It helps a lot to have seen the TV series to get the very humourous in jokes but even without that advantage I think the movie is really top notch. Lots of action, an interesting plot, and, most importantly, the complicated characters.

I won’t give any spoilers because the movie is only a week and a half into its release but the movie takes place shortly after the time span of the TV series. There is one major new character introduced, a government agent chasing after River, who is a formidable foe for Mal to joust with verbally and physically.

It’s clear that they hope for a sequel and hopefully they will make enough money so that it happens.