I wonder what would have happened if "Serenity" premiered in 1977 and "Star Wars" premiered in 2005.

[ edited by Nebula1400 on 2007-05-30 16:19 ]

Nebula1400 | May 30, 15:13 CET

Well someone's maths is wrong ;). Assuming an American billion (i.e. 1000 million) since it's an American magazine, a quarter billion would be $250 million, one tenth of which is $25 million.

The author's bang on too IMO. Quality wise 'Serenity' kicked the arse of, fr'instance Pirates 2 (and I loved the first one) and yet the box-office just doesn't compare. "Nowt as queer as folk" as they say.

Saje | May 30, 15:39 CET

Thanks *pointy* for the quote. I wasn't willing to register with yet another publication's website to read the article :) Math conversions aside, re. what the article said about Serenity being "one of the most criminally neglected entertainments of the last decade" .... Yay and so say we all.

Shey | May 30, 16:21 CET

I was glad to see this review. Just one more notch in the belt. I love Serenity.

madmolly | May 30, 17:57 CET

this big-screen adaptation of his "Firefly" series is the best space opera since the first two Star Wars movies and one of the most criminally neglected entertainments of the last decade.

Amen, I couldn't say it any better. The author bought up some good points. What Joss did with a mere $40 million budget is simply amazing. Instead of wasting minutes on 'G-wiz' special effects, he stuck to scenes related to the story and he did it well. And yes, I suspect the lack of big named stars in the movie did hurt it at the box office as well as no huge 'sight-in-mind' corporations shoving images of "Serenity" into people's minds.

You know, I wouldn't have it any other way. Joss lives in the art of storytelling and we've been blessed to follow the tale.

Madhatter | May 30, 18:48 CET

Shey,

Don't forget www.bugmenot.com - can be handy. Took three tries to get in to the New republic, but Bug Me Not came through. In this case, Pointy excerpted all the Serenity goodness. (Thanks, Pointy)

Loose Deckplate | May 30, 20:03 CET

Good for Serenity...It may not have made billions in the box office but it eventually will with its cult fame in DVD sales and whatnot

the FAT indian | May 30, 21:34 CET

I used Bug Me Not to access the article as well. Interestingly, it was the last one on the list that worked for me.

April | May 31, 00:15 CET

Man, but a little River Happy Meal toy would have sweet.

flakbait | May 31, 00:30 CET

Sadly, I think that the author's math is spot-on, assuming that he's referring to domestic take. As far as I've heard (though I'd love to find out that I'm wrong), the U.S. box office for Serenity was in fact only (a befuddling, maddening, disgusting) $25 million :( :( :( :( :(

But, more happily: very nice - and deserved - praise for the film, from a prestigious, and non-industry or genre, publication. Shiny!

LKW | May 31, 01:50 CET

I just couldn't get past



In particular groks, I think I fought them in Elder Scrolls 3.

Simon | May 31, 01:57 CET

What Joss created was a masterpiece of sorts. He created the best movie EVER and did it all with the least of provisions and it made a lack-luster showing but it was gold (shiny).

Hey at least the DVD sales gave us a new and dramaticly improved special edtion and hopefully something MORE!!!!

"Brown"coat | May 31, 03:38 CET

I wonder what would have happened if "Serenity" premiered in 1977 and "Star Wars" premiered in 2005.

We'd all be eagerly awaiting Empire Strikes Back next year and Serenity would be forgotten. Ooh, controversial :-)

See, Star Wars changed Hollywood and filmmaking. End of story. Serenity merely changed the ending of the Firefly story.

crossoverman | May 31, 05:12 CET

I guess everyone hates the dancing teddy bears.

Pointy | May 31, 06:01 CET

Grok's a reference to the Robert Heinlein novel Stranger in a Strange Land which is one of those classics that everyone should read before they're allowed outside the house.

TychoCelchuuu | May 31, 07:18 CET

I guess Simon and I should've typed:

;-)

Pointy | May 31, 07:22 CET

I wish there was a random movie review generator. If I were to describe Serenity in a very cliched way, I would say it was a "triumph of the soul" but then I'd be right.

YellowBear | May 31, 07:25 CET

I think "triumph of the screwdriver" is more descriptive. Possible spoilers though.

Sadly, I think that the author's math is spot-on, assuming that he's referring to domestic take.

Yep, very true (my comment was directed at Nebula1400's - since edited - post above mine which was originally about the author's maths ;).

And I think if 'Serenity' had been released in 1977 it would have changed cinema history, simply because no-one, and I mean no-one would have seen special effects like that before. They're good (if relatively easily and cheaply attainable) by today's standards but by 1977's they'd have been spectacular, amazing and sensational ;).

(much as Star Wars' were - is anyone who saw it at the cinema, especially fairly young, ever going to forget that first post-crawl shot of the star destroyer ? Thinking not)

Saje | May 31, 12:51 CET