Zack Snyder’s long-awaited sci-fi epic, Rebel Moon: Part One: A Child of Fire, is already a subject of controversy. Netflix recently lifted the film’s review embargo, and it is garnering an overwhelming number of negative reviews from critics. It debuted with a staggering rotten score of 9 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, a record-breaking low for Zack Snyder.
The critics generally agree that Rebel Moon has an underdeveloped plot. This is surprising because Snyder has openly spoken about the influences of the film, particularly Star Wars. Much like Star Wars, Rebel Moon follows a lone warrior’s attempt to rally a ragtag group of fighters against an evil galactic empire. However, it seems that despite having a great idea, the execution fell short.
This is what some critics had to say:
“This misbegotten attempt at creating a new out-of-this-world Snyderverse is merely a knockoff dressed up in its director’s stylistic signatures.” Nick Schager, The Daily Beast
“Given that it’s an idea that’s been percolating in Snyder’s head for decades, it’s no surprise that Rebel Moon takes place in a richly detailed world.” Ian Sandwell, Digital Spy
“Rebel Moon began life a decade ago as a pitch for a new Star Wars franchise installment. Still, that doesn’t excuse its inability to fashion a single sight or idea that isn’t a dull sci-fi cliché.” Nick Schager, The Daily Beast
“If you’re going to try your hand at world-building, maybe do so without cherry-picking from so many other existing movie worlds, because anyone older than 13 will immediately know all the references and realize there are much better movies they could be watching.” Edward Douglas, Above the Line
“Without strong characters to root for, what will make us tune in for the sequel? Personally, I’ll be tempted to see what happens, but I can’t say I was left with a desperate need to have the next movie right this second when the movie ended.” Rachel LaBonte, Screen Rant.
“Snyder mistakes exposition for world-building; the lugubriously delivered reams of backstory remove the audience from the fantasy rather than immersing them in it.” Charles Bramesco, Guardian
“As with most of Snyder’s films, the script slightly lets A Child of Fire down. A lot of seeds are planted for future installments, including next year’s Part Two: The Scargiver, but it’s at the expense of character work.” Maria Lattila, Film Stories
“Rebel Moon” often looks more like an animated pitch for a movie than an actual movie with human characters, urgent drama, emotional stakes, and so forth.” Simon Abrams, RogerEbert.com
“The screenplay he co-wrote with Kurt Johnstad and Shay Hatten plays like the result of someone feeding Seven Samurai and Star Wars into AI scriptwriting software.” David Rooney, Hollywood Reporter
“The screenplay he co-wrote with Kurt Johnstad and Shay Hatten plays like the result of someone feeding Seven Samurai and Star Wars into AI scriptwriting software.” David Rooney, Hollywood Reporter
“Another Zack Snyder movie that deals with the same old issues. Quality production values with scatterbrained, incoherent storytelling. I feel like a broken record.” Valerie Complex, Deadline Hollywood Daily
“Snyder, who shot the film himself, stages it on an impressively lavish scale (all the CGI sprawl a budget of $166 million can buy).” Owen Gleiberman, Variety
“The unfortunate fact remains that his storytelling instincts leave much to be desired.” Jeremy Mathai, Slashfilm
Despite the overwhelmingly negative reviews the film got upon its release. Rebel Moon’s Rotten Tomatoes score has risen slightly as more critics submitted their reviews. It now stands at 24% with an audience score of 72%. However, it’s unlikely to rise any further. Netflix has promised the release of a director’s cut for the film. And we can only hope that version improves on the weaknesses of the current version.
Further, Rebel Moon: Part One: A Child of Fire will debut on Netflix on December 21, 2023.
Source: Rotten Tomatoes