Thank you to Universal (actual, non-sarcastic) by BrowncoatMonk

GENERAL DISCUSSIONS

Thank you to Universal (actual, non-sarcastic)

POSTED BY: BROWNCOATMONK
UPDATED: Sunday, October 9, 2005 08:37
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VIEWED: 2942
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Saturday, October 8, 2005 12:40 PM

As an original true believer, I would like to thank Universal for having the moxie to actually make this movie, which in my opinion is one of the greatest sci-fi movies of all time (if not *the greatest* ). I mean, there is a lot of jumping on them for advertising snafu's etc. Fact of the matter they have provided so much more advertising and support than I could've hoped for. That could be because of the low expectations that FOX laid on me but then FOX wouldn't even do this movie.

Will we get a sequel? Unfortunately probably not, but why not? A combination of factors lead to our demise. The main thing wrong is the fact that this is a SUMMER type movie and it was released in the fall in one of the worst movie years in recent memory. The summer movies in the same market demographic that were top-tier were Star Wars III and Batman Begins. People have time to see all top-tier movies multiple times in the summer. Another ridiculous factor is the fact that our max theators is 2189 while Star Wars III was 3667 (a 75% increase).

Another factor beyond our control--the average movie-goer is an idiot, I mean I look at the returns from Out of the Blue versus Serenity and I think OMG what the **** is wrong with people? Same with Two for the Money, where the opinion is universally that Pacino's performance is the only remotely good thing in the movie and that's the same exact performance as in several other of his movies. Flightplan, what is there to say about that, the writing in that movie stinks and the plot has multiple obvious holes just from the first promo aired. But hey that's what people want mindless entertainment. Serenity is an intellectual action movie, which is good for us the few, but doesn't sell tickets to the moronic masses, who would actually LIKE the movie if they bothered to watch it.

I thank Universal for giving us a chance even if it was a small one. Unfortunately now I'll never know Book's story and know if I was right about my controversal but entirely logical theory about Book's past to the present story (see other posts of mine). That's my own personal burden to carry with me. Is there no chance of a full quality sequel (not Highlander II style which Whedon wouldn't do), well it's not impossible, just very unlikely. Never the less, I still BELIEVE! There is nothing more to see, it's all I have.

Browncoat Monk

Ain't no place I can be since I found Serenity...

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Saturday, October 8, 2005 1:09 PM

ROCKETJOCK

It's funny. So many people are ready to give up because we aren't a runaway hit.

The gorram show was canceled after only ten episodes aired -- and we still got a box set and a freaking theatrical movie!

What the hell do you all want, an egg in your beer?

I am now confident that there will be more tales of the 'Verse, and of Mal and crew. Theatrical sequel, a sequel series, direct-to-DVD movies or Sci-Fi Channel mini-series, original novels, comic books -- the exact format doesn't matter -- the story will go on!

We have done the impossible -- and that makes us mighty!

"You can't stop the signal" -- Mr. Universe

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Saturday, October 8, 2005 1:10 PM

NERVOUSPETE

Wise words, there. I thank Universal too with all my heart for giving Joss this opportunity to tell the story he wanted. Are there more stories for this 'verse out there? Undoubtably, but Joss told the big tale he was aching to tell and for that I am truly grateful. I also thank Universal for their generous preview screenings, decent budget, posters, ads and trailer teasers - plus all manner of viral marketings.

I haven't given up all hope yet for this film doing good in the B.O. I'm sure it'll make its money back on DVD, but at least we have a critical hit on our hand - 81% on Rotten Tomatoes ain't to be sneezed at. It also seems to be doing well in the UK, opening second after the much awaited Pride & Prejudice, which is nice.

For those over-excitable folk who want to knock Universal for what they view as promotional deficiencies, I think they've done quite well at getting the message out. Don't forget that if it weren't for these good people having faith in this tale, we wouldn't have anything. This film has done enough for Firefly to be remembered and for a complete story to be told, and I am grateful. It's a shame that people out there aren't willing to take more risks on new material, instead opting for known quantities and recycled stories, but there you go. At least some of our blows are being dealt by some genuinely decent films, like Corpse Bride, History of Violence and the soon to air Wallace & Gromit, rather than tat. It's a moderately good month for film, I say.

For me the story has been told. I'd love and adore more films, and I hope Universal makes another one. But even more I'd like some new writers out there who have the faith, dedication and skill of Whedon to come up with some new greatness, and for the TV networks and film distributors to grow balls and back them.

Here's to a hopefully peachy upswing of ticket sales, but more than that here's to Universal for taking a risk on something beautiful, rather than playing it safe.

Thanks, Universal.

Peter Evans

"If you can keep your head whilst others... eurgh! Ack! I've spilt my ink! Ugh! Ink on my trousers! Agh! Ink on my shirt! My only hope! The window! Aieeeeee!" (Falls to death)
- Jonathan Nash

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Saturday, October 8, 2005 1:11 PM

KELSO

Agreed.

Universal didn't have to make this movie.

Worse case scenario... Firefly finally got a grand finale and it was a damned good one! Two more hours of Firefly, three comics, a novel, a vis. companion, a CD and a magazine. That is far more than I ever expected to get after Fox cancelled the show! Also, there are rumors of new Serenity novels and the possibility of more comics!

Honestly, even if we never get a sequel... we are still flying! It may not be much, but it's enough. :)

-------
Well, here I am.

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Saturday, October 8, 2005 1:16 PM

DATALESS

They had a preview for Serenity during "Lost" and many during "Battlestar Galatica" and other very popular shows. So I don't think they failed us a bad as you think. I think one problem is The "Firefly" to "Serenity" name change. Some people just don't realize they were one in the same. I agree thanks 'Versal for even trying to make the movie. They have guts where others didn't (too bad the might end up losing out.)

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Saturday, October 8, 2005 1:35 PM

DATALESS

Psst, I think the people that are screaming the end is near and that the sky is falling are just chickens (myself included) and are just trying to push more people to go see the movie again and again. I think that if there is no movie or TV series they might feel like it is over. Even if a novel or comic series (which just might happen, hell they have a Jason X novel series out, Why god why? I mean the movie was bad enough) coms out. So for them it will be over. Would I love another movie or series? Hell YES. But if the movie is it that's cool. I know there's the RPG and the other merch out there so in someway Firefly/Serenity will be there.

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Saturday, October 8, 2005 1:57 PM

JESIAHBLACK

I'm just so glad to see the ship back in the air that i'll do whatever i can to keep it flying. I'm not ready to give up yet.

It's slow going, and a hard fight, but it ain't over yet.

---
"Oh, I was born, a six-gun in my hand. Behind a gun I'll make my final stand."

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Sunday, October 9, 2005 7:44 AM

BROWNCOATMONK

Ther is one thing I wanted to clarify. The time of year that Serenity was released would've been more than successful *IF* this had been like the last 5-10 years. Unfortunately it was our bad luck to be released in a year where there is a dropoff of interest and disposable income for movie going (between the depressed economy, various huricanes, $3/gallon gas prices, etc.=less money available for entertainment such as movie going), we can't even get close to what Sky Captain got last year. Serenity is a lot better movie, with more potential public interest (as Sky Captain is way more far out than even an intellectual sci-fi western) and far better reviews. What can we do? Nothing, it's not our fault that grand forces beyond our control just happen to come to a head now and not next year say.

At least we did get one of the *greatest* sci-fi movies of all-time. History will bear that out even if in the short term that means no sequels, etc. We, us, you and I, Browncoats brought forth a true masterpiece of science fiction. I mean there are 100's upon 100's of science fiction movies of which at the minimum 90% suck (I mean so bad as to be not worth watching all the way through even one time) and that other 10% isn't what could be considered cream even by fanboys.

We beat the odds and did what was said to be impossible! We are mighty!

Browncoat Monk

Ain't no place I can be since I found Serenity...

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Sunday, October 9, 2005 8:37 AM

OPPYH

A lot of people have been bashing Universal, but we got a movie, and that's what counts. And for all those people yelling foul because of the marketing, the budget was $45 million, and that includes all the advertising, and such. Serenity is a dream come true. If we don't get a sequel, I won't like it, but I'll live with it. Just imagine this: Serenity the movie never gets made, and all Browncoats everywhere live the rest of their lives not knowing the outcome of the best tv series ever created. Now that's a scary thought, so THANK YOU UNIVERSAL.

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