Nad and I went to watch Serenity on Friday. We have just gotten around to watching the Firefly series; I have no idea why we waited so long. Much like Buffy and Angel, I immensely enjoyed this series. I bought the DVD collection last week and was determined to watch the whole thing before Serenity opened, which wasn’t hard given that the series was only 15 episodes long.

I liked the movie very much, and it tied up a few of the stories started in the series. There are a couple of loose ends that were left loose, and I’m not sure that I like the fact that (spoiler, highlight to read) both Book and Wash died. For the purposes of the story and character development, I suppose I understand. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it!

Nad bought me the first comic of the three-part series that tells the story of what happens between the end of Firefly and the beginning of Serenity. I’m always a sucker for that stuff, like Enter the Matrix and Star Wars Clone Wars.

Many weeks ago (perhaps months) Nad and I went to watch March of the Penguins. Those who know me are aware that I have an affinity for those birds. What kept me from being there the first night was the inevitable death scenes that would be shown. Yes, I know that nature is harsh. Only the strong survive. Blah blah blah. That doesn’t make the death scenes any easier to watch.

Anyway, during a conversation with Steph, she claimed that only one penguin dies during the course of the movie. ¡Mentirosa!

There were five confirmed deaths on-screen, three debatable on-screen deaths, and hundreds of off-screen deaths that were eluded to. This family movie had a higher death toll than many action movies. Particularly disturbing was the lone penguin, not strong enough to keep up in the march. He died alone on the ice in the middle of nowhere. All I could think was “why couldn’t the crewmen help him?” I know that they aren’t supposed to interfere with what happens to the animals, but if I were there, I would not be able to fight the urge to save him.

Edit: Can you complete this puzzle? You have to get them all across the river. Only two on the boat at a time; the mom can only be with girls and the dad can only be with boys and the robber can’t be left with the family without the officer. Click the big blue circle in the lower-right corner to start the game.