5TH ELEMENT + THE MATRIX + RESIDENT EVIL = SERENITY
This movie has a psychic, a kung fu master, and unstoppable weapon...and they are all they same character. Sound fun? It is. Sound like a "guy" movie? It is. But don't toss this one off your must see list just yet, b/c there are some things you might enjoy.

I am not a big fan of spoiling the story, so i won't. Just so you know, it is about a young girl who seems unfairly equipped to handle the pressures of common sci-fi movies. The movie takes place sometime in the distant future where humans have pioneered to the far reaches of space. There is the token evil empire (the Alliance) the small but troublesome rebellion, the all seeing all knowing independant party, and the quirky characters that make up a particular band of the rebellion which the movie will ultimately follow. Not brain surgery, and a little predictable, but it doesn't seem tired. The very beginning of the movie will have your head spinning with questions wondering what's real, what's dream, what's past, what's present. As the movie unfolds you'll journey with this group of misfits wondering if they'll be able to uncover what the Alliance has been up to.

Characters - they are essentially cookie cutter. You have the captain who is an outlaw, has a free swingin attitude, and is tough and smart. It's his ship; his way, or the milky way (not funny). There's the muscle; all about passion and power. The mechanic; weird and smart yet strangely attractive (its a woman). The smart-mouthed pilot. The sensible doctor, and his uber-talented freak, kung fu, psychic sister. One filler character that provides a very small (yet meaningful) thread of love throughout the story. Their costumes and mannerisms are a bit used as you'll swear the captain is actually Han Solo in another life. But all of them are unique and fun and play their part very well. Character development is a bit assumed in the beginning as you could care less if the entire ship went down in a ball of fire. However, you feel immediately connected to the young girl and her brother doctor. Once the movie gets going, fondness for the other characters grows and by the end, you care about what is going to happen to them. The man who represents the evil empire in this movie is surprising and interesting to watch. His character is probably the most intriguing next to the phychic girl. There are a few minor roles not really worth mentioning here but serve their purpose well.

Dialogue - it ruins and saves the movie at the same time. It can be a bit cheesy and "canned." It is surprising at first and makes you feel like you are watching a Sci-Fi Channel Original. It doesn't however ruin the movie like the one-liners and jokes ruined The Mummy. Just be ready for it and you'll enjoy. Once the movie gets moving and there is a different fear/evil/death element, the humor helps break up the stress level and you'll let go of your seat's arms and loosen your jaw muscles. Overall pretty average, but some of it will make you laugh. No oscars will be handed out, but again, it's fun.

Special effects - it's a sci-fi movie. Good job.

Cool Factor - It may not have the deepest story, or the most creative dialogue, but you'll forget all about it once the punches start being thrown. Also, like i mentioned before, there is a scary element to this that if you are a wuss like me, will have you gripping your seat.

Overall - I would recommend this movie to someone who is a guy, likes guy movies, likes to be with guys (and doesn't want to piss them off by going to some movie containing Julia Roberts), or likes sci-fi movies. The movie is just fun. It never really gets boring, and if the movies don't break the bank for ya, it would be worth seeing on the big screen (if you still can). Happy movie going.

Serenity - 3 out of 5 TPACs (and +1 bonus to watchability b/c of coolness).