Something that scares me about the movie. by sgtgump

GENERAL DISCUSSIONS

Something that scares me about the movie.

POSTED BY: SGTGUMP
UPDATED: Tuesday, August 31, 2004 04:32
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Sunday, August 29, 2004 5:06 AM

I worry that we may be getting our hopes up. Every day I get on this website and read the posts and participate in some of the discussions and hope for more news about the BDM. Just think about all of those Star Wars fans that waited and waited for Episode 1, 2 and 3. I can only imagine their disappointment when they heard Jar-Jar Binks speak for about the second time, or when some of them shelled out the money for episode 2. I don't think that I'll be disappointed in Serenity, but I think we should be careful about getting our hopes way up, and letting our imagination go crazy. But I could be wrong.

"I want my eight bucks back." - Randall

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Sunday, August 29, 2004 5:14 AM

BADGERSHAT

Star Wars is a little bit of a different situation.
First, it was like 18 or so years of waiting. Second, Lucas had already gone big time soft, what with making Greedo shoot first in Episode IV.
Third, as much as I hate to say it, Star Wars is a MUCH bigger deal than Firefly, so naturally the buildup couldn't POSSIBLY live up to itself.
Fourth--we got Joss Whedon piloting this endeavor, a man who has very much proven that his edge is still nice and sharp.

Don't worry.

--Jefé The Hat

***************************
--Don't bother trying to predict, figure out, second guess, criticize, or suggest anything that comes from the mind of Joss Whedon, for you shall usually be wrong, and shall find out the Truth and Purpose in due time.
(This is the Truth of Whedoning)
"I like smackin 'em"--Jayne

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Sunday, August 29, 2004 6:13 AM

STEVETHEPIRATE

In addition to Joss' edge still being sharp, he's proven exactly how much he cares for Firefly/Serenity and the world he created/will create through them. George Lucas has proven that he cares, at this point, about little more than how much money he can pocket through additional Star Wars films. He says he doesn't want to do Eps. 7, 8 and 9, but that will only fuel the buildup when he decided to do them in a few years.

While I'm sure Joss will appreciate a successful box office run with Serenity and any potential sequels, but I'm convinced that he's more concerned about the quality of the product, how the fans react to it and how happy he is with it. Because of that, I'm not worried at all. Joss is driving himself to create a wonderful film (and, hopefully, a franchise of films) - Lucas is driven by money. I'll watch Ep. 3 just so I'll have something to complain about when it falls flat. I'll watch Serenity because I love Firefly and because I know Joss' love for it will produce a fantastic film.

Like River said in Out of Gas: "Don't be afraid." Of course, she was talking about freezing to death instead of gasping for air, but that doesn't really apply.

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Sunday, August 29, 2004 6:18 AM

OUTSIDER

Besides, just think how smug and superior we can all act when critics rave about Serenity and then proceed to crap all over Revenge of the Sith.

But seriously, if there's anyone here holding the genuine belief that the BDM will macth Ep.3 for box office, then it might be time to check the medication. I think Serenity will be a success, and I think we'll get at least one sequel out of it. I remain unconvinced, however, that Serenity is gonna break box office records.

But hell, I've been wrong before.

--------------------------

"Shouldn't you be off bringing religiosity to the fuzzy-wuzzies or some such?"

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Sunday, August 29, 2004 6:26 AM

WILLOWY

Put your faith in Joss, mon ami. He'd never let Serenity be shite. You should know that.

"Why are we still talking about this?" - Mal

"Once, in flight school, I was laconic..."

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Sunday, August 29, 2004 6:34 AM

HASLINGER

I think serentiy with be good movie. It's Joss' first feature so there may be few kinks here and there, but if allowed to produce the sequels; I can only imagine how much better they will become.

As far as star wars goes, I think you have to ask yourself, "How old was I when I first saw the Trilogy?" Then take into account that like most experiences such memories are composites of emotions, feelings, ect. Nostalgia will set in at some point and it has a tendency to make things seem more grand than they really are. Lucas has softened up, he has kids now.

The greatest stregnth FF is its low tech low budget appeal. The writing and storyline are not propelled by eFX, but by the story. This allows Joss the freedom to move un inhibited, with out the bondage of trying to top himself or revolutionize the film industry. That's Lucas' pressure. To invent and reinvent tech. If he would only focus on story then you'd see much better movies, but then again many of the advances made in filmmaking were and will be acts of Lucas.

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Sunday, August 29, 2004 6:56 AM

PURPLEBELLY

I'm sure I'll be disappointed in the movie at first viewing, but that's my problem not Whedon's.

To misquote Whedon's favorite misquoted poet:
But the strong are saying nothing until they see.
And they probably stay away from fansites, too.

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Sunday, August 29, 2004 7:16 AM

ECGORDON

There's no place I can be since I found Serenity.

Of course, I was very dissapointed with The Phantom Menace, hell I was dissapointed with Return of the Jedi! I think Lucas had already softened up by that point, putting too much light humor in that one...can't stand the Ewoks!

I agree with Purplebelly. I'll probably be a bit disappointed with Serenity on first viewing, because I have not anticipated a movie as much as this in a very long time. But I also think that I will like it more and more with each viewing, as I do with all my favorite films. Believe it or not, I was less than impressed with 2001 and Blade Runner the first time around, and those are my two favorite SF films of all time.

wo men ren ran zai fei xing.

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Sunday, August 29, 2004 7:18 AM

THEGREYJEDI

Am I possibly the only person on the face of the planet looking forward to seeing episode III?

Theory: The prequels are being compared to the Original Trilogy. Had the prequels beent he first films made just now, the critical reviews wouldn't have been as harsh. We were given an amzing thing, and as soon as Episodes I & II came out, there was an immediate comparison that just about everyone agreed on. They weren't as good as the originals.

Episode I. It had it's problems, but most of those problems centered around Jar-Jar.

Episode II. More Jar-Jar related problems. People don't like the fact that Anakin is an angsty, whiny teenager. I think they should re-watch A New Hope. "But I wanted to go to Tashi station to pick up some power converters." "But I wanted to go to the academy this season!" *Whine, Pout.* Anakin Skywalker was supposed to be an angsty whiny teenager. It's a Skywalker trait. Continuity. Also, he's a teenager. Teenagers tend to be whiny and angsty. He had no father, grew up a slave. Has to deal with a lot of really unstable emotional issues. He's an angry kid. It happens.

Episode III. He's grown up a little more. I think we'll see a lot less whiny angst, more anger. And less Jar-Jar. Besides, Episode III is supposed to open with a 30 minute Special Effects Extravaganza in the form of a battle in space showing off Anakin's "Best Star Pilot in the Galaxy." Not to mention the lightsaber duel between Anakin and Obi-Wan over the lava pit. Yay!

Serenity. There are no words. I never got on board with any of Joss Whedon's work before. Angel and Buffy were entertaining when I watched the bare few episodes I caught, just not enough to hook me. Firefly...Star Wars is like the Catholic Church. It's an easy target because it's so freaking huge. Serenity will not let down our expectations. It was our rabid hope and love of Firefly that caused the movie to happen. Joss knows that. I imagine that Joss and the rest of the BDH's know and appreciate that. Firefly was a labor of love, Serenity will be too. We will be blown away.

--------------------------------------------------
http://tomeofgrey.blogspot.com

http://www.jed-soft.com Gamer Rigs, Budget Prices

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Sunday, August 29, 2004 7:29 AM

PIRATEJENNY

that makes me think of the Matrix sequels and how very dissapointed I was when I saw them..they just never lived up to the 1rst one and the anticipation..they really sucked..but luckily for me I have no exspectations for the Firefly movie..so unless its just gawd awful I douby if I'll be disspointed!!

I believe Joss has a good vision of what he wants and like another person said..he gets to focus more on story..which makes for great viewing

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Sunday, August 29, 2004 7:38 AM

HANDMAIDENANDE

Quote:
Originally posted by TheGreyJedi:
Am I possibly the only person on the face of the planet looking forward to seeing episode III?

Nope. I'm eagerly looking forward to Episode III as well. I've been a Star Wars since I was four years old and I can't wait until Revenge of the Sith comes out. The prequels aren't perfect, but I still love them.

I've read so many posts, here and elsewhere, from people who can't wait to see EIII bomb or get smeared by the critics. I don't think either of these need to happen for Serenity to be successful and enjoyable. Serenity in April, Episode III in May. I'm going to have a very busy time in the theater next summer.

Andé

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Sunday, August 29, 2004 7:46 AM

OUTLANDER

The early buzz on the movie is that it is really good. I think that there will be only one thing about the movie that will disappoint. The fact that it won’t be long enough. We can only hope that Joss will release a 4 hour directors cut on DVD.

Comparing Joss Whedon to George Lucas is like comparing a Fine Restaurant to McDonalds. Joss Whedon is one of the best writers and directors around in both television and movies, on the other hand George Lucas is hack with to much money.

Joss did such a great job on Firefly and that was while he was working on Buffy and Angel. He now has all the restrictions removed, in terms of time, money and what he can put into the movie. If you have any doubts just go and watch Serenity the pilot to Firefly again and you will see what in my opinion is one of the best written and directed pilots ever show on television.

Joss is one of the best writers and directors in Hollywood and come April 22 2005 everyone in Hollywood will finally know this. I just know that he will pull out all the stops with this movie and I can't wait to see it.

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Sunday, August 29, 2004 8:27 AM

EILO

Hi!

Well, let's hope Demi-God Whedon does not pull some kind of Reverse-Buffy: While he managed to turn a not so good (at least in my eyes) 80s movie (I know it's from 1992, but it's oozing 80s style from every corner) into a brilliant TV-Series he fails the oher way round.

To all this Star Wars stuff: When I heard Lucas would make Episode 1 I was very happy but never ever thought this could somehow be like the old trilogy. I ended up liking both Episode 1 and 2 (and I even was never annoyed by Jar-Jar) and looking forward to number 3.

It is not possible to create someting new that has the same power of a thing you treasure for twenty years, a good part of it spent being a child, which leaves you much more impressible.

An a funny thing about Ewoks: I didn't know anyone who had a problem with Ewoks. They all started complaining AFTER they've seen Episode 1, because they realized, if they don't like Jar-Jar, they have to dislike them, too, because they were equally absurd (from the view of a grown-up of course, children like both of them).

And I also don't believe that Lucas is doing anything just for the money - he already has enough of that. People change (even directors of your favourite childhood memories) and if over the years he thinks that "Greedo shoots first" fits better to his liking, he just alters the movies. Which is really sad, and I hate Lucas for not even giving me the opportunity to watch them now like I've seen them as child. If he would just do it for the money, he would put out serveral DVD editions, the old version, the 1997 version, maybe some new 2004 versions... But he just does what he wants, even if a few million fans want someting different.

That Joss Whedon's ideas and vision are much more to our (as in the visitor's of the site) liking has a very simple cause: He made Firefly just two years ago, we liked it and now we are here talking about it. I don't know if we all like his ideas and visions 20 years from now, or maybe even next year, when we've seen the movie. He has some advantages over Lucas, mainly that most of his fans are already adults or teenagers, so we don't have any child-like views on things (hey, I apologized to my dad for some movies which he had to rent over and over again when I was a child and I recently rewatched on DVD).

Right now I'm in love with Mr. Whedon, I really liked Buffy and Firefly is even better. I rewatched the DVDs several times. The audio commentary on Objects In Space is fried gold - just before I watched it with commentary I thought about why I like this episode so much and came up with Boba Fett and the whole "Are they going this far with the supernatural powers or not" thing. Heck, I even use his birthday for lottery numbers, this is usally the privilege of some hot looking female ;)

Serenity is on the best way to be my next goal-movie (I always take a movie and try to live long enough to watch it :) after I've seen Sky Captain :)

Regards,
Eilo

--
Quotomat says: "Life is like a movie. You just can't pick your genre."
(Skeet Ulrich as Billy Loomis in 'Scream', 1996)

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Sunday, August 29, 2004 8:41 AM

SHADESIREN

My husband makes a good point when talking about the star wars eps 1-2-3. Lucas had one cool idea - Obi-wan and Anakan fight over the lava pit and Anakin becomes Darth Vader - and a few important plot points that needed to "happen" (Anakin and Amadala get married, Anakin is trained by Obi-Wan, etc.). Pretty much the rest of eps 1&2 are just filler to flesh out that backstory. Big surprise they kinda stink. There is alot I really enjoyed about them, but a lot that annoyed the crap out of me.

I know that whenever I let my expectations get too high over a movie, I get disappointed, but honestly, Serenity would have to be SO BAD for it to disappoint me, that for once, I'm not worried. I'll be happy just seeing them again.. seeing Serenity and the crew, it will hardly matter WHAT they do!

***

http://home.comcast.net/~shadesiren

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Sunday, August 29, 2004 10:51 AM

GWENHARKER

I've grown up with the Star Wars Franchise my whole life. And when I step back and look at my Idol Whedon and My Life Star Wars, the only thing that comes to mind is one word:

Titanic.

How did that movie make as much money as it did, folks? A group of people who really loved that movie saw it as many as 15 times.

We can easily do that with Firefly.

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Sunday, August 29, 2004 12:44 PM

LITTLEMANLOVESFIRE

I know what you mean but can't you feel there's something special in the air about Serenity?

George Lucas lost it. One day if JW starts listening to his own hype he may lose it too. The man is fallible, but fuck me he's also at the top of his very impressive game.

Firefly was in my opinion the greatest TV series ever made, and by quite some margin. It could never be as good as my wildest dreams BUT Serenity WILL be both an excellent film, and a huge success. Which makes me pretty happy tbh.

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Sunday, August 29, 2004 9:48 PM

CORNCOBB

I can understand why some people are worried: its horrible when you get your hopes up only to have them dashed. But i don't think this movies going to dissappoint. Whedon has never let me down, and I count myselves among those who will be happy no matter what happens in the movie. Its just gonna be great to see these characters again.

"Gorramit Mal... I've forgotten my line."

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Sunday, August 29, 2004 10:37 PM

SOUPCATCHER

For me there's two things going on here: how well the movie does monetarily and how well I like it. I trust Joss and everyone else involved in the project enough to not worry about the second one. The first one is what worries me. There's a potential trilogy hanging on the success of this movie. I'm not sure what Universal has set as a go/no go line but for the sake of playing around I'll assume it as $100 million. [warning - gross rounding will occur in the following example

] Based on other movies that cost roughly the same to make Serenity should roll out in at least 3000 theaters. HSX uses a formula of 2.9 times the opening weekend equals the first month (this works out remarkably well for most movies) and a movie usually makes 80 percent of its total in the first month. So each theater needs to average almost $10,000 over the opening weekend. Average ticket prices for 2004 are $6.14 so this works out to a little more than 1625 tickets. So we just need to average a little more than 540 tickets each day of that weekend. When you look at the number of showings each day it starts looking really reasonable.

And this was really a lowball estimate type of analysis. I expect Serenity to do a lot of follow-up word of mouth business (like My Big Fat Greek Wedding) so the movie will probably have more staying power. Universal will probably roll out the movie in more than 3000 theaters (I mean come on, Scooby Doo 2 got 3300+). Average ticket prices will rise for 2005. The important thing is to sell out the theaters on opening weekend and then keep coming back (which we all intend to do anyway).

So I think I might have convinced myself not to worry so much about the monetary success - all it will take is work on our parts. (Either that or I just drank too much tonight

and the rose colored glasses are in effect)

I shaved off my beard for you, devil woman!

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Monday, August 30, 2004 3:36 AM

OUTLANDER

I think Universal have done there sums and come to the conclusion that if they factor in US and International sales, as well as DVD sales that they are pretty much guarantied to make a good profit. Keep in mind that Universal gave the green light to Serenity at the beginning of this year when the popularity of Firefly was just the tip of the iceberg.

I don't think there is any real doubt in the success of Serenity. To me the issue is will it be the surprise blockbuster of 2005. There is a very strong X-factor with Serenity, which is that no body really knows just how many firefly fans are out there. All I can say is that every single person I have show Firefly to now considers them selves a Firefly fan.

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Monday, August 30, 2004 4:15 AM

RHYMEPHILE

I think what could really make or break Serenity is advertising and promotion. The suits all assume the rabid fans are going to see the film; what they can't count on are people who don't even know what a "Serenity" is and who the heck is Joss Whedon? These are the people that advertising and promos need to bring in. If you make the trailers, teasers, and commercials on TV/print/radio/Internet interesting, then there is a better chance the film will reach theatre-goers who want a great sci-fi film regardless of whether it was a TV show or not.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All of me is beautiful and valuable, even the ugly, stupid, and disgusting parts.

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Monday, August 30, 2004 8:40 AM

KNIBBLET

Quote:
Originally posted by GwenHarker:
Titanic. How did that movie make as much money as it did, folks? A group of people who really loved that movie saw it as many as 15 times.

Adolescent girls with a crush on the sex-less Leonardo D'Castrated went and saw that overblown piece of tripe again and again and again.

Titantic is the second worst movie EVER made and is proof that the Academy Awards are not given for merit - rather, they're bought and paid for.

The Ring is the worst movie ever made. It wasn't even scary. Pretty, but crappy.

"Just keep walkin, preacher man."

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Monday, August 30, 2004 3:17 PM

Strange...'The Ring' scared the living shite out of me...

Anyway, I sometimes worry that we're over-hyping the film. In fact, my biggest worry is the changes that have been made. I'm sure they're all for the better, but I get the worrying feeling that I'll spend my first viewing going 'oh, that's different', 'he's changed his hair', 'his clothes didn't use to be like that', and 'Serenity looks a lot like the Enterprise now...'

Something else that would worry me is the budget question. I think one of the reasons 'The Matrix' is such a good film is because of budget constraints. Some of the ideas the W. Bros. had couldn't be done because there was no money, so they had to be inventive and come up with something else, something better. For the sequels, they had all the money they wanted, so they could throw in the first ideas that came to them. Which were shite. Could Joss suffer from this? Hopefully not. He seems to have his head screwed on right.

And yes, on an aside, I'm looking forward to Ep III! James Earl Jones coming back to say more chilling lines, lightsaber fights and lots of big guns. What could be more fun? True, Eps I and VI did suck a little (I'm proud to say I hated the Ewoks from day one, though I was pissed off more by the distinct lack of story in Ep I than I was by Jar Jar). But Ep II was fun. Ep III should be funner.

JK

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Monday, August 30, 2004 4:08 PM

SOUPCATCHER

Quote:
Originally posted by Knibblet:
Titantic is the second worst movie EVER made and is proof that the Academy Awards are not given for merit - rather, they're bought and paid for.

Totally agree. The only good thing that was ever associated with Titanic (from my point of view) was the hotel some of the cast and crew stayed at down in Baja. Great dining! Filet mignon and lobster with plenty of cuban cigars afterwards. Mmmmmmmm.

I shaved off my beard for you, devil woman!

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Tuesday, August 31, 2004 4:32 AM

CYBERSNARK

That and my favourite Evangelion joke (in End of Eva, when Asuka's lifting the warship over her head to throw it at the tanks, the VAs on the commentary make jokes about there being a tiny little Leo standing on the bow

).

-----
We applied the cortical electrodes but were unable to get a neural reaction from either patient.

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