SERENITY

US, 2005, 119 minutes, Colour.
Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Chiwitel Ejiorfor, Summer Grau, Alan Tudyk, Adam Baldwin.
Directed by Joss Whedon.

Though very popular, Star Trek is still an acquired taste. The short-running series on US television, Firefly, was also an acquired taste, too late to save it but strong enough to get the green light for a big movie.

Serenity is a space ship in a universe where human behaviour, despite the technology, is not too much different from our own, five centuries hence, used for raids but embroiled in a parliamentary attack in the galaxies. There are the overtones of Star Trek with an MTV style which should prove engaging for younger fans. However, the complicated plotline is not served so well by the television visual style nor the granite-jawed (on wooden performers!) deadpan TV soap opera acting-style. British Chiwetel Ejiofor stands out, acting-wise, as the villain.

Loud and brash, violent and flashy – reassuring many of us that it is probably better living now than in this future.

1. The popularity of the television series, Firefly? The regard for writer-director, Joss Wheedon? The many fans?

2. Space, travel, warfare, peace? The influence of Star Trek, Star Wars?

3. The title, the ship – and the hopes for peace and calm?

4. The worlds, the universe: planets, stars, the vast space, travel, rulership, military, authorities, independence? The planets and their variety of terrain? The musical score?

5. The opening, the teacher, seemingly calm and serene, the totalitarian approach, the transformation of the teacher, River and her independent response? The change, disciplining River? Control of her mind? Her telepathic qualities? Brainwashing, The Operative and his role?

6. Simon and River, support, River imprisoned, Simon and the escape? Going to Serenity? Mal, taking River into the spaceship?

7. River, psychic, those for her, against? What she saw? What she felt? Her personal fragility, yet her martial arts skills? Fighting to defend herself?

8. Mal and Serenity, the Han Solo type? Warrior, the urge for peace? Attitudes towards the authorities? His relationship with his crew, the navigator, the husband and wife team, Jayne and his attitudes, suspicions? Action?

9. The crew, their attitudes towards River? Treatment? Confinement? Suspicions and hostility?

10. The travel, the dangers? Going to the different planets? Mal and his relationship with Shepherd, the past, ideas, his death?

11. Other planets, Dr Universe, the other doctors and their contribution?

12. Mal, his companion, coming to Serenity, love, her role on board, during the battles?

13. The Operative, his confrontation of River, his mission from the authorities? Travelling, his powers, obedience of loyalty? Finding River? The confrontations? Seeing him in action, the discussions with Mal, Mal defying him?

14. The battles, the Reavers in space, their travel, destruction? Death and survival?

15. Mal, The Operative, fighting, challenge, changing – and The Operative going into a different future?

16. River, her brother, the relationship, his saving her, the fights, the action – in the future?