Love him or hate him, director Zack Snyder continues his relationship with streaming giant Netflix for his latest film, Rebel Moon Part One: A Child of Fire. Snyder, Kurt Johnstad, and Shay Hatten co-wrote the screenplay based on Snyder's initial pitch to Lucasfilm for a more mature take on the Star Wars universe.
Kora (Sofia Boutella), a mysterious stranger with an enigmatic past, finds herself on a distant moon in the farthest corners of the universe. Here, she begins a fresh chapter of her life among a peaceful community of farmers. However, their tranquility is shattered when Regent Balisarius (Fra Fee) and Admiral Noble (Ed Skrein), underlings of the authoritarian regime, discover that the farmers have unwittingly supplied their harvest to the Bloodaxes siblings (Cleopatra Coleman and Ray Fisher) who led a ferocious group of rebels pursued by the Mother world.
To save Veldt's inhabitants from annihilation, Kora embarks on a mission to recruit fighters willing to defend their people. Alongside Gunnar (Michiel Huisman), the kind-hearted yet naive farmer—and an eclectic group seeking redemption—including Kai(Charlie Hunnam), a skilled pilot; General Titus (Djimon Hounsou), a renowned commander and Nemesis (Doona Bae), an expert swordswoman. Also along for the ride are Tarak (Staz Nair), a captive with royal lineage, and Milius (E. Duffy), a determined resistance fighter. Together, they traverse different worlds in search of the Bloodaxes.
Meanwhile, an ancient mechanized guardian named Jimmy (voiced by Anthony Hopkins) awakens on Veldt with a newfound purpose. The newly formed band of revolutionaries must unite and overcome distrust before forces from the Mother world destroy them.
Sans the theatrical cut of Sucker Punch and Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole, I've never had an issue with Zack Snyder and his film. Within the first fifteen minutes of this film, even a novice viewer will spot the homages to Star Wars. Zack Snyder carefully and deliberately establishes the farming community, allowing the audience to build a rapport with them.
Although the setting is quiet and some of the dialogue is mediocre, it sets the stage for an epic adventure. Sofia Boutella leads the ship with commendable action heroine theatrics, while Ed Skerin gives off his usual anatomist vibes. The rest of the male cast gives off vibes you would find in a space opera, with everyone having a moment to shine. However, that also makes you wonder why Fisher doesn't have more to do, as he is an action star waiting to happen.
Rebel Moon presents some exciting ideas that require further development. Not to mention, the film ends with a cliffhanger, which some hate while others will eagerly wait for the sequel. Snyder stans may view this first part as an introduction that sets up several plotlines for numerous media platforms to explore.
However, after almost two decades in the game, Snyder is accustomed to this style, and I don't see him changing. I wish Rebel Moon were set up as a series, as the universe has endless potential.
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Final Grade: B-
Rebel Moon Part 1 is available to stream tomorrow on Netflix at www.netflix.com/RebelMoon
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