I was very happy with the movie overall.
As for Joss killing characters... while I know that Mr. Whedon has no problem with killing off main characters, I think that, in this case, it was more that Alan had other projects and couldn't (or wouldn't) guarantee that he would be available for the filming of other movies. I found it interesting that the two characters that were killed off were Book (Glass was never a big sci-fi fan, and (I think) wasn't particularly attached to this project) and Wash (Tudyk probably more movie credits than any of the cast, including I, Robot last year).
As for looting Miranda... Mal had Serenity rebuilt at the end of the movie. I was in shock over Wash and all, but even through that, I was thinking, "Where did Mal get the money to rebuild his ship?" Maybe Mr. Universe had some old ships laying around that were scavenged? Or maybe there were some Miranda trinkets that were traded...
I also found it odd that Zoe was the one to break ranks in the final fight with the Reavers. While she did undergo a deep and immediate trauma, she was also the only hardened military veteran of the Unification War on the line. I would have expected one of the less disciplined members of the crew to break a defensive position first. And did anyone else think about what the Reavers must have done to poor Wash's body once the crew abandoned Serenity? *shivers*
Question I had with the Reavers... if they were caused by the drug that was administered, does that mean that their offspring (children born off-world) would NOT be Reavers? Is this a society that will be dead when the last of the children that were on Miranda die?
Those are my observations. Mostly though, I watched in rapt glee as Mr. Whedon brought me one more installment of my favorite BDHs. Serenity, while a bit glitzier, still felt like the rundown home we had all come to know and love throughout the series. My knowledge of the crew from the series only enhanced my enjoyment of the movie, and I eagerly await the next movie (which I promise to watch at least three times in the theater and buy on DVD too).
Mr. Whedon, if you are reading this, thank you so much for writing a movie for the fans. The plot was wonderful, the characters wonderfully flawed, three-dimensional, and real, and your efforts are very much appreciated. As much as you can, please try not to be hurt or dismayed by the occasional negative review... it's much harder to create than it is to destroy, and those critics haven't created anything to make me give them any respect. They just have a big microphone. Serenity, just like Firefly, is clearly a labor of love, and us Browncoats appreciate your labor. Thank you.
See you in the world.
-Palantir
