Milkman came through the other night, having picked up tickets to a preview screening of Serenity. Joss Whedon (the director) was kind enough to speak to us (on film) before the film started. I'll paraphrase his remarks, which were twice as fantastic as I remember:

Most of you are probably here because of a show called Firefly. When it came out, Firefly was immediately hailed as one of the most cancelled shows ever. (It premiered alongside the World Series, and was thus pushed all over the schedule from its originally bleak Fridays at 8 time-slot. Firefly episodes were aired out of order, with the 2 hour pilot last.) Most shows that do not make it through one full season do not end up as major motion pictures. This film, by all accounts, should not exist. We the Browncoats, (Firefly super-fans named for the coat worn by Captain Malcolm Reynolds and his fellow revolutionaries) have triumphed. We...and that makes us mighty.

After the inspiring words from the creator and director, the show began. I have no interest in spoilers or recounting the film. The entire cast returns to reprise their roles, the story-line is fresh, original, and in tune with the main elements of the show. Something Maelstrom pointed out to me, the story feels like a 2+ hour episode, which places it firmly in sequel territory. The net effect of the cast, the writing, and direction all sum up to an amazing story; Hilarious, intriguing, and propelled with great fervor. Most appealing to those who may not be familiar with Serenity's television roots is the complete lack of A-list stars. Because you don't recognize anyone in this film from the last Bernie Mac/Julia Roberts/Snuffelufogus/Al Pachino/Catherine Zeta-Jones/Colin Farrell/Jenna Jameson/Jude Law/Rainbow Brite/Ashton Kutcher/Mr. T dramatic action romance comedy, you have a greater willingness to accept and believe in the characters of Serenity. The underlying power of this film is that while it exists clearly in the sci-fi genre, you don't need to be a geek to enjoy it. Because tech and futurism are not Serenity's primary fuel, it is not a film reserved for Jedi wannabes and Trekkies. The films plot, character, and conflict elements make it approachable to anyone that enjoys a story of mystery, excitement, danger and comedy. Overall Serenity is a cinematic revelation, reminding you what makes a great film worth watching again and again. Rolling out of the theater at 12:15 after a full day at work, I was ready to stand in line for another two hours just to see it again. I can't wait to drag everyone within reach to see it this fall.