Think it might be tough to turn a canceled FOX television series into a feature film?

That's exactly what 'Buffy' and 'Angel' creator Joss Whedon did to his failed TV series, 'Firefly.' The TV series, which ran for only 15 episodes, three of which never aired, was yanked by FOX back in 2002.

However, its DVD sales did very well, catching the attention of Universal Studios executives who gave Whedon the green light to write and direct the film.

Being a fan of Whedon's work, I couldn't be more excited. But I admit I was worried about how the film would do and how good it would be. 'Firefly' fans would probably see it, but what about others who haven't seen or even heard about the series?

Whedon had to reintroduce the characters, stay true to the TV series and make it understandable to those who have never seen the show, which is no easy task. But he did it quite perfectly if you ask me.

The audience wasn't drowned in background information, which would probably bore 'Firefly' fans, and was constructed in such a creative way that made it entertaining for both 'Firefly' and non-Firefly fans.

Whedon does a great job of creating characters you find yourself not only identifying with, but end up caring a great deal for also. Do you really need to watch the series before seeing the movie?

Actually, no, the film picks up six months after the series ended, but is done in such a way as to not make newcomers feel as though they are missing something.

The film, entitled 'Serenity,' takes place 500 years in the future and has a 'Star Wars' meets 'Indiana Jones' sci-fi western theme to it.

The story centers around Simon Tan (Sean Maher), a young and rather smart doctor. His brilliant yet not-so-sane and unstable younger sister, River (Summer Glau), knows things about the current political space government, the Alliance, who will stop at nothing to get her. River, who was used as an experimental play toy by the Alliance, is rescued by her brother and is now on the run, taking refuge on Serenity, a firefly-classed ship, with its crew.

Serenity's crew mostly consists of war veteran Captain Malcolm Reynolds (Nathan Fillion), his tough-as-nails first-mate Zoe (Gina Torres), her humorous husband and pilot Wash (Alan Tudyk), adorable and innocent mechanic Kaylee (Jewel Staite) and hired muscle Jayne (Adam Baldwin), who is more brawn then brains. Surviving the Galactic Civil War, Mal runs the ship, takes odd jobs, steals, and smuggles, among other things, to scrape by.

The misfit bandit-like crew have a noble Robin Hood theme to them, sometimes helping and giving to those less fortunate. The crew has tried to stay on outskirts of the galaxy unnoticed. Now they find them selves battling for their lives and unraveling a secret so great, that it could change everything as they know it. Exactly what is it that River knows that the Alliance wants so badly to keep secret?

Not only do they have to worry about the Alliance, but the dangerous Operative (Chiwetel Ejiofor), an ask-no-questions assassin sent to retrieve River at all costs, and the horrifying cannibalistic Reavers, savages who roam the very edges of space and make Hannibal Lecter look like a friendly teddy bear. The great storyline, witty well placed banter and action have you laughing and holding on to the edge of your seat.

Glau does a fantastic job at portraying River, making her mentally damaged role believable, as well as doing all of her own stunts and fight scenes. For someone who hasn't had much acting experience out side of dance, she does a fabulous job.

Tudyk serves great as the comedy-relief, causing viewers to take a liking to him immediately. Baldwin's great as Jayne, supplying perfectly timed crude humor. Each member in the cast did very well in their portrayal of their characters.

Being a 'Firefly' fan myself, it was refreshing to see the character's I had become familiar with return with the same personalities, finesse and traits that I had come to enjoy.

Another thing to note about this film is the soundtrack. The music Whedon chose to have for his film fits perfectly with the scenes, story and over all theme of the movie. The music seems to combine all cultural aspects of the film making it very unique. Of course you would have to see the film in order to experience the overall effect the music has.

'Serenity' is one of those unique films that shouldn't be missed. It's a crowd pleaser for all those who are fans and non-fans of Whedon's work. 'Serenity' is currently playing in several theatres around the Dayton area.