Zack Snyder has taken his talents to Netflix to create the fantasy adventure Rebel Moon with its first installment Part One: A Child of Fire releasing on the platform this week. Snyder is a hit-or-miss director for me. I enjoy his stylizing at times, and I certainly think he can craft a climactic sequence when the right pieces are in place. That, however, was my main curiosity with Rebel Moon. Would these be the right pieces?
The trailer showcases a string of elements we’ve seen from several other fantasy sci-fi franchises and when I sat down for this film, I was apprehensive as to how much of this “new” saga would ultimately end up feeling fresh. I was also interested to see if Snyder would be able to incorporate other film techniques into his directorial style. I went in with an open mind, and genuinely hoped to enjoy it. Who actually wants to sit down for a two-hour movie you’re hoping to dislike?
Surprisingly, overall, I did enjoy the adventure this movie provides. Yet its issues do keep it far from any realm of being considered a great film, or the new sci-fi saga for the 21st century. What I did like about this one was certainly Sofia Boutella in the lead. She breathes life into this character, and she brings an energy that I think definitely elevates the patchwork of cliches that construct her backdrop. She lands the emotion, she’s strong in the action, and Boutella gives Rebel Moon a badass lead character to invest in.
Visually the film thrives as well. You without a doubt can feel the “inspiration” from other films in the concept designs of the characters, creatures, backdrops, etc. Regardless, I do think it’s enough to build a stunning background and a strong setting for this story that covers several planets and forms of life. The action is relatively intense and adrenaline pumping when needed. Boutella has a killer sequence in the first act that is the highlight of the film and when battles ensue in the closing it’s admittedly an enjoyable romp.
What keeps Rebel Moon from greatness is its lack of creativity. Creating elements from an established template is certainly able to provide visual flair, but when that wears off it’s still that familiar template under the updated veneer that will stand out. Such is the case with Rebel Moon, a film that pops when the action and intensity are in full gear but keeps only a low pulse when the exposition filled storytelling takes over the progression. Outside of Boutella in the lead, a comically over-the-top Ed Skein as the evil Admiral, and a few charming quips from Hunnam, there is little intrigue or interest generated in this large group of characters or their mission.
As I said though, there is a mindless adventure to be found in Rebel Moon that at times is able to compensate for some of the weaker performances and generic plot-pointing and I am curious about where the next entry will go. But sadly, with too much borrowed and not enough new, this Star Wars meets The Magnificent Seven is lacking true reasoning for its existence. And with a relentless use of slow- motion effects Snyder also shows he has no interest in broadening his directorial horizons. So, in the end, Rebel Moon will be passable entertainment for some and a complete misfire of a sci-fi saga for others.
Grade: 7/10
CAST: Sofia Boutella, Charlie Hunnam, Ed Skrein, Jena Malone, Anthony Hopkins (voice), Cary Elwes, Michiel Huisman, Cleopatra Coleman, Djimon Honsou, Bae Doona, Corey Stoll, Staz Nair, Ray Fisher DIRECTOR: Zack Snyder WRITER(S): Shay Hattan, Kurt Johnstad, Zack Snyder DISTRIBUTOR: Netflix RUNNING TIME: 133 minutes RATING: PG-13 (For sequences of strong violence, sexual assault, bloody images, language, sexual material and partial nudity) YEAR: 2023 LANGUAGE: English GENRE: Action/Adventure/Fantasy/Sci-fi
Anthony J. Digioia II © 2023 SilverScreen Analysis
