By Sara Pintilie/entertainment editor

Serenity (4.5 stars)

After the TV show Firefly was tragically canceled in 2004, the show’s creator Joss Whedon directed the follow-up feature film in 2005, Serenity.

Serenity is an exhilarating action/sci-fi/western flick with an interesting bunch of characters.

The movie is a medley of genres, but the end result doesn’t seem at all haphazard.

In fact, Serenity is one of the most refreshing sci-fi movies in recent years.

Simon Tam (Sean Maher) busts his sister, River (Summer Glau), out of a government facility, where the Alliance has been conducting experiments on River.

He returns her to the safety of the Serenity crew, but River’s schizophrenic episodes are getting worse.

After she snaps and beats the tar out of everyone in a local hangout, the crew finds out River is harboring government secrets about something called “Miranda.”

Serenity looks like a glossy popcorn film, but wit and passion lurk underneath the veneer.

This movie is a fantastic treat for fans and newcomers alike.

First-time visitors to Whedon’s engrossing universe will have a great time, and fans of Firefly won’t be disappointed.

The way Whedon blends old-school Westerns with science fiction is just right.

The best aspect of the film isn’t the storyline, it’s the characters. Whedon creates well-rounded, realistic people that the audience cares about.

The brooding captain, Mal (Nathan Fillion), captures Whedon’s essence of witty dialogue to a tee.

The quirky mechanic Kaylee (Jewel Staite) brings a soft edge to the group, along with the always funny, Alan Tudyk as the pilot, Wash.

But the audience can’t stop watching River. Her psychotic and graceful ways are simply eye popping.

The chemistry between the regular cast members––everyone returned from the show––is cohesive and extremely believable.

Serenity is a great genre-bending popcorn flick.