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What's this' A Browncoat that didn't like SERENITY' Stop the presses!!!

Negative reviews always welcome, so get off your cross by Recognizer	May 13th, 2005 02:50:18 AM
I'm just pissed off at any reviewer who comes in simpering that their review won't be posted because it's negative. That's an established load of horseshit. I'm glad to read dissenting views of any movie on this site. This seemed like an honest reaction, as did Alexandra DuPont's glowing review. It's fine not to like it, but don't fucking whine that you're gonna be chastised for that. You're gonna be chastised for being a whiny passive-aggressive idiot. That said, good review.
This will be the nail in Firefly's coffin then. by DOGSOUP	May 13th, 2005 02:56:43 AM
Sorry but if this is for real then this series/franchise is dead and done.
Here's one browncoat who won't bash you by AeroB	May 13th, 2005 02:59:53 AM
I read the whole thing except the spoiler sections. The only thing I can say is that I saw a few "Western" moments in the trailer itself, so unless those are the only ones in the whole film I'm not sure where you're coming from. Can't really chime in on anything else not having seen the film, but given that a vast majority of the reviews have been positive (and I believe Quint said that he posted every review received, positive or negative), I'm going to keep the faith unless I see it for myself and am disappointed. By the way, if you're referring to the 1.5 hour pilot also entitled "Serenity", I thought that was possibly the weakest episode of the series--it should have been a regular 45 minute episode. The pace was just too slow.
Gorramit there's major spoilers after the 'end spoilers' note by entryid	May 13th, 2005 03:27:37 AM
You killed my youthful enthusiasm, you bastards.
Sorry, no by AeroB	May 13th, 2005 03:29:22 AM
You don't think Universal is THAT stupid, do you? They wouldn't invest in something if they thought it'd lose them $40 mill. Anyway, I wouldn't be too surprised if word of mouth gets this baby to $30 million domestic... opening week.
dark, gritty and bizarrish...huh by speed	May 13th, 2005 03:30:16 AM
sounds good! although having watched the trailer this definitely belongs on TV. and, er, i have no idea about anything whedon. i always get the feeling his stuff is beverly hills 90210 melodrama in cool scenarios. correct me if i`m wrong. I can imagine how chicks dig his stuff, but blokes???
Speed by AeroB	May 13th, 2005 03:33:29 AM
In one episode, a dude mutilates himself, cuts his own tongue in half, and then proceeds to kill an entire medical staff and some soldiers before he gets his neck snapped.
this and that by AshFett	May 13th, 2005 03:41:40 AM
to the poster above (speed), yes, Joss Whedon's material appeals to "blokes." If you like compelling characters, strong stories and emotional pay off mixed with great action and drama that is. As for the review above. I've seen the movie and LOVED it, but I do think it has a couple of things that could be changed to improve it a bit. (SPOILERY TALK FOLLOWS TILL THE END OF MY POST:)However, I disagree in a huge way with the reviewers notion that no major/beloved character should be gotten rid of after "only" 14 hours of television. Joss himself has done this before with Doyle on Angel, and I felt it was powerful then as it is in the now. I agree that they should add some better moments in regards to other characters reactions to what happens (and also I think there needs to be a big scene added between this doomed character and another character who is the most important one to the deceased to be), but I have zero issues with the FACT that it happened, as upsetting as it is. Sometimes beloved characters die just like beloved people do and sometimes they die earlier then we'd like. The fact that we as fans miss them only helps us relate to the other surviving characters more I think (SPOILERY TALK ABOVE!)
Get off Whedon's cock! This guy wrote Alien Resurrection!!! by Thunderballs	May 13th, 2005 03:49:13 AM
I love how the reviewer loves Whedon, but says Alien 3 ruined the Alien franchise. Um, that no talent Whedon wrote arguably the worst sci-fi movie ever in Alien Resurrection. Alien 3 was good cause it had balls, it wasn't a rehash piece of shit like the fourth one. And really, beyond the first two seasons of Buffy, Whedon has not done a damn thing worthy of anything except a trash can. Everything is too cutesy and bullshit in his shows. All the characters speak the same way, no differentiation whatsoever in characterization or personality. Does it matter whether Buffy, Xander, or Willow say the lines? No, cause they all sound like the same fucking person, i.e. not real people. So get off Whedon's cock already. It really is unbelievable how such no talents retain such traction in Hollywood sometimes, I'm looking at you Ehren Kruger, Akiva Goldsman, and David Goyer. Serenity will be lucky to make back it's budget. If people did not see Chronicles Of Riddick, whose previews looked far superior to this piece of shit, why would they see Serenity? No one cares!!!
"All the characters speak the same way" by AeroB	May 13th, 2005 04:05:44 AM
I am tired of hearing this pack of lies. Anyone who believes this needs to pop in ANY episode of Angel S5 and take their earplugs out. For an excellent example written by Whedon himself try "A Hole in the World".
Moving On by TheDarkShape	May 13th, 2005 05:12:38 AM
They died, get over it. That particular character's death made the finale much more tense, and gave the impression anyone could die (and you REALLY feel it). Mal forces the characters forward because they had a job to do, more important than anything else they'd done. And The Operative would kick Jubal Early's ass.
That Bounty Hunter from Objects in Space by John-Locke	May 13th, 2005 05:31:45 AM
Fucking cool character man. A mix of Micheal Jackson in Thriller Get up and Snoopy's brother from Out of Sight (the one who tries to rape J-Lo). Have they replaced him with that British dude with the bad foreign accent who appears in the trailer or is that a new character? If you havn't seen the show and think it's for girls i'd recommend giving it a shot. There is usually a fair amount of Torture and Violence and the main character Reynolds is basically Roland from the Dark Tower with his own Ka-Tet who are all takes on other character from those fine SK books.
AeroB by speed	May 13th, 2005 06:27:34 AM
"In one episode, a dude mutilates himself, cuts his own tongue in half,..." YEP, for chicks! think about it. a guy cuts his todger off and then cuts his tongue in half...damn what girl wouldn't want a dickless guy with a split tongue!!! one part humiliation, one part ultimate pleasure toy. but seriously, firefly has me interested. i want to see the tv show. but buffy and angel...what exactly is angel? when you call your tv shows buffy and angel you're asking for girls to watch and "blokes" to not tune in.
Now we need live-action movies of Cowboy Bebop & Galaxy Rangers. by CurryIce	May 13th, 2005 06:39:01 AM

Which two? by zekmoe	May 13th, 2005 06:57:20 AM
Which two die? I didn't read this anywhere. Is there a decent plot or script synopsys online I can read? Thanks
"everyone just seemed to be two steps further back from each oth by cornholio1980	May 13th, 2005 07:13:14 AM
Just a short note from a non-fan: I didn't really follow the news about this movie, but wasn't it stated somewhere once that Serenity is a prequel to the series, showing events that unfolded BEFORE even the first episode of the show? Because if I recall correctly and that is indeed true, it would explain that point...
cornholio1980, Can't be a prequel if two of the main cast die by John-Locke	May 13th, 2005 07:29:40 AM
Maybe we'll see some stuff from before the series in Flashback. Possible Spoiler Looks like someone die's in the trailer, the pilot (Alan Tudyk) being dropped on their head.
I just checked and it's some other dude. by John-Locke	May 13th, 2005 07:34:10 AM
Sorry for wasting your time.
Hey! I can't trust this reviewer! by TheManWho	May 13th, 2005 07:41:23 AM
The Dreamcast was a damn fine console! How if he had said Saturn, I would've jumped onboard.
Speed, I disagree by TheManWho	May 13th, 2005 07:44:58 AM
If you name your TV show Buffy The Vampire Slayer, about monster fighting with large numbers of attractive women, men are going to be first in line to take a look. Angel (the spin-off about an ensouled vampire) suffers from the name though, unless you know the character you tend not to picture a team of supernatural investigators led by a vampire who has more ways of snapping necks than I have fingers.
"So, honestly, who didn't love the western elements of the progr by Triumph poops!	May 13th, 2005 08:05:01 AM
Suddenly the hands of a couple million genre fans shoot up, once identifying one of the core factors that made people look at FIREFLY and say "What the fuck...?" Frankly, the overt western aspect of the show was one of it's truly most retarded unappealing geek factors. Hey, we can travel lightyears now in really cool ships and hop between planets as we colonize them and have advanced weapons systems and there's even people with advanced psionic ability out there and it's the FUTURE!...so naturally we'll all dress circa a rundown 1800s ranch hand. Sorry, it was a shitty idea on TV, and if Whedon's playing it down in the movie that's actually a SMART move on his part.
Triumph... by TheManWho	May 13th, 2005 08:20:45 AM
The whole point of the show was it showing life on the frontiers of space, where they didn't have access to all the high-tech stuff you're talking about. They'd wear what was easy to make and that lasts, which coincidentally was what was done in the north american old west. When we saw the core worlds in Firefly, they had the high-tech stuff and dressed... like people from the future (and bellboys too for some reason...)
I respect the reviewer's opinion BUT... by hulk_beanpoll	May 13th, 2005 08:53:34 AM
spoilers ... as far as the western element goes, this story wasnt really a western type story (not unlike the excellent episode Out of Gas, which is not slightly western in any way) and the western motifs step back because they just dont suit the tone of this particular outing. The "heist" scene early in the picture has a very western feel to it, and it fits. But most of the movie doesnt need it so much and therefore doesnt have it. As for the second shocking death, I thought it worked brilliantly from a fan point of view. It was exactly the kind of kick in the teeth you always expect from Joss but never want. It shook me and others up hard and we were literally in shock for about teh minutes. The characters on screen couldnt afford to be. It would have led to their deaths. If I could change two things, it would be 1. to deal with it a little more AT THE END. NOT when it happens but later. And 2. Beef up that character's part slightly so that the death has more of an impact for non fans. Cuz otherwise they may be wondering what the big deal was. Im sorry that not everyone is gonna love this flick. But I think more fans will like it than not.
TNT868 by hulk_beanpoll	May 13th, 2005 09:07:07 AM
Thats about as clever as saying "no one watched star wars before it existed" so no one will give a shit and A New Hope will bomb." They arent touting this as a continuation of the series. Most people will go in with no clue of what it is. Dont presume to make their minds up for them.
Did you guys actually fall for that review? Newsflash: it was a by Daddy Tones	May 13th, 2005 09:09:47 AM
Christ.
Let's remember that Serenity has thus far recieved 99.9% positiv by Daddy Tones	May 13th, 2005 09:21:43 AM
Umm, tell me, if it was going to be identical to the TV show, what would be the POINT of making it into a $40 million dollar movie? They could have just made a TV movie for UPN or something. The budget for the movie is greater than the budget for the entire series put together: this consequently means we'll have more explosions, more cool effects, and more sci-fi. The TV show neglected the futuristic sci-fi worlds ENTIRELY due to budget reasons. It simply isn't possible to make a show set 500 years in the future on TV and not make it look tacky. I applaud Joss for daring to change it from the TV show slightly. On top of this, the Serenity TV pilot was one of the worst episodes of the show. It WAS badly paced, and the teaser opening was awful (probably my least liked scene in all of Firefly). Get a clue, mate. You're trying so hard to sound downbeat and make us feel sympathetic to your plight (comparing yourself to a disapointed child on Christmas Day - how melodramatic) that I fear people might have fallen for your act. Fact is, the Browncoats loved it. They absolutely LOVED it. They're raving about it on every Firefly site out there. Just because you've written your review like it's coming from the heart, and you're about to cry, it doesn't make it anymore valid than someone saying 'omfg serenity is the best film i have ever seen'. I'm very dissapointed in Quint for saying that this was the most 'honest' of all the Serenity reviews. Frankly, Quint's been against Joss Whedon from the beginning - he mentions he doesn't like Joss in EVERY SINGLE SERENITY story. This review came in late, so I suspect it was something kept back for a slow news day that would instantly generate traffic. Frankly, I'm appalled at everyone involved in this debacle: Quint, the Reviewer, and the people who took the review seriously and failed to see it for the sham it was.
A troll? by TheManWho	May 13th, 2005 09:26:28 AM
I thought a troll was meant to provoke extreme reactions as a means to attracting attention to themselves. The reviewer said it was good, not great. No wild replies will come of that. Poor trolling. Now, a professional troll is someone like Captain_Walker. He has given a poor opinion (the actors are ugly, no-one will watch the film because I think the actors are ugly). Never mind the fact that beauty is subjective, never mind the fact that "ugly" actors tend to be better actors (because, you know, they get to where they are because they can act, rather than standing around as human scenery like most Hollywood stars), never mind the fact that Captain_Walker is probably an acne-riddled, obese greasy teenager who judges films by the number of scenes he can masturbate over. Excellent trolling Captain_Walker, well done.
You're teaching ME how to troll? by Daddy Tones	May 13th, 2005 09:44:43 AM
Newsflash, kiddo: I'm The Scourge Of The Internet. I've trolled more forums than you have public hairs.
Scourge Of The Internet? by TheManWho	May 13th, 2005 09:50:49 AM
Daddy Tones... are you Bill Gates?
A nod of agreement by Obi	May 13th, 2005 09:53:05 AM
I'm a fan of the show and I also saw the movie at the Vegas showing. The reviewer is no troll: I was similarly disappointed with the apparent disconnects the reviewer pointed out between the show and the movie. I've come to expect more creativity from Joss. He has set a precedent with great episodes like the Buffy musical episode and Hush. He has also handled character deaths better in the past--Angel's "Hole In The World" when Fred dies comes to mind. Sadly, I'm not afraid to say that pretty much every Firefly TV ep is better than the movie. I'm glad to read an honest review of the movie. This reviewer is vindicated by the way many positive reviews have a (sometimes long) list of bad things to say about the movie. Joss: please fix it!
You lost me at 'Verse... by Dark Vapor	May 13th, 2005 10:00:53 AM
I have no problem with someone posting a negative review. I agree with other TBs that it should not be indentical to the TV show. I do have a problem with the incessant use of 'verse, smacks of someone longing to sound cool and negates the validity of the review.
The guy in the trailer being bounced on his head... by eggrolls	May 13th, 2005 10:14:07 AM
...isn't Wash. That's all I'm saying about that. I've seen the preview, and I agree with alot of what the reviewer says. The cowboy element is watered down, and maybe the lack of 'cowboy' music had a lot to do with it. And yes, some of the plot devices are standard sci-fi hackery. Maybe I would have a bigger problem with that if it weren't for the fact that EVERY damn sci-fi plot device has been driven well into the ground after all these years (Anybody else hearing the kid from South Park goin "Simpsons Did it!" ? I thought the movie built on the Firefly foundation very well, and will be a satisfying chunk of entertainment for both the die-hard fans and the uninitiated. But I will take issue with some of his other points. Without giving too much away, I think the reviewer is looking for the movie to be episode 14. It's not. Time has passed. Life has gone on, and you weren't there to see it. Relationships have changed, become strained or even fractured entirely. I felt a major point of the film was that the crew of Serenity HAD begun to unravel as a unit, and the crux of the dilema was could this group of damaged, hurting, disfunctional (and getting worse) and increasingly desparate people maintian the bonds they had forged, especially faced with the scale of what they confront in the movie? I'm thinking you fear change, reviewer. That's one of thing I always both enjoy and hate about the Whedon-verse, often at the same time. Life there is truly as random as the real world. Things happen, good, bad, and outright terrible, often when you are not prepared for them, and can't deal with them they way you should. Serenity follows this philospohy in spades. I recommend the reviewer give it another try when the final product is out there in spetember, and try and think of it as if you'd missed half a season of subplot and character development.
Joss Whedon is still a hack...this confirms it by Jeditemple	May 13th, 2005 10:21:31 AM
Not only did I hate the Firefly T.V. series, I can't stand his work in the "Buffy-verse" either. When are people going to realize that this guy can't write worth a crap? Serenity is going to crash and burn and it's just a matter of time before the studio announces that this will go straight to DVD.
U N I -- use it! by gredenko	May 13th, 2005 10:26:32 AM
For someone who didn't mind pontificating for thousands of words, including an unneccessary preamble, the abbreviation of 'verse seemed a little silly, I agree.
'verse is firefly slang by muthafudpucker	May 13th, 2005 10:28:31 AM
numbnuts...
Bitca, please . . . by snicky	May 13th, 2005 10:35:20 AM
I don't know, but to me the review had one of those chip-on-the-shoulder, "how dare you kill Blue Beetle?!?" tones that certain fanboys get when what they see or read doesn't match plot-wise 100% to what they wanted. Joss isn't one to coddle his audience -- "I give them what they NEED not want they WANT", remember? Anyway, I'm a huge Buffy/Angel fan, but never fell in love with Firefly like I did those two shows. Before I saw the advance screening, I expected to like the movie, but I was surprised that I loved it as much as I did. Anyway, it's very possible that this will only make $30 mil domestic. But after that I guarentee that after DVD and cable it will find a huge audience in the same way the original Austin Powers or Pitch Black did. In conclusion, hating is soooooo five minutes ago.
by ikilledjosh	May 13th, 2005 10:49:07 AM
i couldn't read the whole review b/c the first few paragraphs were dripping w/ so much stupidity.
Im not buying it. by Venardhi	May 13th, 2005 10:51:20 AM
This guy seems to have watched the movie looking for things not to like. While I agree about taking another moment to let the death sink in for a second, almost every other complaint about this feels like someone who wants to be disapointed so much that he finds flaw where there is none. The operative is very different from Jubal Early for one, comparing them is like saying Maul is too much like Vader. As I said in my review, I think theres gonna be a group of fans who will ignore the movie because it doesnt fit into their self-imagined continuation of the story, kinda how a lot of people dont like Star Wars I and II because its not the story they wanted to be told. This guy may very well be a fan of firefly, but he just doesn't get it.
and now about the review.... by muthafudpucker	May 13th, 2005 11:08:50 AM
I don't think this guy is a troll, and I DO think he's sincere... BUT I also think he was foolish to expect this movie to be like 'Serenity'(the TV pilot) or even 'Out Of Gas'(the best episode of the series IMHO). Those were both character driven episodes and frankly, big budget sci-fi movies just gotta have more action and spectacle. It would have been nice if maybe this movie had a little more in common with 'War Stories' ... I mean, how could you go wrong with a sadistic old gangster like Niska and preachers shooting guys in the knee caps (great stunt fall)? Reality is: we don't have Niska, we got Reavers. We don't have a deep character driven story; we got more action and special effects. I can live with that. I can also live with a deemphasis on the 'Westernyness' of the whole thing. I really liked the idea of rich people living the Star Trek lifestyle while the white trash lived on a subsistence level with almost no technology to speak of, but sometimes the extras looked like they shoulda been on the set of 'Gun smoke'-was pretty silly. I tend to agree in general with the reviewer about the character deaths, but I think he's over reacting a little: "The death of blank has ruined EVERYTHING FIREFLY for me!!! Boo, hoo hoo. etc." Get a grip man! Oh yeah, I'm not a wheadonite. I don't watch Buffy or Angel and every night I pray to God that Joss Wheadon rots in hell for Alien 4.
A fan who can be objective??? Harry & Co., this guy needs to b by Big Jim	May 13th, 2005 11:11:29 AM
As for those who still can not seem to get their heads around the western aspect, here is something that may help. As you sit there on your home computer connected to the world-wide-web by a wireless modem with your attention diverted by your big-screen HD plasma tv with surround-sound playing a DVD of a film that was in theatres only 3 months earlier, ponder this: there are places, today, as you read this, on this planet, where people live in houses that do not even have running water. They have no access to malls or outlet stores; they wear whatever clothing they can get, whether it is handed down or home-made. Take a picture of the way a lot of this world lives and put it side-by-side with a picture of your life and you might think the first picture was taken a hundred years ago. It would bear little to no resemblance to your own life. The "western" aspect of Firefly is the same thing. The series takes place on what they call the "border planets". Or, to put it another way, third-world worlds. Yes, the sci-fi technology exists but these people have little or no access to it. Hell, even in "western times" people of New York and Chicago were more "advanced" than those living in places like Montana and Arizona. Some cities had electric trains and trolleys while most of the country did not even have electric lights (or running water). It would be nice to think of the future in Star Trek terms, where there is no poverty or hunger, where everyone is equal and all share in the wealth. But Firefly is probably closer to what the future will be. The more things change, the more they stay the same. There will always be a discrepency between the "haves" and the "have nots". The economics of Firefly is a macrocosm for the world in which we live.
An Uberfan hates the real version... by Mooly	May 13th, 2005 11:14:47 AM
...as opposed the built up, unrealistic dream version he had in his head? Go figure. Seems like all the favorable reviews are from people who didn't watch Firefly, or those who did and were happy they could revisit the world. The only criticism so far has been minor, until now that is. This sounds like he had the movie so built up in his head that there was no way he could EVER be satisfied. I hate it when people do that. They create a whole movie/story in their mind BEFOREHAND and then get pissed when the movie isn't that story. Just watch the f***ing movie and enjoy it or don't, but don't bring your own mental script into the theatre with you.
Joss Whedon sucks. by Jar Jar 4 Prez	May 13th, 2005 11:20:42 AM
Everything he's ever done has been totally lame. 90210 with vampires only seems good if you're retarded.
Joss Whedon sucks. by Jar Jar 4 Prez	May 13th, 2005 11:23:09 AM
He's lame... Just like anybody who likes 90210 with vampires!
Public hairs? too funny by 1derWoman	May 13th, 2005 11:24:18 AM
Saying it will bomb is a matter of perspective. I haven't seen the flick (but will, no matter what any review says - i just don't trust the opinions of others, but do read them only for information). The movie won't make numbers like Star Wars. It isn't Star Wars. I doubt it will do as bad as, oh, say... Wing Commander. I'm not a "fanboy"(girl), per se, though I have enjoyed most of the work Whedon has spit out. I'm aware of the differences between the series and the movie. I believe I can tolerate those alterations sufficiently. Yes, there are aspects I wish were highlighted in the flick, but I'm not going to whine that the writer(s) didn't reflect my vision. That's not their job. I'm going to take what it is at face value, treasure the fact that I've benefitted from some kind of history building (all hail the boxed set). Complaints about costuming: grow up a bit. The person who stated that it was accurate because of the need for durable clothes has it right. These folks, if you paid any amount of attention, need things that wouldn't have to be replaced all that often. They may be in the smuggling business to get it, but money is not easy to come by. They would rather spend their money (or save it, as the case may be) for other things "at this juncture". Who knows what they do with their cash. They aren't going to parade around in their finest duds to do their dirty work. Regarding Technology: The "rim" planets are the ones in the most dire need of new tech stuff, or more correctly put, have little to none. Watch the dvds some more and actually pay attention to the words they spout. Horses... i'd almost rather have a horse for my main mode of transport with gas prices like they are. Guns - Jayne just loves 'em (oh, vera), which in a really weird way makes him lovable when there's a ton of reasons to not like the character. Some of those revolver lookin' things don't shoot bullets. Regarding "the Western element": Uhm...try "the pioneer element". Would you prefer t-shirts and jeans? Look to Jayne for that. Slinky outfits giving chicks a more femme look: see Inara. Seems like some people have issues that need a therapy session or ten to iron out. Every character is distinctly unique, each differs in shape, form and style. You should know, btw, that I can't STAND HBO's Deadwood. It actually is an irritant to me. Carnivale surpassed it in excellence as far as plot and character. Shame on HBO. Shame. Pox on you, even. grrr... moving on to Character Differences: Things had to be stepped up. This is very likely to be Joss's one last step into the fray of Firefly/Serenity. The characters HAD to evolve into something other than what progress we has seen so far in the dvds. We likely would have seen the characters change in similar ways had the series held up, had people been able to see beyond what they thought was one thing and couldn't wrap their brains around the idea that they could be mistaken. I do agree that it would have been nice for a little explanation about the Blue Handed men and Book's past (which could have been done with a line or two minimum inserted in the right spots. [Also - totally different thing here - but I think (don't know 4 sure) that if there is still a temp soundtrack playing with it still, then editing is still possible; the film is not necessarily in its final form. This is just a guess, mind you.] Ok..done ranting, if that's what you can call it. Couple of minor things though. Neska - scary man... wimpy, but scary. That torture episode is my second fave. Most fave epi is Out of Gas because of the character backgrounds provided. To the person up there ^^ (john-locke) - you stunned me with the comparison to Roland of the Tower. I'm going to have to watch the set again with a different set of eyes. I'm ashamed I hadn't seen it before. Musta forgotten the face of my father, as they say. I'm awake now. I wonder if Steve has seen the show and what he thought of it. Thanks, just the same. Agree or don't, with the things I've said. Don't much care. It's all just how I see it, having NOT seen the film yet and in love with the boxed set.
Meh by NeoAngelus	May 13th, 2005 11:28:40 AM
I love it when people who say they are just as much of a die-hard fan as anyone else gives a "not so good" review, claiming to not have their "fan loyalty" blinders on. You're not so special. You're just the opposite end, the dark side, if you will, of the fandom. You had extrememly high expectations for the movie, because this is FIREFLY. Things in the movie were handeled better in the series? So what. The movie isn't made just for fans. If Joss did that there would be no hope for it to succeed. That being said, I DID get the sense that a lot of the Whedonite reviews had their "fan loyalty" blinders on full force. But the fact of the matter is, no matter how much you or a positive Browncoat reviewer claim otherwise, it's your fandom of the show that influences your opinion of the movie.
Thunderballs by NeoAngelus	May 13th, 2005 11:37:32 AM
Whedon wasn't the lone writer of Alien Resurrection, so you can't put the blame squarely on him. There is also such a thing as "studio pressure," where the movie studio wants certain things and pressures the filmmakers into getting it done their way. Joss at that time had no stroke whatsoever, regardless of the fact that he had co-written Toy Story. And Alien3 DID ruin the Alien franchise. Resurrection certainly didn't do it any favors, though.
People who don't watch Firefly...will never understand the peopl by Daddy Tones	May 13th, 2005 12:02:53 PM
I had always heard that the entirity of Firefly flashes in front of your eyes the second after you see the movie Serenity. First of all, that one second isn't a second at all, it stretches on forever, like an ocean of time... For me, it was lying on my back on my bed, watching The Message... And Out Of Gas, in my Cousin Tony's house... Or River's hair, and the way her innocence brightened the frame...And the first time I saw the crew at the dinner table, laughing and joking together...And Wash... And Zoe... And... Kaylee. I guess I could be pretty pissed off about what happened to Firefly... but it's hard to stay mad, when there's so much Joss Whedon left in the 'verse. Sometimes I feel like I'm seeing it all at once, and it's too much, my heart fills up like a balloon that's about to burst. And then I remember to relax, and stop trying to hold on to each episode, and then it flows through me like rain and I can't feel anything but gratitude for every single moment of this stupid little show. You have no idea what I'm talking about, I'm sure. But don't worry, you will someday. 30th September, 2005.
ANTI-PLANT!!!! by birads	May 13th, 2005 12:40:17 PM
He's an ANTI-PLANT, BURN HIM!!
ANTI-PLANT!!!! by birads	May 13th, 2005 12:41:39 PM
He's an ANTI-PLANT, BURN HIM!!
There may not be a movie I care less about than this one by slone13	May 13th, 2005 12:52:41 PM
I can't believe how much space and time and energy the people of Aint It Cool News have wasted on stories about this. What a load.
muthafudpucker by Dark Vapor	May 13th, 2005 12:52:54 PM
I am well aware that 'verse is Firefly "slang", I stand by my post. I think this review is negative simply to try to balance out the gushing reviews that have been the majority. It rings as anything but "honest".
There may not be a movie I care less about than this one by slone13	May 13th, 2005 12:53:06 PM
I can't believe how much space and time and energy the people of Aint It Cool News have wasted on stories about this. What a load.
Negative Reviews, Predictions of Box Office Doom... by ripper t. jones	May 13th, 2005 01:38:55 PM
Pfft. Try all you want...you fucks still CANT TAKE THE SKY AWAY FROM ME.
My What Jealous Fanboys Some of You Are! by Luvs269er	May 13th, 2005 01:58:52 PM
For those illegitimate children who are here just to (for the umpteenth time) call Whedon a hack and state uniformly that everything he has ever touched "Sucks"... Well guys, you sound just a little bit bitter. Like you need to get laid. Seriously. Now. Like Whedon's writing or not, even most non-fans will tell you that Whedon's shows-- while maybe not to their liking due to subject matter, etc.-- were still miles above 95% of the dreck on TV. But what I really think is hilarious here-- is that you minority view punks are what keep most adventurous programming OFF TV (and film too). You think you're safeguarding some National TV Trust when all most of you are really doing is savaging shows you've only watched once or twice (if at all) and commenting on a film you have NEVER seen. This makes the idiotic major motion picture and television executives-- whose main interest is job preservation-- a little less likely every day to take even the slightest chance. Don't go see Whedon's movie, burn it off the net. Who cares? Because the most delicious part of this farce is that one of you-- just maybe-- will stop being a fanboy just long to write a film that gets produced or get a chance to produce a film... and you'll find yourself being hounded and eviscerated by the drooling spawn of your fellow knuckleheads-- or sadly, even the same knuckleheads that your currently wasting bandwidth now.
Not a Troll or Plant by Recognizer	May 13th, 2005 02:54:27 PM
Yeah, this review looked like a fan who expected more. I can understand. Oh, and as for TNT, nobody watched it because nobody knew when the fuck it was on. Then when they managed to see that it was good, they bought the DVD in droves. Still in the top 50 on Amazon.com after like two years.
Not a Troll or Plant by Recognizer	May 13th, 2005 02:55:41 PM
Yeah, this review looked like a fan who expected more. I can understand. Oh, and as for TNT, nobody watched it because nobody knew when the fuck it was on. Then when they managed to see that it was good, they bought the DVD in droves. Still in the top 50 on Amazon.com after like two years.
Doesn't look trollish by Recognizer	May 13th, 2005 02:56:57 PM
Yeah, this review looked like a fan who expected more. I can understand. Oh, and as for TNT, nobody watched it because nobody knew when the fuck it was on. Then when they managed to see that it was good, they bought the DVD in droves. Still in the top 50 on Amazon.com after like two years.
The talkback is fucked. by Daddy Tones	May 13th, 2005 03:07:24 PM
...
comics.... by torpor_haze	May 13th, 2005 03:09:40 PM
how about these comics that are coming out.... they might answer some questions about character being "cold"
Whats wrong with the talkback? If I write in the box below nobod by John-Locke	May 13th, 2005 03:13:31 PM

Wanting to see this by mtstan	May 13th, 2005 03:15:33 PM
Ok, this review actually makes me want to see this now. I wasn't sure before but if they've dropped the stupid horses and kill off major characters then I'm all in. What, you liked the horses? Com'on, they can fly ships throughout the universe but when they get to a planet they've got to ride a horse!?! Please. There's fusing sci-fi with western, which has been time and time again, and then there's making a western then adding spaceships and lasers, guess which one doesn't appeal to most audiences. And killing off a main character, Bravo! Too many redshirts buy it in movies (and TV shows) like this.
basing a review on preconceived expectations seems a little sill by nerdcoregirl	May 13th, 2005 03:30:28 PM
I think the problems that this reviewer had are somewhat valid. But they're entireley based on the differences between his preconceptions of the film and the reality of it. He was let down. I guess that sucks for him but I don't think it made Serenity a bad movie. When I saw the film I liked it. In fact I liked it in part because of some of the things this reviewer had problems with. The movie was darker, the characters less happy. I thought that was the point. In a tv show it makes sense to keep things fairly light, but in a movie the stakes are higher. You get one story, it can only be 2.5 hours long, and it has to be BIG. We had to feel like the crew was falling apart, we had to feel that the stakes were higher, that whatever they were doing this wasn't just another mission like we saw every other episode of the show. At the SF screening Alan and Gina both said, when asked about the darkness of the movie, that the movie is much more true to Joss' original vision of the show, and that FOX had a lot to do with the fact that the tv show painted a somewhat lighter picture of the Firefly universe. As for the lack of answers about Shepard, that comment really made me wonder if we actually watched the same film. It seemd pretty obvious to me, in the context of the film and a couple episodes, exactly what Shepard's background was.
I am seeing this on the 26th in Kansas City. I am also taking a by Barry Egan	May 13th, 2005 03:32:41 PM

"So, honestly, who didn't love the western elements of the progr by IMMORTAL-1	May 13th, 2005 03:35:15 PM
Are you kidding me? This person lost all credibility right there. Most people fans and critics alike found the western elements disjointing. It also is obvious this is one of those people who gets attached to characters only to pout if something happens to them that they don't like. Classic case of reviewing what they want to see rather than what is there. That said some of the other negative things are in line with the negative things I've seen, hopefully they'll tighten that stuff up.
"So, honestly, who didn't love the western elements of the progr by IMMORTAL-1	May 13th, 2005 03:35:44 PM
Are you kidding me? This person lost all credibility right there. Most people fans and critics alike found the western elements disjointing. It also is obvious this is one of those people who gets attached to characters only to pout if something happens to them that they don't like. Classic case of reviewing what they want to see rather than what is there. That said some of the other negative things are in line with the negative things I've seen, hopefully they'll tighten that stuff up.
IKilledJosh killed the talkback syntax error at (eval 49) line 2 by Dark Vapor	May 13th, 2005 03:36:10 PM

you know what happens to a firefly in space? by adambalm	May 13th, 2005 03:42:00 PM
Sorry, but Joss Whedon's 'cutesy' dialog doesn't do it for me. "Define interesting..." "Oh god, oh god, we're all gonna die?" or how about "I don't kill children." "I do!!! LOLz0rz" Makes me fucking cringe.
you know what happens to a firefly in space? by adambalm	May 13th, 2005 03:43:15 PM
Sorry, but Joss Whedon's 'cutesy' dialog doesn't do it for me. "Define interesting..." "Oh god, oh god, we're all gonna die?" or how about "I don't kill children." "I do!!! LOLz0rz" Makes me fucking cringe.
ikilledjosh is an ass-face by Big Jim	May 13th, 2005 03:57:32 PM

To OilCanBoyd, Jewboy, and the others who think this will bomb a by oceansized	May 13th, 2005 04:07:45 PM
You guys realize this isn't Variety.com right? I'll assume you don't have any money invested in Serenity, so why then are you measuring it's effectiveness by how much box office it does?! Will this effect your enjoyment while watching it? You'd think supposed movie lovers would be beyond such narrow thinking as "it's only good if it makes a lot of money". Oh well.
To OilCanBoyd, JewBoy, and others who think this will bomb at th by oceansized	May 13th, 2005 04:12:14 PM
You guys realize this isn't Variety.com right? I'll assume you don't have money invested in Serenity, so why then do you measure it's effectiveness by how much box office it does? Will this effect your enjoyment while watching it? You'd think supposed movie lovers would be beyond such narrow thinking as "it's only good if it makes a lot of money". Oh well.
Good review, BC by Mafu	May 13th, 2005 04:37:16 PM
I'm always glad to a read dissenting review, regardless of the material it critiques. I'm a fan of "Firefly," though I'm only a marginal fan of "Buffy" and "Angel." But that's because I dig science fiction as a genre more than I dig other forms of writing. "Firefly," to me, embodied science fiction about characters, about their stories, rather than the majority of science fiction focusing on plot over character development. I applaud Whedon for bringing some drama back to the ranks of science fiction. After seeing the film "Serenity," however, I'm not sure how I'll feel. I read that the thematic guitar-and-fiddle music on the show has been replaced with less "country" influenced music. Whedon himself said there would be far less emphasis on the "Western" elements in the film than there was on the show. I think filmgoers expecting a big screen version of the TV show might be disappointed. But then again, Whedon's got six months to edit this baby, so we'll see.
Good review, BC by Mafu	May 13th, 2005 04:43:06 PM
I'm always glad to a read dissenting review, regardless of the material it critiques. I feel better knowing not everyone is falling in line with the popular opinion. I'm a fan of "Firefly," though I'm only a marginal fan of "Buffy" and "Angel." But that's because I dig science fiction as a genre more than I dig other forms of fiction. "Firefly," to me, embodied science fiction about characters, about their stories, as opposed to the majority of science fiction that focuses on plot over character development. I applaud Whedon for bringing some drama back to the ranks of science fiction. After I see the film "Serenity," however, I'm not sure how I'll feel. I read that the thematic guitar-and-fiddle music on the show has been replaced with less "country" influenced music. Whedon himself said there would be far less emphasis on the "Western" elements in the film than there was on the show. I think filmgoers expecting a big screen version of the TV show might be disappointed. But then again, Whedon's got six months to edit this baby, so we'll see.
I dunno, I just tested =\ on the Enterprise talkback and it didn by adambalm	May 13th, 2005 04:57:14 PM
I wonder...
Stop coming to talkbacks just to bash Whedon, we've heard your o by AeroB	May 13th, 2005 05:02:06 PM

The talkback failed because it thought this 'review' was rubbish by Daddy Tones	May 13th, 2005 05:47:37 PM
f
Daddy Tones: What is a public hair? by Some Dude	May 13th, 2005 05:58:15 PM
Scourge on!
Daddy Tones: What is a public hair? by Some Dude	May 13th, 2005 05:59:10 PM
Scourge on!
And Daddy Tones please put a pistol in your mouth and stop livin by AeroB	May 13th, 2005 06:03:31 PM

Read below for the most insightful commentary on Serenity EVER!! by Gheorghe Zamfir	May 13th, 2005 06:15:09 PM
Talkback is fucked.
Stick With TV by napalm68	May 13th, 2005 06:30:40 PM
Personally, I'd have preferred Wheedon stick with TV where he has proper amount of time to develop stories and characters. I am one of the few people that love Alien Resurrection though, even before I realized who wrote it. I do think that this review probably has merit, as it basically echoes the issues raised by Alexandre DuPont in her review. If Joss Wheedon takes note of what he reads here, he may be able to fix some things. But he (or maybe we, or the internet and fans) have set up hopes so high for the film. Personally, I'm actually undecided whether I'll see it at the cinemas, or just wait for the DVD. Having a reasonable home cinema now, taking a trip to the local multiplex and standing in queues and having irritating strangers around isn't particularly my idea of fun. I'm usually prepared to wait 6 months/1 year for the DVD now. Like Xander said in that episode of Buffy, home video is like the movies, but without sticky floors and strangers... Revenge of the Sith however, I'm pretty certain I'll be seeing that at the cinema. Even though I know it'll have some flaws. But hey, maybe if Serenity doesn't do amazingly well, Wheedon will get back to doing what he does best - TV series. The TV world is sorely missing him...
Im more annoyed with Quint... by hulk_beanpoll	May 13th, 2005 07:06:15 PM
The reviewer is entitled to his opinions and whether I agree with them or not, they seem well thought out and appropriately justified. Im less pleased, that after going to the effort of reviewing the movie myseld for AICN, Quint posts this and says its a more "honest" review, just because its the kind of review he wanted to read. I gather by extension then that anyone, like me, who claimed to enjoy the movie is kind of a liar. Thanks a lot Quint. I wont bother submitting anything else in future. Ill leave that to the honest and trustworthy reviewers out there.
I can summarize this review by The Ref	May 13th, 2005 07:07:44 PM
"The movie didn't give me what I wanted it to give me, so I didn't like it." You wanted more western stuff. You wanted Jubal Early. You wanted the relationships as they were in the show. You wanted everyone to live. Guess what? THE MOVIE IS NOT THE SHOW. Forget everything you know about Firefly and then review it as a standalone, brand new movie. Yes, the characters' relationships have taken a step back--so there is drama and conflict aboard the ship. Everyone was starting to get along when the show ended. People getting along doesn't make for good movies. "Space western" alienates a lot of people. Universal wants to make money with a broadly appealing scifi picture they can turn into a franchise. If that means less horses and darn-tootin', fine. I'm sure if there are sequels, they can have more leeway with the horsies. This is a movie, not the show. Joss usually takes a season or two before killing people--sometimes not even that long. But he's only got two hours to show that our protagonists are in mortal danger. He doesn't have 22 episodes. Hence, people must die. I saw the movie. Yeah, it's flawed. But nowhere near as flawed as this review. You've brought all your Firefly series baggage to this review and, as such, this is not an objective criticism of a standalone movie but rather your disappointment that your wetdream wishlist was not fulfilled. Phooey.
"I'm writing it in the hopes that, with 6 months until a release by DAS JANKE	May 13th, 2005 07:26:50 PM
yeah, because yours is THE opinion that, despite overwhelmingly positive response, force a movie studio to redo the fucking film. you're an idiot. and i don't even know what the fuck firefly is about, much less serenity.
As Captain Malcolm Reynolds so beautifully said on that cold Dec by Daddy Tones	May 13th, 2005 08:56:28 PM
f
Movie poop shhot by Ravana	May 13th, 2005 10:48:42 PM
Man......this board has got a lot on people saying "its going to bomb" "this movie is shit" This is just like on Jay and Silent bob strike back........hell of a lot of people ripping apart a movie they havent even seen.....or intrested in seeing. Seriously, if you hate the genre, Weedon or firefly in general, why continue to post here? WHY??!! Do you guy have nothing better to do?
They killed Blue Beetle? by Jimmy Jazz	May 14th, 2005 01:26:51 AM
When the hell did this happen? I haven't read comics in a while, so I'm out of the loop, but Ted Kord is/was one of my favorite characters. If he really is dead, that would suck totally. As for the Serenity movie, I will reserve judgement until I see it, but this guy seems a little bit unrealistic in his expectations. The western theme (as much as I dug it) was one of the first things I figured they would downplay from the get go. I suspect that the whole western thing alienated as many potential viewers as attracted others. Perhaps (deity of choice) willing, they will slowly bring it back in potential sequels. Remember, not every episode was western-heavy either. The dropped plotlines (especially the Blue Sun Blue Hands) are a bit worrying, but again, I will reserve judgement. As for the character deaths, I have faith in Joss in that. If Buffy and Angel taught us anything, is that he can milk great drama and suspense out of the death of a major character (well, except Anya, that was freaking lame)if these characters dead for a good cause I can accept it.
They killed Blue Beetle? by Jimmy Jazz	May 14th, 2005 01:27:45 AM
When the hell did this happen? I haven't read comics in a while, so I'm out of the loop, but Ted Kord is/was one of my favorite characters. If he really is dead, that would suck totally. As for the Serenity movie, I will reserve judgement until I see it, but this guy seems a little bit unrealistic in his expectations. The western theme (as much as I dug it) was one of the first things I figured they would downplay from the get go. I suspect that the whole western thing alienated as many potential viewers as attracted others. Perhaps (deity of choice) willing, they will slowly bring it back in potential sequels. Remember, not every episode was western-heavy either. The dropped plotlines (especially the Blue Sun Blue Hands) are a bit worrying, but again, I will reserve judgement. As for the character deaths, I have faith in Joss in that. If Buffy and Angel taught us anything, is that he can milk great drama and suspense out of the death of a major character (well, except Anya, that was freaking lame)if these characters dead for a good cause I can accept it.
"Shiny" Happy People takes on a whole new meaning... by Ribbons	May 14th, 2005 02:53:02 AM
...I suppose it makes sense that people are convincing themselves they like a movie that's mediocre if they pledge allegiance to the series. That said, sometimes fans can be harsher critics than non-fans. For examples of this, I'll refer you to the Harry Potter talkback from about a week ago. I too want to like this movie, but I'm not sure whether or not it can strike the same creative oil that the series did. The pilot episode, which established the show's themes, basically fueled the entire season. With the movie separated from that context, there's every chance in the world that it could just be a Whedon-flavored space movie. I'm more inclined to believe that there's something of merit in there, but I tread lightly with spoiler-laden reviews, so there's not much evidence that I can use to prove or disprove that in either case. We'll all find out soon enough, I suppose.
"Shiny" Happy People takes on a whole new meaning... by Ribbons	May 14th, 2005 02:53:37 AM
...I suppose it makes sense that people are convincing themselves they like a movie that's mediocre if they pledge allegiance to the series. That said, sometimes fans can be harsher critics than non-fans. For examples of this, I'll refer you to the Harry Potter talkback from about a week ago. I too want to like this movie, but I'm not sure whether or not it can strike the same creative oil that the series did. The pilot episode, which established the show's themes, basically fueled the entire season. With the movie separated from that context, there's every chance in the world that it could just be a Whedon-flavored space movie. I'm more inclined to believe that there's something of merit in there, but I tread lightly with spoiler-laden reviews, so there's not much evidence that I can use to prove or disprove that in either case. We'll all find out soon enough, I suppose.
They also killed My. Terrific! Fair Play!!! by Gheorghe Zamfir	May 14th, 2005 04:22:27 AM

"They'd wear what was easy to make and that lasts, which coincid by The Killer-Goat	May 14th, 2005 04:37:39 AM
Yeah. Hundreds of years after OUR melting pot of multi-cultural fashions and styles, the poor frontiersmen are going to opt for the american standard of the old west. As opposed to low-tech mexican sombreros and ponchos, or arabian gutras, or even peruvian fleece caps. What, they can't even make a simple pair of Hanes briefs and t-shirts? Or maybe some Loose-Fit Levis? I appreciate the parallel motifs to the 'civil war' aspect and all that, but that was like going through an historic theme park. Considering all the other creative and inspiring elements in the show, the whole "western genre" was really generic and stood out like a sore thumb. If they toned it down for the movie it'll be for the better.
Shepherd Book by TodayzSpecial	May 14th, 2005 08:45:48 AM
Do we find out the real story behind Book? He wasn't a real shepherd ... or do they totally forget about him in his "guest starring" role.
Question ... by snicky	May 14th, 2005 10:12:35 AM
Have there been any non-fan test screenings yet?
season seven is a trainwreck of an abortion. by dr.bulber	May 14th, 2005 07:01:27 PM
a great example of television at its worst. but hey joss, YOU earned it.
People keep posting even though talkback is FUCKED! Mormons... e by muthafudpucker	May 15th, 2005 12:35:30 AM

Oh yeah, ikilledjosh has penis breath. by muthafudpucker	May 15th, 2005 12:37:37 AM

Any Farscape fans out there? by ptlooker	May 15th, 2005 02:01:15 AM
If Serenity does manage to do well at the box office, some people throughout this talk back have casted their doubts, but I for one am a big believer in Geek Power, and think our numbers have become more than legion, if it does well at the box office, Farscape the feature film is on the fast track. I've seen Brian Henson quoted as saying investors are lined up, anxiously awaiting this film's financial performance before making any permanent decisions.
I still have high hopes by Mark Twain	May 15th, 2005 02:36:26 AM
I would hope that the reason for the screenings was that there would be time to adjust the film based on feedback. Even the positive reviews are consistent in pointing out the same issues fans have with the film. I suspect the final edit will take into account much of what has been posted on this and similar sites. After all, you can always get the fans to see the film in the theater once, but two or three times is better. I suspect that I'll enjoy this film just because it exists, but if it meets expectations I'm one of those who'll see it again and again and bring new people with me each time. And the less said about Alien Resurrection the better. Give the guy a break, name any writer with a significant body of work that nailed it every time?
In this TalkBack post lies the meaning of life by Ribbons	May 15th, 2005 11:16:27 PM
Too bad no one can read it. 42.

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