Ah, the Serenity

Maybe you've seen the cool poster in your cinema ...
Maybe you've seen the intriging ad on your television ...
Maybe you've heard the excellent word of mouth ...

Or maybe I'm dreaming all those things.

But whether you're aware it's coming or not, here's what you need to know: after "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel" were done and dusted, Joss Whedon created another TV series called "Firefly".

Fox TV (may their name be forever cursed) cancelled this new series after only eleven episodes were screened, but it was clear to everyone else that the show was GREAT. Along came Universal (all praise upon them), who offered Joss some loose change (ie. about $40M) to make a movie based on the concept.

And thus was born ... SERENITY. A movie which opens THIS. VERY. THURSDAY.

Now, it's not critical that you've seen "Firefly", but if you're interested, the DVD box is available at your local DVD store. If you want to go buy it right now, that's fine, the rest of us can wait ... hmmm ... mmm ... ho-hum ... la-de-dum ... good grief, this could take forever ... idiot! what was I thinking??? ... *sigh*


Anyway, while they're gone, I'll assume that I'm speaking with the people who've already seen it all (isn't it great? God, I love it SO MUCH) or who just aren't sure (and that's cool, I can respect your caution). What I want to say to all of you (and the others when they get back) is simply GO SEE SERENITY THIS WEEKEND.

Here's a wee Q&A to elaborate upon my message ...

Q. "Mark, I'd love to, but I'm too busy over the next few weeks"
A. NO, GO SEE SERENITY THIS WEEKEND

Q. "I'll see it next week, but this weekend I'm donating a spleen to my African foster-child"
A. NO, GO SEE SERENITY THIS WEEKEND

Q. "Shouldn't I watch Firefly first?"
A. NOT NECESSARILY, GO SEE SERENITY THIS WEEKEND

Q. "But Buffy went all silly and I'm not sure I trust Joss anymore"
A. POINT TAKEN, BUT GO SEE SERENITY THIS WEEKEND

Q. "Mark, I'm a free-thinking adult who doesn't take kindly to being told what to do"
A. SHUT UP AND GO SEE SERENITY THIS WEEKEND

Seriously, people, a film lives or dies on the strength of its opening weekend. Joss loves his movie and so do the Femme & I (yes, we've seen it ... twice ... it's WONDERFUL). He wants to make lots of little sequels, and we want to help him. A big opening weekend vindicates Universal's decision to let him make Serenity, and keeps the kind of funny-scary-thrilling-aching stories that only Joss can tell coming our way.


SERENITY. Written & directed by Joss Whedon.
"It's about how much you can take, how much you can have taken from you ... before you have to turn around and fight" - JW.

It's funny, too.

I'm sure you'll love it. And thank me for posting this rant.

And maybe, in time, even forgive me for telling you to shut up.

Sorry.