Exhausted, Exhilerated
by Karen Axtell
I went to see Serenity with very high expectations, and they were met and surpassed. I left the theater drained, exhausted, exhilarated. I have never felt this way after a film. I hope it’s this way for the new viewer. I can’t think it will be quite as draining, but I hope the emotions are roused and people leave with something special. I know I did.
This film has it all. Believable dialogue, a cast you will fall in love with. And even though it is far from a comedy, it will make you laugh out loud. Then there is the plot and action. Now folks, you do have to pay attention, but you will be rewarded if you do. This is not written for the weak of heart. If you want mindless entertainment you are in the wrong spot. Mr. Whedon proves you can have spaceships, gunfights and a plot! Even a message for the people and the fans. It’s not a pretty future, but there is hope, and it is believable.
Joss Whedon took me out of the theater and put me on the crew of Serenity for two hours. I felt their fear, pain, love, shock and elation. I truly was not cognizant of my surroundings. I had Adam Baldwin, one of the stars of the film, sitting about ten feet behind me during my screening, but I forgot he was there within ten minutes–and I had really planned on watching his reactions.
And just to comment on the acting job of our big heroes…well, as the fans all know it was superlative. But, top honors go to Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres and Summer Glau. Again, all actors did a wonderful job, but those three had the meatiest material and were able to emote without going over the top. Gina’s portrayal of a soldier woman was spot on. Nathan brought all the anguish of the loss of the Browncoats to his future fight for survival, his care for his ship and crew and his need to do the right thing. Summer just brought a vulnerability to what could have been a one-not character with a lesser actress or script.
The love of the cast for this project and each other was not just acting–it showed through and gives this film something special. If this movie does not get Joss Whedon and family some major sci-fi recognition, then I am giving up on sci-fi!!! I know it is too much to ask the Academy to accept a sci-fi film for best movie, or director, or script. But this is Oscar-worthy material, folks. Not just for Joss, but many members of the cast deserve the little statue. I would give one to all of them if I could. Jewel, Sean, Adam, Morena, Alan and Ron gave stellar performances, they just didn’t have as much air time this time. But when we get our next movie, all bets are off.
raises glass of grape juice(don’t drink alcohol) to the voices that refused to die quietly.
Huzzah, brutha!
Couldn’t have said it better myself (no really, I’ve tried so many times to put into words exactly what I felt on that day, and you just did it. thanks) I couldn’t agree with you more if I tried.
nice work,
Leish xo
No spoilers?!? I thought this site would be safe, and instead…. THINK, people. We haven’t seen it, and we don’t know what happens – telling us some people don’t survive, other people attack other people… not on, really truly, not on!
And Joss would be mad!
Hah. Sorry if I offended any old timers out there, maybe I should’ve said “Star Wars for a new generationâ€?. I’ve got nothing but love for ya.
Keep on flyin’, space cowboys.
Yeah, I totally disagree that Star Wars is “our parents’ scifi.” I really freaking hope I’m not old enough to be your mother.
My parents and uncles, aunts, and all other authoritative figures from my youth did not go nuts for Star Wars. They felt like I do when I watch movies with my kids. “Nice kids’ movie. Enjoyable, but I’m not going to be a cult fan.”
And, HEY! Stop giving shiznit AWAY! Only a handful of people have seen the movie, so be kind to those of us who HAVE NOT and want to be surprised. We realize you’re excited, but ZIPPIT!
I didn’t give anything away… at least anything that wasn’t shown in the trailer.
“Despite an extended visit to a planetside local absolutely drenched in Asian artifice, few notable Asian extras are given screentime in Serenity. I was hoping to either see oodles more Sihonese citizens, or at least a throw-away explanation for the dearth of Asian faces in this particular ‘verse (i.e. “Ah, this is the best engine degreaser I’ve had since ALL THE POOR GORRAM CHINESE EXTRAS GOT BLOWED UP 20 YEARS AGO. BLOWED UP WITH A FORK.â€?), but no dice this time. Argh, man, argh.”
Hell. You must be living in your very own Whitebread reality if you think Hollywood is going to include any people of color in roles that go beyond the usual Bad Guy (i.e. the Operative character) or serve as background color for the White Boy Hero.
If Hollywood wanted to do something really original, make a film in which the Great White Hype gets his brains blown out in the first 10 minutes of the film.
You’d have a blockbuster that millions would pay to see.