I liked this movie, which I actually first saw long before I saw the TV series. I distinctly remember that feeling of not quite having the whole picture as far as the characters are concerned.
There are relationships that fans of the TV show would know all about, but are merely implied or jumped into for much of the movie. I would say this was Whedon's biggest challenge, balancing the movie between the needs of first time viewers and long time fans. I'll give him maybe a B minus on that.
A couple of characters change personalities as well, not necessarily for the better in my book. A couple also kick the bucket. I wasn't invested the first time I saw the movie, but after seeing the TV show I have to wonder why and I can also see why fans were so consternated.
Just as a movie, without the TV show as reference, it holds together and makes sense. It's also pretty lively, nicely paced, and the Jos Whedon humor (which I truly like) shows through.
Lawrence of Arabia it ain't, but it's a good time with memorable characters.
When all is said and done, however, I like the TV show (Firefly - one season only) far better.
There are relationships that fans of the TV show would know all about, but are merely implied or jumped into for much of the movie. I would say this was Whedon's biggest challenge, balancing the movie between the needs of first time viewers and long time fans. I'll give him maybe a B minus on that.
A couple of characters change personalities as well, not necessarily for the better in my book. A couple also kick the bucket. I wasn't invested the first time I saw the movie, but after seeing the TV show I have to wonder why and I can also see why fans were so consternated.
Just as a movie, without the TV show as reference, it holds together and makes sense. It's also pretty lively, nicely paced, and the Jos Whedon humor (which I truly like) shows through.
Lawrence of Arabia it ain't, but it's a good time with memorable characters.
When all is said and done, however, I like the TV show (Firefly - one season only) far better.