SERENITY NOW!!!

Run, don't walk, to the nearest theatre showing Serenity when it opens this weekend. Whether or not you watched/were a fan of the movie's TV incarnation, Firefly, when it ran on Fox a couple of years back, this flick is a must-see.

I have never been a huge sci-fi nut, but I fell in love with the TV show, and was fortunate enough to see an early screening of the movie this evening. Jake and I even got to waltz right in without standing in line after he came across an announcement inviting bloggers to register to preview the movie in exchange for blogging about it (hat tip: Ace of Spades HQ and Instapundit).

I think the thing that has often turned me off about sci-fi is that the story so often suffers for the science or lately, as Jake pointed out this evening, the effects. Serenity lacks in neither, while at the same time offering a terrific piece of fiction with all the trimmings: drama, humor, tension, plot, depth of character...you know, little stuff like that!

Now, as a writer and actor myself, I'm no creampuff when it comes time to play armchair critic. The writing and direction in this film were wonderful-- Joss Whedon made the translation from small screen to big screen seem effortless. The pacing was flawless. A gifted cast and director came together to bring these characters and this story to life in such a way that I cared about the characters from the opening scene, was riveted by the action and unfolding of the story, and sad to see the movie end when the closing credits started to roll. An impressive achievement anytime, but particularly in a time when Hollywood often has me sighing in disappointment, regretting having spent good money on a movie, or walking out before the end in frustration. Bravo!

One element I want to mention that particularly stood out to me (as it did in the TV series) is the humor. There is lots of it -- at all the right moments -- and superbly written and delivered. And it isn't corny humor, either, it's witty humor. Whedon gets that sexy humor is funniest when delivered by the most innocent character, and much more effective when applied sparingly rather than throwing it at you in large quantities that leave you numb a half hour in. The script is laced with great lines, and blessed with a cast that knows how to use them.

The entire script is intelligent, as a matter of fact, and boy is THAT refreshing. Serenity will make you think, make you laugh, make you cry...and make you glad you saw Serenity NOW!

P.S. With the lack of shame that is entirely essential for anyone pursuing a career in acting...if Mr. Whedon or anyone associated with Mr. Whedon is reading this, please visit my website because I have a terrific look for sci-fi and can make myself available for a screen test ANY TIME...