The Silent Vengence of The "Firefly" Crew

There is a group of actors that has slowly been creeping back into the spotlight. You may know them, you may not. But for those of us who have ever enjoyed a certain prematurely cancelled televison show, these characters have been around for a long while, and are finally getting their just due. But I digress...

Allow me to introduce you..."Firefly" was a FOX show that premiered for only one season. Yea, you heard me right, one season. In 2002, creator Joss Whedon ("Dollhouse","Angel" & "Buffy the Vampire Slayer") read 'The Killer Angels', a novel chronicalling the Battle of Gettysburgh, and a cult classic was born. I would begin to describe it, but I would rather let main character Capt. Malcolm Reynolds do it:

"Here's how it is: The Earth got used up, so we moved out and terraformed a whole new galaxy of Earths. Some rich and flush with the new technologies, some not so much. The Central Planets, thems formed the Alliance, waged war to bring everyone under their rule; a few idiots tried to fight it, among them myself. I'm Malcolm Reynolds, captain of Serenity. She's a transport ship; Firefly class. Got a good crew: fighters, pilot, mechanic. We even picked up a preacher for some reason, and a bona fide companion. There's a doctor, too, took his genius sister outta some Alliance camp, so they're keepin' a low profile. You understand. You got a job, we can do it, don't much care what it is."

Fox took a chance on a sci-fi show, and to show just how much confidence they had in it, the show was placed on Friday night at 8pm. What is affectionately called the "Friday Night Death Slot", a time that most people are out socializing, not home watching T.V. (Bare in mind, this was before DVR. I KNOW! CAN U IMAGINE?!) So naturally, the show was cancelled after airing only 11 of the filmed 14 episodes. That pissed some people off.

The loyal fans, self-styled "Browncoats", (don't worry, you'll get it when you watch the show) tried to save the show. They took out an ad in Variety magazine, and organized a postcard writing campaign. As a result, the release date of the series DVD set was pushed forward, and while unsuccessful in finding another network to continue the show, the uproar was enough to begin the filming of a motion picture. In 2005, "Serenity" opened, and did not do as well as hoped, never ranking higher than number two at the box office, and making only $40 million worldwide. (The movie rocks too, but we'll save that for another time)

But the fans weren't done yet. They raised over $14,000 to put a copy of the series and film DVD set onto 250 U.S. Navy ships for recreational viewing. Astronaunt Steven Swanson took both DVDs with him on Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-117 in June 2007and left it on the International Space Station, where it still resides.

Convinced yet? "Firefly" is available on amazon used for as low as $16.99. And for some reason, there is always at least one brand new copy of the show and the film on shelves at Best Buy for $29.99. I wonder why that is? It is a spectacular thrill ride, the characters stay with you long after you turn them off. The writing is brilliant, the special effects are award winning, and though I am a fan of the FOX channel, I have to say, they dropped the ball on this one. Bigtime. Watch the show first, and allow yourself adequate time. Because this is one of those shows that will have you saying "Just one more episode..." over and over. Now if, you'll excuse me, I have to go put in disc one. Keeper!

DVD - Sherlock Holmes

"Sherlock Holmes" came out today, and I'm going straight to my local Best Buy to get it, and I suggest you do the same. Spend the $19.99, it's a keeper. The story of the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and his faithful yet reluctant partner Dr. Watson (Jude Law). From director Guy Ritchie who brought us "Snatch" and "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels", we follow along with the dynamic duo as they look for clues to the whereabouts of Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong). Downey is a brilliiant actor, and now that he's clean we are finally getting him back. He was perfect for this role, capturing the Holmes mind with ease. Sometimes you almost can't keep up with his logic. And I although I can't say that I remember the Sherlock Holmes that I read about in high school boxing for profit, the film was wondorous. The film ended with the shadowy, anticipated appearance of the detective's arch enemy, Professor Moriarti, leaving you certain the sequel is in the works, and I can't wait to see it.

Are you kidding me?

Apparently making money isn't the first goal of some production companies. Production has begun on "Ghost Rider 2". Are you kidding me? The first one, starring Nicholas Cage, was a complete and total disaster. It's one of the many movies that he has done that really make me wonder what goes through his head when he picks which roles to take. Honestly, I think he flips a coin. His choices seem to be about 50 / 50 anyway. He makes a good film, then a bad one. Flip, "National Treasure". Flip, "Bangkok Dangerous". Flip, "Knowing". Flip, "Lord of War". Flip, "The Wicker Man". See a pattern? I know I do. So next time you see an advertisement for a new Nicholas Cage movie, find a coin.

For Fans

For those lucky fans who follow the show "FlashForward" on ABC, I have to ask a question, was it just me or did the two hour season premiere freaking rock? For those who are not following the show, don't worry, you're only a season behind, you can catch up. During it's break from my DVR list, I had forgotten it's brilliance. The premiere answered nearly every question I had from the last season. I admire the zeal of creators Brannon Braga (24 & Star Trek TNG), and David S. Goyer (Blade Trinity & Ghost Rider), airing a 1st episode that could have easily been the last one of the season. "FlashForward" is a present day thrill ride that follows a cast of characters that have survived a global blackout for three minutes. After surviving the resulting chaos, each character has to deal with what they saw during the loss of consciousness in their own way. What they saw was a glimpse into the future. There really is no central character, you are constantly thrown around from tale to tale and marveling at how everything is connected. Badass show. Check it out.

DVD - The Blind Side

"The Blind Side" came out today. Hands down, the best role of Sandra Bullocks' career, and I believe, the real best picture of the year. Also starring Tim McGraw, (yes, the country music singer) this film is one of those rare gems that simply retells a true story of courage and love and kindness. From director John Lee Hancock, the same man who brought us "The Rookie", comes the tale of Big Mike, NFL strong side tackle Michael Oher, played by Quinton Aaron. A young man who has a great gift, and all he needs is someone to believe in him and nurture it. That someone turns out to be the Tuohy family, with good ol' Sandra as the matriarch. Even when up against the spurns of their friends, and the harsh reality that lies just on the other side of the tracks, this family proves that hope, faith, and charity still exist, and they can still make a difference, and they do. Worth the $19.99? Hell ya!

DVR

"Justified" premiered this week on FX. After watching the first episode,I can safely say that I am hooked. Timothy Olyphant portrays Deputy U.S. Marshall Raylan Givens. You may remmeber Tim from his previous character of Sherrif Seth Bullock of "Deadwood" an awesome show that of course, ended well before its time. Marshall Givens is sent back to his hometown because his no nonsense, "you draw and I'll drop you" attitude, has gotten him into trouble in Florida. So now he's back, and battling the neo-nazi troublemakers in Kentucky. The man wears the badge and his cowboy hat very well. Tuesdays on FX, set your DVR.

HBO's "The Pacific" premiered this past Sunday, after a mirage of advertisements. In most cases, I feel that the more hype a program puts out, the worse it actually is. After watching the first episode, I have to admit that I am not blown away. "Band of Brothers" was one of my favorite HBO miniseries, and it grabbed you right from the first minute and pulled you into its world. You felt you were there, suffering with the cast through battles and boot camp. I expected this level of brilliance. Giving "The Pacific" the benifit of the doubt, after all it was only the first episode, I recommend continued DVR status, hopefully it will live up to the hype.

“Spartacus’ is still holding strong. It airs Fridays on STARZ and ENCORE. And though it’s star Andy Whitfieldrecently had a trip to the E.R., he is recovering enough that a second season is now virtually guaranteed. For those of us who became enraptured with ROME, we know what to expect. For those who weren’t- brace yourself. Nudity-the full frontal kind-abounds in this series. But once you accept that, you find yourself immersed in a world of literal Sadam & Gamora. A hybrid of “300” and “Rome”, except with more breasts. Personally, this show had me at loincloth.

Returning this week for those of you who like me are shamefully hooked, "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" on A&E Sunday, "V" on ABC Tuesday, "Destination Truth" (mmm.. Josh Gates), and last but never least, "South Park" on Comedy central on Wednesday. Set your DVRs, and enjoy the goodness!

AT THE MOVIES

First and foremost, allow me to say that my favorite theatre, my only theatre, is AMC Tustin 14 at the District. An excellent theatre, new enough to be modern in decoration and scenery, and old enough that the comfortable seats give just enough when you fall into their cushy depths. I highly recommend it. For those on a budget, there is always the dollar theatre in Woodbridge, where the price is right, but you definitely get what you pay for: sticky floors, and musty smelling seats, and "interesting" fellow moviegoers. However, "The Blind Side", "Sherlock Holmes" and "The Princess and the Frog" are playing there, so find a buck, and head


Opening this weekend is "Repo Men" starring Jude Law and Forest Whitaker. Directed by Miguel Sapochnik, this film is a futuristic, sadistic look at organ purchasing. In a world where anything can be yours for a price, (even body parts) the company known as "The Union" can save your life, and if you fall behind on payments, can take it back as well. This movie feels like a winner.

For those who are looking for a date movie, Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler's "The Bounty Hunter" opens this weekend. It will be interesting to see how the couple interacts on the screen together, knowing that they were a couple off the screen as well. Brought to us by Andy Tennant, the man who brought us "Hitch" and "Ever After", Butler portrays a bounty hunter who is charged with bringing in his ex, and obvious problems arise. I am always hesitant when it comes to romcoms (Romantic Comedies), because I can't help but feel that every plot line has been done and redone, what could be left? It may have a chance, but this is one that I will wait and rent.

DVDs

Still holding the #1 spot this week for DVD sales is Bruce Willis’ “Surrogates”. If you haven’t seen it yet, I recommend you rent it. Once you do, you will want to buy. Oh to heck with it, just buy it. Bruce Willis, the future, robots, crime and technology. Good flick, excellent special effects, solid plot, and who can resist Bruce? The director, Jonathan Mostow, has brought us the previous pleasures of “U571” and “Terminator 3-Rise of the Machines”. And, is slated to bring us a remake of …you’ll never guess this… “Swiss Family Robinson”! Due out in 2012. Ya, remember the ride at Disneyland?
Hold on to your hats guys & dolls… “Twilight – New Moon” comes out this Saturday the 20th. Hype for this release it so big that Best Buy has organized release parties for it! I myself am looking forward to purchasing it. Even if you’ve never read the books, or if you just have a significant other who is seemingly obsessed, this film is well worth your time. Take the first movie, add werewolves, some suicidal tendencies, and a recently transformed Taylor Lautner, and you’ve got a winner. Worth the $19.99? Ab-sofreakinlutely!