I’m a big Firefly fan (remember when I had Jayne endorse Bush?), gotten my sister, my mother (I spent a vacation in Sun Valley staying in our hotel room watching all the episodes with them on my laptop), SarahK, and my brother Joe foo’ the Marine hooked on the series (he’s watched the 14 episodes of it multiple times while in Iraq – probably has already seen the movie on a bootleg Iraqi DVD), thus I was very excited at the opportunity to go to a press screening in Orlando this Tuesday so I can see it early and put up a review (and hopefully SarahK will have the podcast review before it comes out on Friday). Ends up, as of now, I am not guaranteed a seat.
What? You mean I may drive all the way to Orlando on a weeknight – taking all those tolls and gas costs – and not even get to see the Firefly movie Serenity?
Grace Hills Media is calling this press screening for bloggers the “Serenity Blogger Bonanza” (ugh – still, it’s nice to seem them trying a blog publicity campaign) and has a few requirement to earn our chance at the screening.
Fine. I’ll jump through a few hoops. Anyhoo, here’s the film’s synopsis:
Joss Whedon, the Oscar® – and Emmy – nominated writer/director responsible for the worldwide television phenomena of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE, ANGEL and FIREFLY, now applies his trademark compassion and wit to a small band of galactic outcasts 500 years in the future in his feature film directorial debut, Serenity. The film centers around Captain Malcolm Reynolds, a hardened veteran (on the losing side) of a galactic civil war, who now ekes out a living pulling off small crimes and transport-for-hire aboard his ship, Serenity. He leads a small, eclectic crew who are the closest thing he has left to family –squabbling, insubordinate and undyingly loyal.
I don’t think that’s particularly very good, so I’d like my readers who are fans of the series (and those who have seen the movie already) put better explanations of the series and movie (spoiler-free) in the comments.
There, that’s one hoop jumped through. Now, I’m going to e-mail them and explain to them I am Frank J. and there isn’t a bigger blogger in the Orlando area you could get involved with this. Hopefully, I can get confirmation before Tuesday night.
If they don’t let me in, though I will swear in Chinese, but I’m going to hype the movie, because, if you’ve watched the series, you’d know why this needs to be a blockbuster. If you haven’t seen the series, go rent DVDs now. Actually, just trust me and buy them; you’ll want to show them to everyone else just like me.
Oh, and before I forget (another hoop), here’s the official movie site where you can watch the trailers for the film. They’re shiny (that means really good, for the uninitiated)!
Man, I want to see this film… and NOW!
Wait — who has seen the movie already?
“Space Above and Beyond” beats Firefly on their worst day.
You really shouldn’t broadcast your prefernces to your readers. If anyone is paying attention, they will know that you are borderline retarded.
Soace Above and Beyond was schlock. I’m ashamed to say I ever watched it.
Schlock!
I would have to agree with Frank J on that one. The writing for Space was horrid. Granted they had some decent acting, but they always did the same thing. Hop in super ships and shoot bad aliens.
Anty
Yeah! Show everybody what a big bad blogger Frank J. is and let’s all run out to make this guy Joss Whedon even richer:
http://volunteer.johnkerry.com/event/view/?id=32367
http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=18667
PLEASE INSERT YOUR PERSONAL VERSION OF THIS CANNED RESPONSE
“Oh, whatever you big idiot! Frank J. is always right about things and I don’t care if Joss Whedon is Satan! I agree with Frank and I’ll still pay money to go see Serenity because unlike idiots like you I can separate my politics from what I like as pure entertainment!”
ok, first of all what the hell is that guy who didn’t post his name talking about?
secondly, i think a better synopsis of it would be:
it’s a western. set in space.
‘Wait — who has seen the movie already?’
Well, I have, for one. They’ve had three rounds of sneak previews (the first one back in May).
I won’t give away any spoilers, though. Well, except that River is made out of chocolate.
“Yeah! Show everybody what a big bad blogger Frank J. is and let’s all run out to make this guy Joss Whedon even richer”
……You know, people’s motivation for seeing a movie, or watching a t.v. show isn’t to make the writer/director richer, it’s too be entertained. By chance, most people here liked Firefly and understand that Serenity is that as a movie, so we want to see it.
If you don’t like Firefly, don’t see the movie, see if anyone gives a shit.
Just quit being a whiny bitch.
P.S. that template response was a nice touch, it removes all doubt that you’re a sniveling jackass trying to be clever.
Xeno,
Yes, but how is it different from other westerns set in space? That’s what we need to tell people.
Our priority is getting Firefly back on the air… and me added to the cast.
My sell has always been:”Outlaw Josie Wales in space” That about covers the parallels. I kept waiting for Mal to say “diein’ ain’t much of a livin’ boy”
That would have been enough to put me off though so I’m glad he never said it.
As for all the wierd posts above…..be kind, mental illness is not a laughing matter. I hope the nameless poster finds help.
Now, let’s find the crappy planet where I’m a hero!!!
Why do I get the feeling that there should be a disclaimer accompanying this post?
Schlock?
Schlock???
If Joe Foo was suddenly thrust 100 years into the future, the only thing he would recognize would be Space Above and Beyond…
Not any of the Star Trek spinoffs…
The beauty of SAAB is that it recognized that we would still be human no matter how advanced technology gets…
The internet was just a baby when that show tanked, but the fans of the show would be tearing it up now (ala Family Guy or Firefly).
It’s hardly shlock…
Hey!
I’m not trying to be a whiny bitch like that other guy. I just have a hankering for Space Above and Beyond…
I have seen the movie twice at prescreenings too. Oh man, plot, dialogue, everything, 1000 x better than Star Wars! The movie explores / explains River’s past (through a mystery which keeps you guessing to the very end … seriously, you will not be able to figure this out halfway through, firefly fans) and big bad Blue Sun’s connection. Also lots of Reavers in guest starring roles. Is that a spoiler? Intense action. Suspense. Good vs. evil, although you have to get to the end to sort out that out. Surprises galore. Plus it retains its funny. And the poignancy of the original. You will not be disappointed. I am going twice opening weekend. I hope you get to see it, Frank.
I am going this weekend with my husband, our nephew, one of my husbands co-workers & his wife. (I need to see if I can talk my Mom and Stepdad into going too….)
Yes! I have already seen the movie at the July screening here in Dallas. And yes, it’s as good as you’re hoping it is. Indeed, it’s very, very good. And this is coming from someone who had NEVER seen the TV show during its run, but was dragged to the movie by a friend who’s a rabid fan. Even as an introduction to the Firefly ‘verse, it just works. The writing and acting are both great, and even the effects are good, and not so over-the-top you can’t even take it all in, a la Episode III. Trust me, people, whether you’re a Firefly initiate or not, go see Serenity.