Serenity ***1/2
Cast: Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, Adam Baldwin, Jewel Staite, Sean Maher, Summer Glau, Ron Glass, Chiwetel Ejiofor
Director: Joss Whedon
Running Length: 1:59
MPAA Classification: PG-13

The space ship Serenity is a place of refuge for River (Glau) and her brother Simon (Maher). River is a young telepath whose life is being manipulated by the Alliance. Captain Malcolm Reynolds (Fillion) has been working against the Alliance for a while now, and despite his gruff exterior, he is actually a nice guy. Taking River and Simon on board is not a problem until Simon begins to question the captain's orders and River begins to show some mental instability. Add to that their pursuit by an Alliance operative (Ejiofor), and the crew of the Serenity has their hands full.

"Serenity" is the rebirth of the cancelled TV series "Firefly". I have never gotten into "Firefly", despite numerous attempts, so I consider myself new to the "Serenity" universe. While the TV show never engaged me, "Serenity" was the exact opposite. Filled with action, science fiction, and humor, "Serenity" is a highly entertaining movie experience.

Joss Whedon, creator and first-time director, has crafted a highly entertaining tale that can be enjoyed by "Firefly" fans and newcomers alike. With a cast of no-names, Whedon has crafted a tale that is reminisent of the first "Star Wars" film. And, while there is closure at the end of the film, there are still possibilities that are left to be explored. I, for one, hope that we will see the spaceship Serenity again.