I just like the entire approach to the future in Serenity. It hasn't been cleansed the way Star Trek would have it. (Ducking for cover now). People are still people, some with more technology, some with less. And I think the whole Reconstruction vibe works well, too.

The rescue seemed off, I just couldn't remember details from the show. I haven't broken down and bought the DVD yet.

I was really happy to go see this movie, especially after waiting so long for it. I was a Firefly fan as well though, and I agree I would love to hear the opinion from a non-fan who's seen this movie. I think Joss did a remarkable job in making a movie that would be fresh and new for existing fans and yet introducing the characters and universe to non-fans of the series. It must have been very difficult to do. Loved the resolution as to the origins of the Reavers.

As for Simon rescuing River, I don't know if there was that much detail in the series. I just remember Simon mentioning that he had to put a lot of money in the right hands. That could have meant to gain access to her in the way he did in the movie. Now I'll have to watch the series again to make sure I'm remembering right!

The villain -- totally scary, and very well acted. His coldness and lack of conscience made him even scarier.

I loved the discussion between Mal and Zoe, where they're talking about the state of the ship but it's really about how Zoe is -- "She's damaged sir, but she'll fly."

I'm sorta disappointed the movie hasn't been doing better. I was hoping maybe another movie could be made if Serenity did well. It's proven difficult to let go of such great characters and intriguing story. There was so much left to tell. At least we got this much.

The villain (The Operator) in the movie is a nice continuation of Jubal Early in the last 'Firefly' episode, I thought. Not quite as insane, but similarly obsessive/single-minded; also with the slightly archaic vocabulary.

On the bright side, my brother hasn't seen the movie yet so I'm going to see it again with him this weekend.

I really liked the charcter of River and I thought the actress that played her did a wonderful job. Simon, on the other hand, seemed a little off base. First off, after the Operative's comment about the look of love on Simon's face, I was kind of feeling some incestuous tones with his feelings towards River. Secondly, I thought he was too pretty and possible gay so his hook up with Kaylee just didn't seem right. I can see her having a crush on him, but I just didn't go for the reciprocation. They just didn't look right together. Are they a couple in the series? I really like Mal, and thought his character was developed well.

The story itself was good but I was expecting something a little more supernatural or some kind of real twist (For a while I thought maybe Kaylee was on the bad side!). My favorite scene was the whole gun shot/Inara buringing 'insense' one. I was surprised at the comedic tone. I thought it really added to the movie. And, I found myself actually clapping in some parts which I can't remember ever doing in any other movie. I think River's character could really expand and provide for many more stories. What did the series stories focus on, and did they take place before or after the movie time period?

What does it say that the series was canceled with only 11 of the 14 episodes aired, that the movie is a flop (hard to write, but facts are facts), but that the DVD of Firefly, the series, is #10 on Amazon today? I just can't get my mind around all three points.

I think the soap opera sci-fi mix just doesn't sit well with most. I think most like their sci-fi's more like big hollywood productions with strange characters they can 'sell', and they like their dramas either sappier or deeper... The mix of the two (sci-fi and soap opera mix) may not appeal to many nowadays. Just my guess.

"DVD's various extras, which include an easter egg: a featurette about the making of the Fruity Oaty Bar commercial that appears in the film. "In the main menu, if you play around with the buttons you'll find a featurette of the Fruity Oaty Bar," Peristere revealed. (From the main menu highlight "play," then press left, which will highlight a marker on the right side of the menu; press enter to see the featurette.) "It's all a lot of fun," he said."

Here is a link to the article I quoted above. Apparently they are looking at the DVD sales of Serenity to see if it makes another film viable.

I liked the extras on the DVD. Whedon explained, reasonably, a couple of the plot points that I didn't like.