Serenity

THE GIST: The reappearance of an ex-flame throws the tranquil life of a fishing boat captain into turmoil, especially when she makes an unorthodox request of him.

Serenity really, really wants to be a throwback to the film noir of old Hollywood, but it only half succeeds. It's not a bad movie, but it doesn't quite have that feel of mystery and suspense and charm that so imbued the genre back in the day.

However, stars Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway do have a certain level of chemistry, and certainly do their best to make the script work. Jason Clarke is excellent in the role of the bad guy.

By the way, the locales are just magnificent.

THE BOTTOM LINE: If you like thrillers, give this a chance. Even though it's not terribly original, it's still pretty entertaining.

Grade: 6.5