Joss Whedon is the gentile Spielberg
Seriously! Whedon can tell story like no one in the business today. His "Serenity" film is a wonderful trip through alternate realities, fully realized and cohesively unveiled.
Whedon wields a mighty pen, so to speak. His storytelling is enthralling, believable, humorous and dark. I love the fact that the characters drive the story, not the special effects or gimmicks. I hope that we see more of the little band of misfits who people Serenity, a funky spaceship that somehow holds together (sort of) despite tremendous pressures and bad landings.
The clever plot twists kept me off-balance and engaged with the storyline; the surprise "events" really surprised; the humor was funny and natural, not contrived. Whedon's actors manage to project real human beings into the characters: Nathan Fillion as Capt. Mal (he's a former freedom fighter against The Alliance -- big government), Gina Torres as Zoe (Mal's sidekick); Adam Baldwin as Jayne (a slightly psychopathic mercenary); Sean Maher as Simon (he's a physician and brother to River); Summer Glau as River (she's a 17-year-old girl with peculiar talents); Alan Tudyk as Wash (he's the pilot of Serenity and husband to Zoe); Morena Baccarin as Inara (she's a high-class whore); Jewel Staite as Kaylee (she's a mechanic/engineer); and Ron Glass as Shepherd Book (he's a holy man/ex-covert operative).
Anyway, I've got to run but I want to recommend "Serenity" to anyone who enjoys movies that offer a strong storyline, solid acting, tasteful humor and well-crafted episodes within the tale.
I'm out. Ciao.