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Movies / On DVD / Serenity
Serenity

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Serenity (2005)

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Reviews Counted:172

Fresh:139

Rotten:33

Average Rating:7.1/10

Consensus: Snappy dialogue and goofy characters make this Wild Wild West soap opera in space fun and adventurous.

Rated: 15 [See Full Rating] for sequences of intense violence and action, and some sexual references

Runtime: 1 hr 59 mins

Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy

Theatrical Release:07-10-2005

Synopsis: Beloved television cult director Joss Whedon (BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, ANGEL) makes a spectacular first foray onto the big screen with SERENITY, the cinematic adaptation of his wildly popular but... Beloved television cult director Joss Whedon (BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, ANGEL) makes a spectacular first foray onto the big screen with SERENITY, the cinematic adaptation of his wildly popular but short-lived sci-fi series, FIREFLY. A mix of space western, comedy, and drama, SERENITY follows captain Malcolm "Mal" Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) and his ragtag crew as they trade their way around the edges of civilized society. Of particular interest are two passengers they take on, Simon and River Tam (Sean Maher, Summer Glau), a brother and his telepathic sister on the run from the corrupt governing Alliance. As notorious former members of the anti-Alliance opposition, Mal and his crew make it difficult for Simon and River to stay hidden. Everything goes completely awry when a government assassin is sent to retrieve River. As Mal is forced to choose between his close-knit crew and the brother and sister newcomers, it becomes apparent that River harbors both a dangerous secret and astounding fighting powers, and Mal decides that discovering the truth about what she knows might just be worth his time. Many of the film's action sequences revolve around Summer Glau's martial arts skills in her portrayal of River. Glau prepared for her role with Hong Kong stuntwoman Ming Lu, as well as stunt coordinators Chad Stahelski and Hiro Koda, and as a resulted performed nearly all the stuntwork herself. In addition to the stellar stunts, realistic graphics, and an often haunting score, the film's actors display a rare chemistry that brings viewers both into their lives and into a possible version of humanity's future. [More]

Starring: Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin

Starring: Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, Adam Baldwin, Jewel Staite, Sean Maher, Summer Glau, Ron Glass, Chjwetel Ejiofor, David Krumholtz, Michael Hitchcock, Sarah Paulson

Director: Joss Whedon

Director: Joss Whedon
Screenwriter: Joss Whedon
Composer: David Newman
Studio: Universal Pictures

[See More Credits]

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1 - 4 of 4

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Reviews for Serenity

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101 - 120 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
Text View | |< << 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 >> >|
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A space spectacle resonant with witty dialogue, accessible characters and kaleidoscopic action.

Full Review Source: Dallas Morning News | comment Comment
09/30/05
Philip Wuntch
Philip Wuntch
Dallas Morning News

Serenity is a trim little picture of epic proportions.

Full Review Source: Salon.com | comment Comment
09/30/05
Stephanie Zacharek
Stephanie Zacharek
Salon.com

He's [Joss Whedon] interested in relationships, and he makes the smart choice to create drama through character development rather than action.

Full Review Source: Charlotte Observer | comment Comment
09/30/05
Lawrence Toppman
Lawrence Toppman
Charlotte Observer

While treating his subject matter with the utmost respect, Whedon also infuses it with his trademark off-kilter wit.

Full Review Source: Boxoffice Magazine | comment Comment
09/30/05
Annlee Ellingson
Annlee Ellingson
Boxoffice Magazine

After an hour of intense disorientation, the movie's arch sarcasm becomes oddly entertaining.

Full Review Source: Boston Globe | comment Comment
09/30/05
Wesley Morris
Wesley Morris
Boston Globe

This movie is fast-paced with lots of kick-*** action and cool special effects, plus they toss around witty banter and one-liners as easily as they throw punches.

Full Review Source: TheMovieChicks.com | comment Comment
09/30/05
Cherryl Dawson and Leigh Ann Palone
Cherryl Dawson and Leigh Ann Palone
TheMovieChicks.com

As joyless, lurching, and filled with dull exposition as the TV show was giddy, fleet-footed, and packed with lively conversation.

Full Review Source: FilmStew.com | comment Comment
09/30/05
Brett Buckalew
Brett Buckalew
FilmStew.com

Just when you think Whedon has fallen into the generic action film void, he injects Serenity with a dose of feeling...

Full Review Source: Now Playing Magazine | comment Comment
09/30/05
Scott Collura
Scott Collura
Now Playing Magazine

Whether this is your first trip or you're a charter passenger, Serenity is a wild ride -- and, if things work out, not the last.

Full Review Source: Salt Lake Tribune | comment Comment
09/30/05
Sean Means
Sean Means
Salt Lake Tribune

Demonstrates that the best pop storytellers if not the best 'artists' in filmed entertainment these days are working in television.

Full Review Source: Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN) | comment Comment
09/30/05
John Beifuss
John Beifuss
Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN)

Though the movie seems built to launch an ongoing franchise, Whedon avoids bowing to the status quo, daringly taking his story in uncompromising directions.

Full Review Source: Arizona Daily Star | comment Comment
09/30/05
Phil Villarreal
Phil Villarreal
Arizona Daily Star

If you're familiar with the "Firefly" characters, you'll enjoy the episodic action far more than those who aren't.

Full Review Source: Modamag.com | comment Comment
09/30/05
Susan Granger
Susan Granger
Modamag.com

Whedon's smart, densely plotted, fast-paced story provides ample opportunities for characterization, revealing the pain beneath the characters' defensive humor.

Full Review Source: Groucho Reviews | comment Comment
09/30/05
Peter Canavese
Peter Canavese
Groucho Reviews

It's clunky and has too many spare parts, but it gets the job done.

Full Review Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram | comment Comment
09/30/05
Scott Von Doviak
Scott Von Doviak
Fort Worth Star-Telegram

a decent sci-fi'er more interesting for its characters than its plot...shows its roots in television from its visual composition to some cheesy effects

Full Review Source: Reeling Reviews | comment Comment
09/30/05
Laura Clifford
Laura Clifford
Reeling Reviews

Even if you aren't one of the 'Firefly' faithful, Serenity will give you some insight into why other people are.

Full Review Source: Decent Films Guide | comment Comment
09/30/05
Steven D. Greydanus
Steven D. Greydanus
Decent Films Guide

If you want to know what a good science fiction movie is like, go see Serenity.

Full Review Source: Worcester Telegram & Gazette | comment Comment
09/30/05
Daniel M. Kimmel
Daniel M. Kimmel
Worcester Telegram & Gazette
N/R

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Boston Phoenix | comment Comment
09/30/05
Boston Phoenix

It's equal parts deadly action, deadpan comedy and knotty mystery.

Full Review Source: E! Online | comment Comment
09/30/05
E! Online
N/R

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Sydney Morning Herald | comment Comment
09/30/05
Sydney Morning Herald
 
 
101 - 120 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
Text View | |< << 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 >> >|
all

Latest News for Serenity

July 01, 2008: Edinburgh 2008: What to Watch
We share twenty of the best films screened at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, currently running in the Scottish city. More...

August 21, 2007: RT on DVD: The Lives of Others, RoboCop 20th Anniversary, and More Out Today
It's Tuesday, and you know what that means. New DVD releases! This week we have 2007's Best Foreign Oscar winner The Lives of Others, a Serenity Collector's Edition, and other... More...

February 05, 2007: Whedon Walks On "Wonder Woman"
Just before the weekend we learned that Warner Bros. had commissioned a second "Wonder Woman" screenplay, and now we now why: Fan favorite filmmaker Joss Whedon is... More...

October 06, 2006: Whedon Confirms It: No "Serenity" Sequels
Fanboy favorite Joss Whedon has given his supporters a whole bunch of fun stuff over the years, but it certainly looks like his "Firefly" & "Serenity"... More...

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