Much more than Netflix’s Star Wars, Rebel Moon is “unfortunately” the ultimate science fiction film!

News culture Much more than Netflix’s Star Wars, Rebel Moon is “unfortunately” the ultimate science fiction film!

The “Rebel Moon” project.

Did you know ? Rebel Moon was originally presented to Disney with the aim of enriching the Star Wars saga. This is the funniest point of this whole project. In a parallel dimension, Zack Snyder is making two films in the universe created by George Lucas in 1977. Too dark, too adult, not “Star Wars-friendly” enough, the proposal was rejected by the big-eared company. The filmmaker then turns to an SVOD service in search of exclusive products with high added value, which confirms the beginning of the Rebel Moon diptych, but not only that. An anime, a video game and a comic will expand the story in the near future .

Rebel Moon consists of two feature films directed and co-written by Zack Snyder, Part 1: Child of Fire and Part 2: The Slasher, scheduled for December 22, 2023 and April 19, 2024, respectively.

Designed as a choral adventure, Rebel Moon features a five-star cast that brings to life a galaxy of colorful characters with diverse pasts and destinies. Between Sofia Boutella (Atomic Blonde), Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy), Djimon Hounsou (Blood Diamond) and Anthony Hopkins (Westworld), Zack Snyder surrounds himself with Hollywood’s best to realize his vision of a space opera. Here is the official synopsis for Rebel Moon – Part 1: Child of Fire:

On a moon deep in the universe, a peaceful colony is threatened by the armies of the tyrannical regent Balisarius. From then on, Kora, a mysterious stranger, becomes the best hope for survival of the villagers whose lives she shares. Kora is responsible for recruiting experienced fighters to push back the Mother World. She gathers a small band of soldiers: misfits, insurgents, farmers and war orphans from other planets who share the same need for redemption and revenge. As the shadow of an entire kingdom falls on the most vulnerable of moons, a new army of heroes rises. – Netflix France

Check out the Rebel Moon comic on Amazon

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I am a Zack Snyder fan

Before I get to the heart of the matter, it’s important to clarify what I’m talking about (my past as a film fan and film eater). I consider myself a huge Zack Snyder fan, having followed him “religiously” since his debut behind the camera in Army of the Dead (2004). I think, like many others, I took an ancient slap in the face with 300 in 2007 and a superheroic slap in the face with Watchmen: The Guardians in 2009. This filmmaker, much criticized later, never disappointed me… until it appeared on Netflix in 2021. Army of the Dead – the “remake” of his film released 17 years earlier – left a bitter taste in my mouth.

To say I was excited to finally see Rebel Moon is an understatement, and I was lucky enough to discover this sci-fi film in optimal conditions: in theaters. As a matter of fact, Netflix organized screenings for the press before taking over cinemas for a limited time (but not in France). My opinion on Rebel Moon is therefore closely linked to the relationship I have with Zack Snyder’s filmography and the fact that I was able to enjoy the film in its short version (2 hours and 14 minutes) on the big screen.

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Star Wars on Netflix?

Let things be clear from the start. Rebel Moon isn’t Netflix’s “killer” Star Wars, but it can lay claim to the title of “ultimate science fiction film.” And that’s not necessarily good news! Let me explain. Zack Snyder’s cinema relies largely on his ability to absorb and then digest pop culture to fuel his cinematic works. Between his 2004 remake and his comic book adaptations, the American director was able to draw on source material to channel a surfeit of desires. Unfortunately, Netflix is ​​now giving him carte blanche, and that’s 2000% felt in Rebel Moon.

This space opera shines through its tireless generosity and desire to satisfy all science fiction fans, whoever they may be. From the first minute, innuendos come to mind, sometimes for the better and sometimes just to have fun. Rebel Moon is the result of a collision between Star Wars (of course), Warhammer 40,000, The Chronicles of Riddick, Foundation, etc. without forgetting Métal Hurlant magazine, without which SF would be very different in 2023. Zack Snyder hopes to please everyone and create the richest science fiction film of all time. He succeeded, but at what cost?

However, he warned us. Rebel Moon is, and I quote, “a cross between The Bastard Twelve (1969) and The Magnificent Seven (1961) in space.” Zack Snyder kept his word, contrary to script logic. Too many characters, too many planets, too many origin stories, too many… The film never takes the time to settle down, to permanently establish its universe full of details and subplots, and by force it connects the adventures to move the story forward.

The fact is that Part 1: Child of Fire also excels in other areas.

Zack Snyder is a master in the art of the epic and once again offers us many over-the-top sequences in stylized slow motion that will make the filmmaker’s fans cheer. As always, some will find this rush of energy cheesy and “too much”, but I personally really enjoy it. Everyone has their own cinematic “kink,” you might say. Then this talent for making people feel the blows and violence unleashed on screen (which was already used in “Watchmen: Guardians” and “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”) is a prime example of this genre. The director has lost none of his penchant for making the viewer’s retinas rustle, and I want more.

However, this collection of planets, sophisticated shots and special effects ultimately goes beyond the scope. Netflix can’t carry such a visual production alone, and that’s what you sometimes see on the screen. It’s all too common to get caught up in the vivid beauty of a scene before abruptly snapping back into reality with the scene that follows. Finally, this “short” version of 2h14, whose editing clearly suffers from several abrupt cuts, leaves the agonizing impression that you are missing the real film. I’m looking forward to the director’s cut, as always with Zack Snyder!

Check out the Rebel Moon comic on Amazon

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