The first reactions to Zack Snyder’s epic sci-fi movie, Rebel Moon, are in and they are mixed with claims the film is “so disappointing.”
Rebel Moon is Snyder’s answer to Star Wars and follows Sofia Boutella’s character, Kora, a young woman with a mysterious past who seeks out warriors from neighboring planets to help them take a stand against the tyrannical Regent Balisarius (Fra Fee) and his cruel emissary, Admiral Noble (Ed Skrein).
Snyder has big plans for his Rebel Moon universe which include Part 2 getting released next year, a prequel comic book series in the works, and games.
What are the reactions?
Regarding the reactions, the claims Rebel Moon is so disappointing comes from CBM‘s Mark Cassidy aka RorMachine.
“I wish I could say that I loved or even liked Rebel Moon, but after a promising first act, it launches itself off a cliff. Zack Snyder is more concerned with ‘cool’ action scenes than establishing and ensuring we’re invested in his characters,” tweeted Cassidy, adding, “Yes, it’s a Part 1, but it still needs to stand as its own movie, and it most certainly does not. So disappointing.”
Cassidy continued, “There’s some good stuff. It’s as visually impressive as anything Snyder has done, and Sofia Boutella is a strong lead. The robot seems sound. The villain is a moustache twirling cartoon that, for some baffling reason, is given more screen time than most of the heroes.”
Twitter user James Lister also offers it’s not perfect.
“I’ve seen Rebel Moon and it is a visually awesome and epically ambitious ride. While not perfect, this first part will definitely leave you wanting more. Bring on PART TWO!” he tweeted.
When asked if general audiences will enjoy the movie, Lister replied, “Hard to tell, honestly! I’m a big lover of his movies personally, but I’ll be intrigued to see what people think!” He added, “If you like action, sci-fi, and that good ole’ Snyder touch, then yep! You’ll have a blast!”
Check out more reactions below. Rebel Moon debuts on Netflix on Thursday night, Dec, 21 at 7pm PT.
Rebel Moon reactions:
Yes, it's a Part 1, but it still needs to stand as its own movie, and it most certainly does not. So disappointing.
— Mark Cassidy (@RorMachine) December 7, 2023
Okay #RebelMoon is quite simply epic! Massive scale, beautiful visuals (of course), awesome action, and some really fascinating mythology. There’s lots of exciting set-up for what’s to come, but it’s still very satisfying as its own movie. Jimmy has also stolen my heart ❤️ pic.twitter.com/pYfIfnAQ3q
— Molly Edwards (@mollycaroline7) December 7, 2023
REBELS, GEAR UP! 💥🚀
— TomMCJL 💥🚀 (@TomMCJL) December 8, 2023
Zack Snyder's #RebelMoon – Part One: A Child On Fire delivers & serves a triumphant welcome to a whole new & promising universe while featuring some of my favourite Zack Snyder moments to date. (+ a rivettingly badass, kickass, third act)
It's big, grand,… pic.twitter.com/XJ81ERh3ll
#RebelMoon took a while to find its groove, there's so much to explore and world-build. It excels in action as Snyder knows best and by the end I was on-board. I'm excited for a part 2 and without all the baggage and expectation of the Star Wars series.
— Sunny (@SunnyRamgolam) December 7, 2023
I've seen #RebelMoon and it is a visually awesome and epically ambitious ride. While not perfect, this first part will definitely leave you wanting more. Bring on PART TWO! pic.twitter.com/v57Ejcr5QX
— James Lister (@jameslister97) December 7, 2023
The Bad: Things move too fast, too much narration giving exposition to compensate the shorter theatrical version. Characters are unusually in the exact right moment for them to be offered a chance to join what is technically just a group of strangers perpetually outnumbered.
— Amanda (@MandyOfSteel) December 2, 2023
A lot of the technology the villains use feels like futuristic nazi designs, similar to what would be expected from the Wolfenstein franchise.
— Amanda (@MandyOfSteel) December 2, 2023
The design of the firearms is also closer to Wolfenstein\Fallout New Vegas and less Flash Gordon\Star Wars.
I do think people will compare some aspects of Rebel Moon with Warhammer 40K as I did notice some thematic echoes between the Imperium and the Imperium of Man from W40K.
— Amanda (@MandyOfSteel) December 2, 2023
Oh, are we allowed to talk about #RebelMoon now? Visually very handsome and flows well but suffers from Part One Syndrome. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t keen on The Scargiver now though!
— MariaLattila🎈 (@marialattila) December 7, 2023