or possibly die) in the process. This is how the canceled series made it to the big screen. No one (sane that is) was expecting big numbers opening weekend. Even Joss said he's more concerned with the second weekend. So keep flyin'
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Oct 02, 2005 11:34:17 PM CDT
I think $20 mil was a good expectation, considering how trends h
by lenny nero
I'd love to believe you, that I could keep flyin', but unless this pulls a BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING, I don't want to disappoint myself down the line.
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Oct 03, 2005 12:39:37 AM CDT
Well now, Universal is doing some interesting spin with the SERE
by lenny nero
http://boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=1910&p=l.htm
Makes me slightly less sad. But not much. -
How much money did this film make in pre-release showings? IIRC, there were dozens of sold-out showings of the film before "opening weekend." Personally, I'm a Whedon fan, but wasn't exactly signing internet petitions or going to see the film in costume....and I liked the film. Went with 3 other people (1 of which hadn't seen a single ep. of Firefly, the rest of us watched all the DVDs), and we all enjoyed it. That in and of itself is a once-a-year (if we're lucky) kind of event. I'm just hopeful for good word-of-mouth....because the film deserves it.
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This happened to Chronicles of Riddick as well. New sci-fi is just not catching the interest of mass audiences. Too action oriented maybe.
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and I love that movie...bad script, but still fun to watch. So I feel your pain a little even though this movie looks lame to me. I wish the general public embraced sci-fi more...this is still better than most Hollywood starf*cker films, but it gets no love.
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He's a really good writer and director. I bet this movie is going to be very entertaining. I was a big fan of Buffy from the moment I first saw it. And Firefly was neat, what with them being sort of like cowboys but in space.
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A Poem by Rebox
I don't understand Josh Whedon, I really really don't.
I won't watch Buffy or Angel, I really really won't.
I like Battlestar Galactica, it's really, really good.
Perhaps Whedon should watch and learn, he really, really should.
Its not that I hate Buffy or Angel, I've been forced to watch the show.
It always feels like Ann Rice writing 90210.
The characters a self aware, they gripe and love as they fight and plan.
But I read it all when Josh did, in Amazing Spider-man.
Firefly stars the boyfriend from "Two Guys a Girl and a Pizza Place",
the Baldwin from "My Bodyguard" and the chick from Cleopatra in Space.
There's a little blonde guy, who's comic relief, I saw before, I know,
Of Course, he's on Andromeda, the Kevin Sorbo Show.
Honestly, the show's not bad, its better than the other two,
but for scheduled television viewing time, my hours are very few.
"Firefly" not a bad show, I want that understood.
Unfortunately it's also, not very very good.
Many of us are luke warm on the thought or possibility,
of shelling out nine fifty to see "Serenity."
Don't lose hope, Oh Whedon Cult, your future looks quite clear.
The way your acting, you'll all pass Scientology next year.
And be assured that, thing's will be fine for Willow and Spike's Boss.
Of course pictures of him tongue wrestling Katie Holmes will be quite Gross!
Cheers!!
Be Happy, They canned your show but made a movie, my show got canned and all I got was Homicide: the TV movie...Redbox
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I don't think Wash and Harper are the same guy...
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They seem to play the same character thou, don't they? Same look too.
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I have heard Browncoats complaining that Harry had the review written in his head before he even saw it, well, so did you.
EVERYONE goes into a movie with preconceived notions. Nathan Fillon could have smeared feces on himself for two hours and honestly, Browncoats would have called it "an abstract masterpiece". Seriously, Tonay or Yvette needs to grow up, because obviously they're failures at whatever they've attempted.
I'm also annoyed by people who are criticizing Harry's tastes. That's why they're tastes. Shit, I like the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, t's just something that I enjoy. You like what you like, it's why you find a reviewer who has the same opinions as you, because that's more important than what they think is good or bad (it's why I don't give a toss what Ebert says). So Harry likes movies you don't, grow up. That's why there's chocolate and vanilla ice cream, because you like crappy ice-cream. -
that is all.
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And You Ma'am are the cleverest of absolutists with your keen, original insight and eloquent summation of me all in one deft jab. You Miss, are clearly one of the leaders of your group, your body must tremble at all times lifting up such a stunning brain. Please vex me never again with your overwhelming retorts. I give, I surrender, Uncle!! And Cheers!!
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Oct 03, 2005 3:25:33 PM CDT
not a fan of the TV Show - but the movie was very cool and enter
by russman
Harry I totally disagree with you... the exposition was well done and very fast. Also, give Farscape a chance - yes it's very strange but it sucks you in really quick. You just have to watch it from the beginning. And if you don't like it, well then it's just not your cup of tea.
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season four. It went so weird, I have never finished it. Have to get around to it one day soon. Don't think a feature film would do any good either.
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Again your stunning logic melts away the pretense of false prophets like myself, until all that is left is your glorious argument or may I call it "Golden Prose." Once again you have valiantly defended yourself from my evil attacks. I parry left you defend and wound me with but a single stroke. I did in fact think you a woman, not by name, for I knew you could fool me with trickery, but it was in your delicate writer's voice that I thought you of the fairer sex. You tender voice, which seemed to me the voice of a woman of the wizened age of eighty five, totally fooled me. Your ability to act completely like a woman is astonishing. What a frightening power you have. I see now through your subterfuge that you truly are a skilled young man of advanced intelligence but a wisp of a brat at your young age of seven. Well met Sir, you have twice defeated a grown man and shamed me for all to read. Mayhap when your manhood drops we shall fight again as enemies with honor. But please Master, no more, I beg of you, for if you respond several more times to my thoughts, I shall have enough responses from you to make a Haiku. Cheers young Sir! Cheers!
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Tried the show (saw 4 episodes), thought it was ok at best. Tried the movie, as I went with friends who dig FF a lot ... also thought it was just OK. Not for everyone, but I am glad that the people who Whedon intended this movie for dug it.
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Don't know why I wrote Farscape up above (maybe had it in my head after reading some of the posts). I meant to write Serenity
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Do you think that the fact that all of the reviewers basically announced that they think that Whedon fans are a bunch of assholes might have a little bit to do with why we have kind of an attitude by the time we get to the talkback? I like Whedon's work. A lot. He is my favorite creator in Hollywood. It doesn't mean that I am a slavering jackass. The fact is, the people that I know who have generally good taste in entertainment all seem to like his stuff. A lot. God forbid that anyone would want to share something that we like with you. Yes some of us take it too far. None of the people that I know think that Whedon's stuff is the only thing in the universe worth watching. But I'm pretty sure that all of them think that it deserves a fair shot. And I really don't think that Harry gave it that. That's just one browncoat's opinion. Make of it what you will.
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they created the reavers because they tested some gas on an entire planet instead of a few test subjects first? If I missed something please tell me. The Serenity crew, they're great characters, but you would never know that if you only see the movie. River is the most interesting, but you never really fear for her becuase she is so obvioulsy some kind of badass. So what are you left with? A bunch of jokes and snappy dialogue, a couple of really good action scenes. And that's it. Why would anyone claim to love this so much? If I were a browncoat I'd be pissed. The tv show was so much better than this. And where the F is the old west here? In the show it's all over the place. Watching this movie you would never guess it started as a space western.
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But if so many people of taste and intelligence love Whedon, why can't they be happy with that? I love Lenny Bruce, The Third Man, Roland Kirk and TV's "Homicide: Life on the Street." Most people have never heard of any of them and I think they are missing some of the greatest work of mankind. Know what? It's they're loss!! Most people who are not fans have two problems with Whedon. One, they think its just genre fair with teenage angst and frankly that its mediocre (like a good episode of Xena or Stargate and I don't like either shows). Two, that if you honestly say its not your passion, fans yell at you with reasons why your an idiot or they tell you to watch seven more hours until your converted. Like most evangelism, it seems driven by an insecurity in your own beliefs, brought about by other people who disagree. I'm really glad you all got your movie, I'm all for that. But you don't know how to enjoy what you have, instead some of you ruin your moment with obsessive and unhealthy anger. Truth is, I might have gone to see it, but I just cannot support these maniacs. Cheers!!
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Anyone with the good sense to recognize Homicide:Life on the Street as great material is playing with a clean slate in my book. While its unfortunate that so many passionate lunatics feel the need to alienate anyone who doesn't bend their knee at their own personal Whedon shrine, it also does an extreme dis-service to an otherwise fine film. Leave them out of it. We get drowned in so much tripe at the theatre these days, that the few & far between flashs of goodness, sometimes excellance, need our love. Is Serenity the best fim of 2005? No. Is it better than perhaps 90% of the shit the studios have been dumping on us ( Amityville Horror, Bewitched, The Honeymooners, House of Wax, The Island...I'm looking at you)? Yup. Truthfully, it would be helpful if you had a few episodes ( now showing on Sci-Fi ... better still if its available for rental ) under your belt, but its not totally necessary. Submitted for your approval.
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Rational, thinking people like yourself are a breath of fresh air, even if its way down here at the bottom of the page. I think almost anything worth liking, can be put into Google and quickly be dishonored by obsessive fans who make one feel ill for sharing a common fondness. I'll sum it up in one experience. Many years ago I was thinking about one of my favorite cartoons when I was in Grade School. So I put "Transformers" into the search engine (I think it was Alta Vista, remember that?) Do you know what I found? Something called "Transformers Erotic Fan Fiction!!" What the hell!!! I didn't even know they had the parts. Can you imagine what would happen if I Googled "Smurfs?"
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Thanks for your kind words & the harrowing experience. (Alta Vista - whoa) I tried the smurf search - you don't want to know. But that's what humans have always done with any new technology that comes down the pipe - diggers in Pompei found porno cartoons scribbled here & there - soon as the french got their hands on photography the "french postcard" was born and later, with the advent of film, action porn! The net has made porn one of the biggest, if not the, business on the web. Whatever it is we may like, someone somewhere is out there willing to trash it. I used to tune into Hill Street Blues, and whilst looking for HSB goodies found a site called Hill Street Blows. Crom, we are a funny species...
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The existence of porn on the internet doesn't surprise or disturb me, that is a reality. But the fact that someone gets excited seeing Optimus Prime in a G-String, well I'm not lending that person my car or my R2D2 action figure. Its the wrong way to connect one's hobbies and social relationships.
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Wonderful thing, imagination...
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I think they said that the drug had the opposite effect on 1/10th of 1% of the people, so 1 in a 1000...most drug studies involve a few hundred participants...even if there were over a thousand thats no guarantee that the side effect would have shown up. At least thats how I see it.
On a completel different note, I haven't participated in any of these FF TBs before, but at least in this one the most rabid and foul mouthed responders have all been anti-whedonites ranting about obsessive fans. Granted, I never saw any of the posts by whatshisface, but most of the Serenity fans on here were very polite. FWIW, I loved the movie, and Chronicles of Riddick too. -
And I never watched the television show. Not even once. I've had this problem with the actor who plays Mal since he did that guest stint on Buffy. After watching that season I thought "If I never have to hear this dude speak again it will be too soon" so I never bothered with Firefly. Now that I think about it I felt that way about most of the Buffy cast after season seven so maybe that wasn't a fair thing to do to the Mal guy. Anyway the point is that I didn't really know anything about the movie and I walked into the theater and it was very good. All of the people crying because they didn't get their great earth shattering, work of art, film need to take a step back and understand that they created their own problem. Their expectations where completely out of whack and it's kept them from enjoying a good movie. Get over yourselves and just enjoy the damn thing!
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Can someone please explain to me why Whedon is adored so much? Is it because firefly was cancelled then he came back with a movie? Is he responsable for something I don't know about? Ya i saw the movie, and it was ok, but it wasn't anything groundbreaking.I'm not trying to make the superfans mad i just don't get the hype.
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There's something for everyone in this flick. Now, Harry's points about not being a fan of the show are correct. I didn't feel the gravitas of some of the heavy scenes because I haven't seen an episode. But, Mal, he's tops in my book.
Dude, the 'I didn't come armed.', 'GOOD.' thing was fucking priceless. I like Whedon's characters when they act like a rational person rather than a stylized doofus. The lines that were little winks to fans of the show were annoying after the fifth or sixth little in-joke. I felt like I did when I used to watch Angel with my friends who'd laugh at something I found confusing or trite, and then explain it to me. In its entirety, this film would have been better served to have been about a television show with more than a cult following. Hopefully, Joss Whedon can bring this sense of fun to his Wonder Woman script. Thumbs up on this one, with only minor quibbles. Go see it, you'll definitely like it. I loved it, but in the way I'd love a relative, not the fiery passionate way I love GoodFellas or Sin City. -
Crash and burn baby! This movie is in it's death throws on week #2, where it dropped to number 9.
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Second weekend: a little over 4 million--on over 2,000 screens! What a fucking dog. Enjoy your deluxe DVD, your excuses, and your revisionist history, Brownnoses. We told you this was going to happen and we were right. In the immortal words of Nelson Muntz: "Ha-Ha!"
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Its not even in the theaters around my area anymore. Damn!!
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I never watched the TV show, never liked Buffy or Angel, saw the movie and (surprise) liked it. It's one of the better sci-fi movies I've seen in a while. Hoping for a sequel, would like to see more. Already put the TV show on my Netflix list. Also, it is an honor to follow CAPT. BLACKADDER. Permission to shout Bravo in an annoyingly loud voice. Permission granted. BRAVO!!
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Meh. 3/5
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There was a time when this site used to publish news that was unsanctioned. Like, AICN broke the story that Ewan McGregor was cast as Obi Wan when no one else knew it. That was journalism. Now AICN has a different role to play. They're job isn't to be journalists, that's why you never seen anything surprising on this site anymore. They're job is to generate hype. This isn't a news site. It's just another tool in the hype machine run by big studios. This doesn't offend me at all. I have fun reading they're press releases. What offends me is that they try to pass their press releases as legitimate news stories. It also offends me that they try to pass themselves off as journalists when, in fact, they are writers of advertising copy. The film and TV reviews may be honest. It seems that way. But how can we really know when everything else isn't? They also say they don't support censorship but try believing that after you've had a talkback post deleted.
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I agree totally with harry on this one. I've never seen the tv series, as was prepared to shell out for thr dvd set if the film was as good as everybody told me it was...or as good as the trailer made it out to be. Uh - I think I'll save my money. Nothing for me here. It all seemed exclusively geared for the fans of the series, not the casual theater-goer. There was nothing really that I could hold on to in order to really get into the series. I guess it was like seeing Star Trek - the Undiscovered Country without seeing the original series & the films that preceeded it.
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You say "I understand the film. I even like it. The plot of the film is pretty basic. "
What other films have this "basic plot?" -
Sawit tonight and it totally kicked ass. I liked it so much that I told my wife to go see it. She stayed home with our infant, while I saw it with my oldest daughter. She went to see it when I came home and went in with absolutely zero knowledge of the show and she loved it too. She said it was the best movie she had seen in quite some time. She was really excited about it. Damn this was a good show, why did they cancel it? I could really get in to learning more about the characters, especially Jayne, who had the best lines in the film. Great movie!
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Buh-bye Serenity. We hardly knew ye.
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