Browncoats: Redemption

Browncoasts: Redemption had a great idea behind it - to follow another crew in the Firefly 'verse years after the events of Serenity. Kind of like Firefly: the Next Generation.

Unfortunately, even for a fan film, this movie left much to be desired. As a fan film, one can forgive that the cinematography, audio, editing, and to some degree the acting fell short. The big nail in this movie's coffin was the script.

Creating a movie like this with nothing but volunteers and fan effort is a HUGE undertaking, and I'm sure an ungodly amount of time, effort, and love went into this. However, that makes me question even more what in the sweet hell the creators were thinking when they decided to put all of this effort into making a movie out of this horrible, horrible script. Most of the movie is spent in exposition; we get far, far more information than we needed about the characters and many other aspects of the story. Worse yet, most of that exposition is delivered by people telling stories sitting around at a table or in a hanger. SHOW US, DON'T TELL US!

I love the Browncoats fan group. They are fantastic and generous people, and I hate to make anyone feel bad. I just wish that the story they chose to tell had been selected and edited a bit more carefully.

This is set within the same universe as Joss Whedon's "Firefly" TV series and subsequent film, "Serenity". Like the show and film, we follow the characters of an independent cargo ship who are just taking what jobs they can, both legal and not-so, just to get through each day.

This is a decent first time effort from all involved. The cast are relaxed and there are no "clunkers" amongst them. If anything, the dialogue, being in the particular style that Whedon and his writers wrote for his characters, gave me a new appreciation of how difficult it was for the professionals to recite naturally. There is a well thought out reveal for one character and the direction is confident.

Yes, this is a fan film and that's how it should be viewed, but at the same time, it doesn't come over as a "vanity" production, yet has enough nods to the fandom. If you have enjoyed the source material, then give this a try for no other reason than to appreciate the passion of the production team and cast.

This movie was... interesting. For all non-Firefly fans out there, let me define "interesting"; Oh God, oh God, we're all going to die... This feeling of going to die does not come from the intense action, nor the amazing acting... it's just this general feeling of wanting to curl up in a dark hole...

That's not to say I don't applaud the Browncoats. It was a well intentioned movie that was poorly executed. The writing tried too hard to BE Firefly, which was probably the worst mistake they could have made - there were no unique characters and much of the slang is forced. Also, the audio was terrible at best most of the time...

I understand that this is a fan film and that it shouldn't be expected to blow us away, but I was honestly embarrassed and nauseous from this movie.

I give them a 10 for effort, but a -4 for execution...

As a hardcore Whedonite (Firefly being my favorite of the bunch), I long for a season 2 (or a sequel to Serenity) with the best of them. I cannot, however, condone the awful chop-job they made of my favorite verse. I am convinced that Fox allowed it just so that people would stop asking for a season 2.

Here's a couple of protips: 1: Adding a few Chinese phrases doesn't make your trash sound like Firefly. Neither does shooting scenes in insufficient light make it LOOK like Firefly. 2: If you plan to USE Chinese phrases, the actors should be able to say those phrases in a way that (regardless of accuracy) at least SOUND like they are comfortable; the Chinese is supposed to be a natural part of their culture. The cast of Firefly managed it regardless of how difficult it was for them. 3: If you are going to use WESTERN phrases, the actors should be able to say those phrases in a way that (regardless of accuracy) at least SOUND like they are comfortable. (see above for the rest; I guess now I know why actual actors get paid so much.) 4: When you screw up a scene, don't just keep going and correct yourself, reminding yourself audibly what your line *should* have been. Cut, and start the scene over. This is not a play, regardless of what the set pieces seem to imply; you don't have to go with your first take. 5: Don't force references to Firefly. Yes, beagles have smallish droppings. Yes, it was funny when Mal said it. No, it is not funny when you say it. Because you're awful at this. Just awful. 6: At least attempt to *modify* the clothes you're wearing into costumes. It doesn't take much effort, and it can go a long way. 7: There's a reason for boom mics. 8: This is the important bit. You must pay close attention to this particular bit, because it is the most vital direction that any reviewer will give you. Here it is: don't screw around with Joss Whedon's stuff. It's too good to live up to. Your attempt at a tribute, no matter how lovingly intended, will be a nausea-inducing insult to everyone who loves Whedon's work enough to watch yours.

In conclusion, I feel as though I've just staggered into a room full of unattractive people masturbating all over something that I love, and I'll be scarred by it for years to come.

I have to agree with others that the film left me.. well.. just left me.. Of course a fan film isn't going to match JW work.. hell JW will have a tough time matching his work in Firefly.. Firefly was a unique mix of cast, crew, plot, acting, personalities and etc that will probably never be matched.. anyway I digress.. The film was good considering they had no budget.. no real sets and scenes and no real actors.. the acting was forced and not believable in my opinion..so I split my vote.. and 5 is average for me..It would take a few 100K to make a good 40 minute movie.. these guys made a fair movie on 0.00$ basically.. Firefly fans are the best fans in the 'verse.. and you want to agree with me.. or else you might damage my calm... Still Flying..