"I start fightin' a war, I guarantee you'll see somethin' new."

This big-screen adaptation of Joss Whedon's celebrated cult TV-show Firefly plays out like an extended, high-quality episode of the show, and still manages to be accessible to non-fans and stand on it's own as a film. The ensemble cast, largely returning from the show, all fit their roles like a glove, and the characters all serve their roles well. Perhaps due to their familiarity, the entire crew of the Serenity have a wonderful chemistry that enhances every scene they're in. New addition Chiwetel Ejiofor is one of the film's highlights, as the morally complex and unwavering Operative. The dialogue is as punchy and witty as anything you'd see from Whedon. The action is surprisingly well-choreographed, and serves as proof that Whedon's considerable talents as a director are not limited to television. The film's storyline is excellent, both compelling and thought-provoking. Highly recommended to both fans and non-fans alike - though a word of warning. It can be (and was, once upon a time, in my case) used as an introduction to the show, but is ultimately an epilogue, and some of the film's impact will be lost on you if you haven't seen the series.

8/10