Ok…here it is:

Whether you’ve already seen the series or not.. this is a movie that you need to go see!

Now..to spare anyone who hasn’t seen it the spoilers..the actual review is in the extended entry.

(a few more blank lines to give those who want to avoid spoilers one last chance)

(Ok…if you’re still reading this, don’t say you weren’t warned)

The movie did a very good job of covering enough of the backstory so that if you weren’t familiar with the series you get the readers digest version of it. I realize that this portion was necessary so that they could attract people who hadn’t seen the series..but, I have a problem with it (and its really one of the only problems I have with the story)…the introduction of River/Simon goes contrary to how they were introduced in the series (but, only a little bit..so its forgivable).

It answered a few questions (The Reavers! The Reavers! we get to find out more about everyone’s favorite space cannibals!), raised some other ones (when did the mule turn into a hovercraft?) Its story, can stand on its own, outside of the series..although, it would have worked as almost an entire season had it still been one.

Lets see..

The story was open ended enough to leave room for a Sequel, or for a resurrection of a series.

Highlights? Lots of good quotes, good action, good SFX, believable characters , good bad guys, more history of what happened to Earth that was, and where the Firefly ‘verse is at. Kaylee, Inara, Zoe, seeing Jayne scared (of someone besides Mal), Reavers, Serenity.

Lowlights? Well.. Joss pulled a Joss and killed off two of the main characters… (well..main for the series, Shepherd Book only had a bit part in the movie..didn’t even really get mentioned as a crew member)..and the characters he killed (Wash and Book) are causing great portions of the internet to rise up and scream “WHY!” Both deaths did serve as a reminder that, unlike most movies, the good guys can die.. Not enough Inara. Not long enough (should have been like a 3 hour movie)..

One way or another, this movie will change your opinion of the ‘Verse.. go see it lots..

Overall rating? 10 out of 10.

(as I write this, Janice is reading a list of quotes from the movie she’s found online, and begging me to take her to the movie again)