Just finished watching this with my wife. I'd seen the trailer and it looked good... and it was, until about halfway through the movie where, in my opinion, it went off the rails with a stupid plot twist. I understood the twist and everything that transpired after, but felt it unnecessary and worse, that the movie would have been better without it, sticking to it's original setup. The whole landscape of the film changes after that twist and not for the better - it feels like it exists just so it can exist, and not for the betterment of the story.
669 Reviews
What an unusual cocktail!
FrenchEddieFelson9 March 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Take a small pinch of Sleeping with the Enemy (domestic violence), a dose of Matrix (am I really real?), another dose of Finding Nemo (but reverse the father-son roles) and finally sprinkle with The Old Man and the Sea (main frame). Mix well .... Let simmer slowly on low heat ... And hop! ... without getting too tired, Netflix wrote Serenity. I seem undoubtedly teasing but the result is nevertheless correct.
ambivalent about the twist
SnoopyStyle7 November 2020
Baker Dill (Matthew McConaughey) is a fishing boat captain obsessed with catching one particular tuna fish. He pushes aside his own tour customer to catch the fish and his assistant Duke (Djimon Hounsou) quits. Constance (Diane Lane) gives him money in exchange for sex. His ex-wife Karen (Anne Hathaway) tracks him down despite his fake identity. She is willing to pay him $10 million to kill her husband Frank Zariakas (Jason Clarke) who abuses her and Baker's son Patrick.
The first half seems to be trying for Hitchcock but various mannerisms and unreality kept dragging it down. One could see the changes needed to keep this on track better. Then the skinny guy shows up with the suitcase. The story takes a left turn. I'm still no in love with the twist. I do appreciate that it made the movie more cohesive. This is not the best. I'd rather have it go straight but I'm willing to give the twist some leeway.
The first half seems to be trying for Hitchcock but various mannerisms and unreality kept dragging it down. One could see the changes needed to keep this on track better. Then the skinny guy shows up with the suitcase. The story takes a left turn. I'm still no in love with the twist. I do appreciate that it made the movie more cohesive. This is not the best. I'd rather have it go straight but I'm willing to give the twist some leeway.
A story where little is as it seems.
TxMike11 May 2019
My wife and I watched this movie at home on BluRay from our public library. It is set either on an island off the Florida coast, or a nearby Caribbean Island where US money is used, but is actually filmed in Mauritius east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. Lots of background music is Louisiana Cajun music, an interesting combination.
This movie is really interesting and good but has a somewhat low IMDb rating because many viewers expected a straightforward narrative, I suppose. The opening shot gives us a hint of what is happening, the face of a young teenage boy, then into his eye, which expands to a fishing boat in the ocean. The captain of that boat, the Serenity, is Matthew McConaughey as Baker Dill.
The details can be gleaned by reading any of several user reviews with "Spoilers", suffice to say it has elements that reminded me of movies like "Frequency", "Inception", and "The Matrix." It is woven together well as a young boy, a genius in computer games, tries to deal with an abusive stepfather. But not everything is as we see it.
Both of us enjoyed the movie. I particularly like McConaughey and he is really good in this role.
This movie is really interesting and good but has a somewhat low IMDb rating because many viewers expected a straightforward narrative, I suppose. The opening shot gives us a hint of what is happening, the face of a young teenage boy, then into his eye, which expands to a fishing boat in the ocean. The captain of that boat, the Serenity, is Matthew McConaughey as Baker Dill.
The details can be gleaned by reading any of several user reviews with "Spoilers", suffice to say it has elements that reminded me of movies like "Frequency", "Inception", and "The Matrix." It is woven together well as a young boy, a genius in computer games, tries to deal with an abusive stepfather. But not everything is as we see it.
Both of us enjoyed the movie. I particularly like McConaughey and he is really good in this role.
Ambitiously awful
cardsrock7 February 2019
This film would have turned out a lot better if it just stuck to its advertised plot. The ludicrous twist that occurs completely derails the movie and makes everything that comes after it essentially pointless. While I appreciate an original idea out of Hollywood, this was just bizarre. Some of the dialogue is unintentionally hilarious and the whole film just feels off. It's a shame so many talented actors were wasted in this.
For entertainment value alone
ndschaaf1325 January 2019
Before you get mad about the score I'm giving this beautiful mess of a film, please keep in mind that I rate things on a scale of how entertained they kept me as opposed to how "good" they actually were.
That being said, this movie is not anywhere close to good. In fact, it may even be outright bad. But I'll be damned if there was a single moment in the film where I was less than entertained. I laughed more during the course of Serenity's runtime than I did at a good majority of last year's intentional comedies.
The performances were attempting to evoke a noir feel but came across more John Waters and the camp factor alone was a fascinating hybrid of cringy and hysterical. From Matthew McConaughey drinking during nearly every frame of the movie to Anne Hathaway saying "daddy" every other line, I won't forget their acting any time soon.
The plot is a convoluted mess and some of the turns it took won't be well-received but who cares? By the time the "twists" twisted, I was already so engrossed by this deranged piece of filmmaking that I didn't mind one bit.
Go with incredibly low expectations, try to lose yourself in the strange spell Serenity weaves, and you might just have as good a time as we did.
That being said, this movie is not anywhere close to good. In fact, it may even be outright bad. But I'll be damned if there was a single moment in the film where I was less than entertained. I laughed more during the course of Serenity's runtime than I did at a good majority of last year's intentional comedies.
The performances were attempting to evoke a noir feel but came across more John Waters and the camp factor alone was a fascinating hybrid of cringy and hysterical. From Matthew McConaughey drinking during nearly every frame of the movie to Anne Hathaway saying "daddy" every other line, I won't forget their acting any time soon.
The plot is a convoluted mess and some of the turns it took won't be well-received but who cares? By the time the "twists" twisted, I was already so engrossed by this deranged piece of filmmaking that I didn't mind one bit.
Go with incredibly low expectations, try to lose yourself in the strange spell Serenity weaves, and you might just have as good a time as we did.
This is what you get when mixing genres ineptly
exisce9 September 2019
I agree with the previous reviewers: until the twist occurs the movie does well. McConaughey is always great to watch and is very convincing. The "Old man and the sea" premise is also passable, as is Anne Hathaway. But after the twist the movie becomes a mess. The result is mediocre at best. Not a good drama, not a good thriller, and so-so mystery/fantasy. I only recommend it to the fans of Matthew McConaughey, otherwise, save your time.
Not over your head- but maybe a bit too far to the side for most
sillysillymarym26 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
SPOILERS!!!!
Shocked at the bad reviews. This movie was genius. Not hard to comprehend, but I jumped into the head of a 13 yr old boy part way through... and all the previous weirdness made sense. It was all created by a kid- not a generic hollywood movie that people seem to be wanting (gag).
I was fascinated with the creation of an escape-world. I was on the edge of my moral reasoning seat- is killing the man the right thing to do? By father or son? Yes, you knew it was the son who would do it- the rest of the movie doesn't even actually exist outside his head... but would he?! Should he? The changing of the rules... how something so clearly wrong is morphed by the entire pretend universe by the creator of all.... to be the right thing, the compulsion.
This is a very sideways look at a child's processing of years of domestic violence. I loved the line, If I didn't catch fish I'd find a way to kill you. And- I loved that in the end- stepdad was a "construction worker"... not a gazillionaire. I am perplexed that all these gems, and so many many more, have fallen at the feet of movie watching zombies unable to appreciate these perspectives and escape into the escape.
I was fascinated with the creation of an escape-world. I was on the edge of my moral reasoning seat- is killing the man the right thing to do? By father or son? Yes, you knew it was the son who would do it- the rest of the movie doesn't even actually exist outside his head... but would he?! Should he? The changing of the rules... how something so clearly wrong is morphed by the entire pretend universe by the creator of all.... to be the right thing, the compulsion.
This is a very sideways look at a child's processing of years of domestic violence. I loved the line, If I didn't catch fish I'd find a way to kill you. And- I loved that in the end- stepdad was a "construction worker"... not a gazillionaire. I am perplexed that all these gems, and so many many more, have fallen at the feet of movie watching zombies unable to appreciate these perspectives and escape into the escape.
Not as bad as critics say but still not worth your time
l-s-rosenblum26 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Baker Dill is a ship boat captain who takes out deep sea fishing tourists to pay for his obsession of catching a great white whale of a tuna. He struggles financially and has physical relationship with a woman who helps him out financially in exchange for epic sex. Enter his ex-wife who offers him a fortune for killing her abusive husband and saving their son from an emotionally abusive step father.
A well worn film noir set-up and there is nothing really notable about the writing or the acting. There is actually a good reason why it should not be well set-up, but for the audience it does not help.
The film has a huge plot twist mid-way through, but it has the effect of totally destroying any dramatic tension of the story and now nothing that happens matters to the characters or the story. The twist is a clever variation on an old trick, but it reduces the remainder of the movie to an intellectual exercise. The director tries to make the ending meaningful with a final event, but by then no one cares what happens to the characters.
A well worn film noir set-up and there is nothing really notable about the writing or the acting. There is actually a good reason why it should not be well set-up, but for the audience it does not help.
The film has a huge plot twist mid-way through, but it has the effect of totally destroying any dramatic tension of the story and now nothing that happens matters to the characters or the story. The twist is a clever variation on an old trick, but it reduces the remainder of the movie to an intellectual exercise. The director tries to make the ending meaningful with a final event, but by then no one cares what happens to the characters.
Original and Bonkers Cinema Needs More Movies like Serenity.
Joetampa9025 January 2019
When I first saw the trailer for Serenity back in summer 2018 I was certainly intrigued. Then it was pushed back many months from its original release date but I still looked forward to finally seeing the movie. Well I can say now that after some thought, I enjoyed the film. It was spoiled for me mildly in the sense that I knew an off the wall twist was in the cards. Boy was that twist a wild one.
Serenity starts out a little wonky with the first 20 minutes or so having some unintentional laugh out loud moments. However once it gets going it becomes very intriguing and had me fully engaged. When the left field insane twist is revealed, I was impressed by the sheer nerve of it all. Sure it's beyond over the top, but having the audacity to do it is a thing to admire.
The acting is both good and bad at times. The whole movie always just feels a little off and bizarre, which I somewhat appreciate. Make no mistake about it though this work is not a masterpiece. Serenity has its share of faults and the ending could very well be one of them in some ways. Besides that it's also a messy script with some big head scratchers and horrible lines.
With that being said we need more wide release movies with quality actors taking chances and giving us something original. In a way the film is throwback to the 70's and 80's when we saw wide released movies taking experimental chances.
Go give it a watch, love it or hate I think this work is something any true film fan will tip their cap to.
Serenity starts out a little wonky with the first 20 minutes or so having some unintentional laugh out loud moments. However once it gets going it becomes very intriguing and had me fully engaged. When the left field insane twist is revealed, I was impressed by the sheer nerve of it all. Sure it's beyond over the top, but having the audacity to do it is a thing to admire.
The acting is both good and bad at times. The whole movie always just feels a little off and bizarre, which I somewhat appreciate. Make no mistake about it though this work is not a masterpiece. Serenity has its share of faults and the ending could very well be one of them in some ways. Besides that it's also a messy script with some big head scratchers and horrible lines.
With that being said we need more wide release movies with quality actors taking chances and giving us something original. In a way the film is throwback to the 70's and 80's when we saw wide released movies taking experimental chances.
Go give it a watch, love it or hate I think this work is something any true film fan will tip their cap to.
Trailer was best part
biggedy2428 January 2019
The trailer made it seem like a great mystery murder of temptations but it was far far from that with a really dumb twist, acting directing was great but script was bad. I was really exited for this film, it just tanked
Good Lord, I Loved This Film
cgrady-230 January 2019
Why do people enjoy films with an abstracted hyper style, like 'Shutter Island,' or Zulawski's 'Possession' but dismiss it here?
Perhaps people are just primed to like (or pretend to like) a film directed by someone they think is important.
Another thought: Imagine something like this film made during the German Expressionist period of cinema. Silent cinema. Subtitles. Foreign. The techniques employed become acceptable.
I loved the sheer ballsiness of everyone's commitment to this movie. Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jason Clarke give it everything. And that only comes about by having confidence in the film.
The plot twists aren't there to surprise the audience in the manner of something like 'The Usual Suspects', they exist to create the feeling of a troubled conscience. Perhaps, that's what everyone is snickering at? When one of the most popular pass times is shaming people on social media to whom we feel superior, the idea of self doubt and uncertain morality are things we need to ridicule?
I dunno. I'll say this: I was never bored watching this film, which is more than I can for most films these days. Some day it'll find a proper following. It deserves it.
Perhaps people are just primed to like (or pretend to like) a film directed by someone they think is important.
Another thought: Imagine something like this film made during the German Expressionist period of cinema. Silent cinema. Subtitles. Foreign. The techniques employed become acceptable.
I loved the sheer ballsiness of everyone's commitment to this movie. Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jason Clarke give it everything. And that only comes about by having confidence in the film.
The plot twists aren't there to surprise the audience in the manner of something like 'The Usual Suspects', they exist to create the feeling of a troubled conscience. Perhaps, that's what everyone is snickering at? When one of the most popular pass times is shaming people on social media to whom we feel superior, the idea of self doubt and uncertain morality are things we need to ridicule?
I dunno. I'll say this: I was never bored watching this film, which is more than I can for most films these days. Some day it'll find a proper following. It deserves it.
Bad reviews are 100% wrong. This film was good.
LordCommandar19 February 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Whoever wrote a bad review about this film using words like awful, disappointed, tanked, have got it all wrong, This was a beautifully well written story about a boy who escaped from domestic violence from his step father in his mind by creating a world of paradise in his own mind with his deceased real father as his savior from the monster in his real world. At first I didn't know where the story was going but as the film unfolded, it became quite clear what the story was telling us, on another coping mechanism a child may use to escape domestic and the breaking point of said mechanism. The bad reviews are 100% wrong, because to not like the story is saying I don't understand abuse and don't care what tolls it may take on child. Don't get me wrong, the story a tad bit farfetched but overall it made sense and was enjoyable to watch. But to all of you writing negative reviews, get your head out of your ass and realized that children the live in homes of domestic abuse , they have a story of their own to tell, and will find a way to escape in the minds to cope.
World's First Feature-Length Fragrance Commercial
thirtyfivestories29 January 2019
Here lies the unwanted, unofficial final installment in the Matthew McConaughty sailor/treasure hunter trilogy accompanied by Sahara and Fool's Gold. Steven Knight follows up 2013's excellent Locke with this more ambitious (sci-fi?) melodrama. Locke being a minimal "Let's film Tom Hardy during a car ride" effort that wowed everyone with its staying power. This film could've easily been "Let's film Matthew McConaughey during a fishing trip" and would've been a much more compelling narrative. The "expansive" environment of the film's world spreads the logic of the premise so thin that pores begin to appear as soon as the opening act.
McConaughey plays Baker Dill, a renegade ex-pat that takes tourists out to fish tuna. He's also harbors a Moby Dick-esque obsession with a giant fish he calls Justice. If that sounds like a painfully obvious thematic motif, then you would be spot on. Baker's fixation with the creature frequently jeopardizes his excursion business, which puts himself in financial potholes. Then enters the most elementary conflict possible: Our protagonist is broke, and needs to make personal compromises to become rich. Baker's financial salvation arrives in his ex-wife Karen (Anne Hathaway) who has married up to possibly a construction tycoon (this is my best guess).
Karen reveals the history of abuse that her current husband Frank (Jason Clarke) has dished out on her and Baker's son, Patrick. She offers Baker a proposition that would rid her of a slave master husband, and award Baker the funds to avoid prostituting his body and skills ever again. The remainder of the plot has us stuck to Baker as he goes through the rose pedal "I do it; I don't" charade. The brevity of this review is a result of the most lazy twist in recent memory, that makes spoiling the otherwise unsatisfying turn all too easy due to its painfully early reveal.
The grand meta-plot crashes in the door midway through the second act, and blows its load suddenly and all at once. We are literally served up a character whose sole purpose is to break the twist to Baker. After some rough housing from Baker, this mysterious prophet spills the beans with zero nuance, and the film ruins itself at a blistering pace. Then (as to pull a rug over the vomit) the film has Baker questioning the prophet's proclamation for what seems like eternity (Eternity would've been a more apt title upon further thought) regardless of the blatant signs plastered all around him.
Too often movies hide behind plot-twists to avoid scrutiny, and this one cowards behind a skinny palm tree rather pathetically. Knight attempts to cash in on a video game industry that he clearly has no understanding of (I promise that checks out after you *if you* subject yourself to this film). If it weren't for the spoiler-free creed I hold myself to, then I would detail in full all the cringe-worthy missteps taken by this revision-free script. I suppose Knight wins this round, considering he has created an inscrutable film. The only winners are the viewers playing a cheeky drinking game whenever McConaughty's ass appears on screen. Screw it. Spoiler alert: The buns appear in four separate scenes.
McConaughey plays Baker Dill, a renegade ex-pat that takes tourists out to fish tuna. He's also harbors a Moby Dick-esque obsession with a giant fish he calls Justice. If that sounds like a painfully obvious thematic motif, then you would be spot on. Baker's fixation with the creature frequently jeopardizes his excursion business, which puts himself in financial potholes. Then enters the most elementary conflict possible: Our protagonist is broke, and needs to make personal compromises to become rich. Baker's financial salvation arrives in his ex-wife Karen (Anne Hathaway) who has married up to possibly a construction tycoon (this is my best guess).
Karen reveals the history of abuse that her current husband Frank (Jason Clarke) has dished out on her and Baker's son, Patrick. She offers Baker a proposition that would rid her of a slave master husband, and award Baker the funds to avoid prostituting his body and skills ever again. The remainder of the plot has us stuck to Baker as he goes through the rose pedal "I do it; I don't" charade. The brevity of this review is a result of the most lazy twist in recent memory, that makes spoiling the otherwise unsatisfying turn all too easy due to its painfully early reveal.
The grand meta-plot crashes in the door midway through the second act, and blows its load suddenly and all at once. We are literally served up a character whose sole purpose is to break the twist to Baker. After some rough housing from Baker, this mysterious prophet spills the beans with zero nuance, and the film ruins itself at a blistering pace. Then (as to pull a rug over the vomit) the film has Baker questioning the prophet's proclamation for what seems like eternity (Eternity would've been a more apt title upon further thought) regardless of the blatant signs plastered all around him.
Too often movies hide behind plot-twists to avoid scrutiny, and this one cowards behind a skinny palm tree rather pathetically. Knight attempts to cash in on a video game industry that he clearly has no understanding of (I promise that checks out after you *if you* subject yourself to this film). If it weren't for the spoiler-free creed I hold myself to, then I would detail in full all the cringe-worthy missteps taken by this revision-free script. I suppose Knight wins this round, considering he has created an inscrutable film. The only winners are the viewers playing a cheeky drinking game whenever McConaughty's ass appears on screen. Screw it. Spoiler alert: The buns appear in four separate scenes.
"It's real simple Dave."
luckyallstar13 April 2019
Warning: Spoilers
"All I gotta do is let go of the illusion that I exist, driving around in my Lincoln. Rolling this booger. It makes me feel safe, Dave." ~ Jim Carrey
I'll be honest. This movie may have worked far better as a book. Different from Shutter Island as many pull in as parallel, this movie is boring and predictable to a huge degree. I'm not saying I was able to predict the whole twist accurately. But a large part of it was predictable from the beginning.
It's about a former soldier who left his family in order to find Justice. Literally, since he's actually hunting for a tuna he named Justice. On an island where even the radio seems to talk to him. There are many tells right from the start. (Incl. a statue of Kali) Therefore it becomes blatantly obvious that the character played by Matthew McConaughey is either dead or comatose.
I'll be honest. This movie may have worked far better as a book. Different from Shutter Island as many pull in as parallel, this movie is boring and predictable to a huge degree. I'm not saying I was able to predict the whole twist accurately. But a large part of it was predictable from the beginning.
It's about a former soldier who left his family in order to find Justice. Literally, since he's actually hunting for a tuna he named Justice. On an island where even the radio seems to talk to him. There are many tells right from the start. (Incl. a statue of Kali) Therefore it becomes blatantly obvious that the character played by Matthew McConaughey is either dead or comatose.
Catch that damn fish..!
vijaychandrank25 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Well let me be frank. I like weird movies. I like movies where audience go absolutely nuts without knowing anything. This movie is not in the level of mind bending / shattering kind however its a fun watch.. Diane lane is wasted here and has an insignificant role.. Anne hathaway is good in parts , but less convincing.. Mathew mcconaughey carries the film on his shoulders, who gives a winning performance here. It is because of him you are interested in this script. I wonder why a young boy would imagine his father having sex with many women, not that I am complaining..! It isn't a perfect film but an interesting take on young minds to deal with depression
Serenidon't
km0575927 January 2019
This movie was an absolute mess. I found myself ancy for it to be over. The first 30 minutes are spent watching Matthew mcconaughey try and catch a fish. I wish I was kidding. The performances felt forced and the acting was terrible- even for mega A listers. I ignored reviews and decided to give it a chance and I should have listened. Save your money. It's TERRIBLE
Ignore the bad reviews
RKeenan20024 February 2019
Pretty lame and bad suspense drama thriller.
blanbrn27 January 2019
This latest picture "Serenity" does have some star power yet the plot and story just doesn't pan out as it's twist and revealing discovery is weak and a little non interesting it's like you could see this coming all along in the film. Matthew McConaughey is Baker who's an island fishing boat captain and a guy with a haunted past which involves his bleached blonde ex wife Karen(Anne Hathaway) and the past is slow to figure out only it involves their son and new husband. The film turns into a game that's silly not clever as really it ends up letting you down, still you find a little bit of steam and spice with Diane Lane(still very sexy!) as Constance who plays Baker's part time intimate one night stand lover as the smoke between the sheets is hot this happens to be really a better subplot of the film. Overall though this film is a waste of time as star power couldn't save it.
VIEWS ON FILM review of Serenity
burlesonjesse58 February 2019
Warning: Spoilers
A fishing boat captain named Baker Dill, is visited by his frazzled ex-wife. She wants him to kill her current husband because the a-hole is harshly abusive to their astute son. That's the fugazi blueprint for 2019's Serenity (my latest review). In all truthfulness, I really got into Serenity. Yeah, it's a movie lover's movie if there ever was one.
Shot in early 2017 yet released this past month, Serenity displays an obvious nod to film noir with co-lead Anne Hathaway casually sporting a fedora hat and informally walking in the rain.
Basically, Serenity is a steamy, neo-noir endeavor that's not what you think it is and not what you think it will ever be. With Serenity, director Steven Knight readily commits to every darted shot. Whether it's overhead camera angles, plenty of fast cutting, coarse 50's-style dialogue, or sweaty actor close-ups, Knight really gets you into his groove. Credit also goes out to Serenity's attractive cast and standout Matthew McConaughey as Baker Dill (mentioned earlier). Heck, you won't have to wait till March's The Beach Bum to see "full" McConaughey. Here, he's awesomely beast-like and a total badass as he smokes, knifes, and drinks his way through every scene.
In retrospect, Serenity at times doesn't take itself too seriously and feels a little too trashy for its own good. Also, the film's Greek Chorus in Reid Miller (played by Molly's Game's Jeremy Strong) reeks of being a poor man's character from a watered-down David Lynch outing. Still, Serenity with its fantasy elements and big reveal early on (all the personas are non-existent and are rather part of a kid's video game), seems more daring and more gleefully off the reservation than most of the junk that comes out in January. Bottom line: Serenity containing tales of thrusting sex, Truman Show oddities, and big boy tuna catching, is a cinematic "amenity". Rating: 3 stars.
Shot in early 2017 yet released this past month, Serenity displays an obvious nod to film noir with co-lead Anne Hathaway casually sporting a fedora hat and informally walking in the rain.
Basically, Serenity is a steamy, neo-noir endeavor that's not what you think it is and not what you think it will ever be. With Serenity, director Steven Knight readily commits to every darted shot. Whether it's overhead camera angles, plenty of fast cutting, coarse 50's-style dialogue, or sweaty actor close-ups, Knight really gets you into his groove. Credit also goes out to Serenity's attractive cast and standout Matthew McConaughey as Baker Dill (mentioned earlier). Heck, you won't have to wait till March's The Beach Bum to see "full" McConaughey. Here, he's awesomely beast-like and a total badass as he smokes, knifes, and drinks his way through every scene.
In retrospect, Serenity at times doesn't take itself too seriously and feels a little too trashy for its own good. Also, the film's Greek Chorus in Reid Miller (played by Molly's Game's Jeremy Strong) reeks of being a poor man's character from a watered-down David Lynch outing. Still, Serenity with its fantasy elements and big reveal early on (all the personas are non-existent and are rather part of a kid's video game), seems more daring and more gleefully off the reservation than most of the junk that comes out in January. Bottom line: Serenity containing tales of thrusting sex, Truman Show oddities, and big boy tuna catching, is a cinematic "amenity". Rating: 3 stars.
Ridiculous twist
miguelufrrj27 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Seeing some of the reviews here, I assume this is one of those movies that people say it's so awesome to sound smart. This is mediocre at best. I could say a lot about the lame twist, but I'll just say this: what's with all the nudity and graphic sex scenes with the father character if his son is the one who created all of it? A little messed up, huh? I'll give it a 3 for effort and trying to inovate, as well as the fairly good acting, but the story blows.
A brilliant masterpiece 'Black Mirror' type film that's one of the most underrated films of all time!
Top_Dawg_Critic8 March 2019
Man the critics got this one waaaaayy wrong! 5.2/10 here on IMDb? The critics need to give their heads a shake.
As a huge fan of the 'Black Mirror' series, this film is right up there in the writing category, and I hope all Black Mirror fans get a chance to see this one, as it's a brilliant masterpiece!
This film produced, written and directed (only his 3rd directorial film) by British screenwriter, Steven Knight. He nailed this film in the directing department, and hit it out of the ballpark with his writing!
Most of the critics called the writing "bad dialogue" and the acting "cartoonish, especially that of Hathaway, whose femme fatale comes across as a kind of live-action Jessica Rabbit". That IS the point, and what makes this film genius!
I had no idea what I was going to see, and at first, it was a normal film about a drunk captain trying to catch the "big one". As the film progressed, I noticed the characters started to act off - starting with when the guy from FONTAINE Fishing Co. is introduced. This was done tactfully and started to elevate my curiosity. Then more and more characters started acting weird, especially when Anne Hathaway's character is introduced. By now you are sucked into some type of weird conspiracy, you can't stop watching! I don't want to give any more away, but the writing is pure genius... you just have to take your blinders off and go along for the ride.
The casting was sheer perfection. Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jason Clarke and Djimon Hounsou were outstanding in their roles! Animated? yes, and rightfully so, and right on script!
As mentioned, the directing was spot on, and the cinematography on point. I loved the island setting, and the back and forth to the child in his room.
The pacing was good and the films length perfect at 106 min. The score/sound was also perfect. I have nothing negative to say about this film! It certainly is a refreshing change from the typical Hollywood blockbuster films. It's sad this film was not promoted properly, and I can understand how some viewers felt misled, but I on the other hand, enjoyed being misled into a whole different film from what I expected.
I feel people should go into this film without seeing the trailer or reading the ridiculous negative reviews, and without any expectations, and they will be pleasantly surprised.
Bravo to the all-star cast, and to Steven Knight for creating such a brilliant film, and he should hold his head up high in creating this gem. Given time, I'm sure people will come around to appreciate its genius writing.
It's a WELL deserved 9/10 from me, and if anyone questions my review as being fake, click on my username and you will see my almost 600 reviews and 1000+ ratings. Ignore the haters and wannabe critics and watch this film, I'm sure you will be as surprised as I was.
As a huge fan of the 'Black Mirror' series, this film is right up there in the writing category, and I hope all Black Mirror fans get a chance to see this one, as it's a brilliant masterpiece!
This film produced, written and directed (only his 3rd directorial film) by British screenwriter, Steven Knight. He nailed this film in the directing department, and hit it out of the ballpark with his writing!
Most of the critics called the writing "bad dialogue" and the acting "cartoonish, especially that of Hathaway, whose femme fatale comes across as a kind of live-action Jessica Rabbit". That IS the point, and what makes this film genius!
I had no idea what I was going to see, and at first, it was a normal film about a drunk captain trying to catch the "big one". As the film progressed, I noticed the characters started to act off - starting with when the guy from FONTAINE Fishing Co. is introduced. This was done tactfully and started to elevate my curiosity. Then more and more characters started acting weird, especially when Anne Hathaway's character is introduced. By now you are sucked into some type of weird conspiracy, you can't stop watching! I don't want to give any more away, but the writing is pure genius... you just have to take your blinders off and go along for the ride.
The casting was sheer perfection. Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jason Clarke and Djimon Hounsou were outstanding in their roles! Animated? yes, and rightfully so, and right on script!
As mentioned, the directing was spot on, and the cinematography on point. I loved the island setting, and the back and forth to the child in his room.
The pacing was good and the films length perfect at 106 min. The score/sound was also perfect. I have nothing negative to say about this film! It certainly is a refreshing change from the typical Hollywood blockbuster films. It's sad this film was not promoted properly, and I can understand how some viewers felt misled, but I on the other hand, enjoyed being misled into a whole different film from what I expected.
I feel people should go into this film without seeing the trailer or reading the ridiculous negative reviews, and without any expectations, and they will be pleasantly surprised.
Bravo to the all-star cast, and to Steven Knight for creating such a brilliant film, and he should hold his head up high in creating this gem. Given time, I'm sure people will come around to appreciate its genius writing.
It's a WELL deserved 9/10 from me, and if anyone questions my review as being fake, click on my username and you will see my almost 600 reviews and 1000+ ratings. Ignore the haters and wannabe critics and watch this film, I'm sure you will be as surprised as I was.
Not Bored
carole_rennie28 January 2019
Boring.
dalanik6 January 2020
I really can't understand reviewers who say this is "enjoyable" or good... It is so predictable and completely ilogical. I mean, you can watch it if you have nothing better to do... But it is one cliche after another. But hey, it's the 21. century, mediocre people are the majority and this was probably shot for them....
Ugh...
truemythmedia8 August 2019
Steven Knight ("Eastern Promises", "Seventh Son") writes and directs this bonkers story that goes nowhere very fast. Whatever fever dream he took this from, it was better off in his head. Serenity may go down as one of the finest "so bad it's good" films of the last decade. There are many times you will throw out your arms in confusion yelling, "what the f*ck!" and then never get answers to said confusion. The setups are paid off half way through the movie, and then your left with the paper thin characters trying to put the pieces together of a mystery the audience has already solved, and the way the characters go about is so mundane, and so stupid. It's just unreal that this has an A-list cast, and got world wide distribution.
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