Bad Apologies

[I am so bad at the technical part of blogging that its comical. I've now lost the picture I had formerly linked to, and my browser keeps crashing when I try to redo it. So, no pictures for you.]

Movie: GOOD.
PR: BAD. Or at the very least, obnoxious.

First, a synopsis, posted in good faith for the movie promoters:

"Joss Whedon, the Oscar® - and Emmy - nominated writer/director responsible for the worldwide television phenomena of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE, ANGEL and FIREFLY, now applies his trademark compassion and wit to a small band of galactic outcasts 500 years in the future in his feature film directorial debut, Serenity. The film centers around Captain Malcolm Reynolds, a hardened veteran (on the losing side) of a galactic civil war, who now ekes out a living pulling off small crimes and transport-for-hire aboard his ship, Serenity. He leads a small, eclectic crew who are the closest thing he has left to family –squabbling, insubordinate and undyingly loyal"

Review: Although I never saw Firefly, this movie was easy to follow and engaging for a first time viewer. Of course, I was a big fan of Buffy in its later years, and I recognize the comical and witty dialogue that is so characteristic of Whedon. It was interesting to see it in a sci-fi setting. At any rate, it was a pleasant way to spend two hours, and having good company and a pleasant crowd topped it off.

Detraction: I certainly hope they didn't hire a PR firm for this movie, because it was done like a 5th grade class project. The idea was innovative enough: Get "blogger" to agree to post the synopsis, offer them a free screening, and get them to promise to review the movie, no matter what the content. I'm holding up my end of the bargain, if a bit delayed. But as Ms. Write Again Soon has already pointed out, the initial solicitation and the follow-up were worlds apart.

While we were promised "no lines" and seating in the "press" section, neither was the case. We were treated like all the other free pass holders. This wouldn't be a problem, BUT FOR the initial promise of expedited treatment. I'm willing to wait in lines for a free movie, but don't solicit me with lies! The e-mail said to find Universalal Pictures rep and say we were here for the Serenity Blogger Bonanza! Okay, that name was also very 5th grade projecreminiscentnt. The e-mail actually came from Grace Hill Media, which only has an address and a tag line on their website, which states "HelpinHollywoodod Reach People of Faith." This actually greatly amuses me, as I can't for the life of me figure out how this relates to Serenity, but whatever.

The long, detailed e-maifollow upup from Grace Hill Media had a laundry list of DOs and DO NOTs. My favorite: "DO NOT bring in a camera or a cellular phone that takes pictures. They WILL be confiscated, and you will NOT be allowed into the screening." The amazed me. I certainly wasn't going to leave my cellphone at work. And what could I possibly do with a grainy cameraphone picture? But more obnoxious was the suggestion that they would BOTH confiscate it AND remove me from the screening. WHAT!? Why would you keep my cellphone, you bastards? Again, like a 5th grade teacher saying I can have something back at the end of the school year.

In practice, nothing went too poorly. There was no Universal Pictures rep to speak of, there was no confiscation, and there were no press section. Still, I have no love Grace Hill Media.