I don't enjoy some of the more, ehm, how shall I put this, "retro" sci-fi if you get me, things like Forbidden Planet, Star Trek and Planet of the Apes simply don't interest me, but Serenity, well, what can I say.
The writing was solid, the performances were solid and the action sequences were solid. Nothing genre-breaking, no magnificent backdrop that might equal Star Wars, but it has wit and charm and I loved it.
More in tune in spirit than the Original Star than the new Star Wars (although Queeq think's I'm off my nut by saying that).
I am not familiar with firefly. I didn't see a western correlation with serenity. i just thought that they were portraying a more realistic idea of the future without everyone having a laser gun or supper powers and having to struggle to survive as apposed to walking up to the food dispenser and saying "Tea,old grey" and it appears.
Firefly/ Serenity rock- and Firefly is very Western, Serenity not so much. Though Mal still uses a freakin' six gun...
Hell, take away the spaceships and call the planets countries and its a western. Brilliant series, absolutely brilliant. Same goes for the film. My favourite TV series of all time. Anyone seen the R. Tam Sessions also?