For some, Rebel Moon is the Seven Samurai of the modern space age of sci-fi cinema. For others, it is the start of the true Snyderverse they have patiently waited for since Zack Snyder’s Justice League. Fortunately, the early reactions to the ensemble flick paint a better picture of what moviegoers can expect from Netflix’s latest offering for the Holiday season.
Rebel Moon cannot escape comparisons to the Star Wars franchise but critics who experienced it on Wednesday night’s LA premiere at TCL Chinese Theatre say Snyder’s original entry owes “a ton to The Magnificent Seven” too, as noted by JoBlo on X.
Snyder fans worried over the possibility of Rebel Moon suffering from “Part 1 syndrome” can also sigh in relief based on several critics’ reactions. Though critic @femmevillain thinks, “the director’s cut will be a huge improvement”
Rebel Moon has its fair share of negative reactions such as Matt Neglia’s social media review. The fan-favorite slow-mo action did not seem to appeal to many and Neglia states, “Snyder’s clunky execution makes even the most basic drama feel tedious.”
#RebelMoon review – i don't think it suffers from part 1 syndrome, but i do think the director's cut will be a huge improvement (as is the norm with zack films) but overall there's SO MUCH to love in this film, twists i didn't expect, and i am very hungry for more!!!
— 🗡️🗡️ (@femmevillain) December 14, 2023
Rebel Moon was magical. This is the real Snyderverse! Zack and Netflix did not hold back. #RebelMoon was cinematic and you get immediately transported into this whole universe at the beginning of the film. The action was incredible and the score was pure. This film is grand 👏🏼
— Lis.Wonder 🇨🇺 (@LisWonder1) December 15, 2023
#rebelmoon owes a lot to Star Wars and a ton to The Magnificent Seven, but it’s also way more entertaining than anything Lucasfilm has put out in awhile. Netflix could have made a mint with this in theaters given how weak a line up of tentpoles we have in theaters this Christmas.
— JoBlo.com (@joblocom) December 14, 2023
NO! Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon does not suffer from Part 1 syndrome. Genuinely incredible especially in its 3rd act. Insane world building. Any character can die at any moment & it definitely teases part 2 in a big way while standing on its own feet. LOVED THIS!!!! pic.twitter.com/oAx6hPuRIa
— Matt Ramos (@therealsupes) December 14, 2023
#REBELMOON is a CINEMATIC ROLLERCOASTER THROUGH THE STARS! Zack Snyder’s signature visuals are on full display as you’re pulled into Seven Samurai for the space age. While not everything works (& some spotty CGI) there’s a lot to explore in future entries. pic.twitter.com/zpoyIBcRDK
— Shahbaz 🇵🇸 The Movie Podcast (@shayhbaz) December 14, 2023
#RebelMoon is so much fun. The fight scenes and action are fantastic. Sofia Boutella is a star! She's so amazing in this. I'm so glad Zack Snyder created his own world.
— Laura ลอร'า 劳拉 🍥 (@lsirikul) December 14, 2023
While on the topic of criticism, Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire uses up most of the runtime in “assembling the team” so the theatrical version falls short in letting audiences get “to know the characters” as Comicbook’s BrandonDavis notes. Nonetheless, its ambitious story and stylist choices are being praised heavily.
While Rebel Moon features a slew of characters with distinctive features like the double saber-wielding Nemesis and Jimmy the battle robot – Sofia Boutella‘s Kora is at the center of it all. From the looks of it, critics are expecting to see more screen time spent exploring the Rebel recruits in the director’s cut. Nonetheless, the third act’s spectacle goes miles in amping up anticipation for Part 2. Readers can check out reactions below.
I wanted to love #RebelMoon and *parts* of it I did, especially the end.
It spends so much time assembling the team so getting to know the characters more in the extended cut will probably enhance it. It’s big on style but the ambitious story could’ve been better delivered. pic.twitter.com/e8LrzMaz3e
— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) December 14, 2023
REBEL MOON – PART ONE: A CHILD OF FIRE should’ve aligned with my predilection for epic storytelling but left me feeling detached. Zack Snyder’s clunky execution makes even the most basic drama feel tedious. Derivative sci-fi with unimpressive slow-mo action & dull characters. pic.twitter.com/nLPvPneG0P
— Matt Neglia (@NextBestPicture) December 14, 2023
Rebel Moon is insane. As Zack Snyder as it gets. I need more. Director's cut and part 2. #RebelMoon pic.twitter.com/PnkIkX1BE2
— ☕Stephen M. Colbert (@smcolbert) December 14, 2023
Yet again @ZackSnyder shows why he is one of the best visionary directors! The worlds, the creators, set design, & general other worldly spectacle is definitely a standout! And we already know he can shot amazing action, I’m very intrigued to see where Part Two goes. #RebelMoon
— Samuel Leggett Jr (@SuperSel0320) December 14, 2023
Astounding… What a spectacle. @ZackSnyder's Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire is a grand, action-packed, beautiful, and emotional film with breathtaking visuals, a compelling story, and a vast mythology. An original sci-fi space opera with an incredible vision. @rebelmoon pic.twitter.com/7dP1hv7Yev
— Yoko Higuchi (@theYokoHiguchi) December 14, 2023
#RebelMoon is a blast! A mythological greatest hits that simultaneously chronicles Zack's filmmaking journey. Like a Heavy Metal, James Cameronish remix of Star Wars. Bit restrained due to the PG-13 rating (Director's Cut will be GREAT), but fuck if it isn't a visual/lore feast! pic.twitter.com/jeCWOrOSm1
— Griffin Schiller (@griffschiller) December 14, 2023
I loved the action in #RebelMoon and this brilliant international cast, but I wish we spent more time with the rebel recruits. Zack Snyder’s director’s cut is the version I want. pic.twitter.com/EfjkAGypRq
— Joseph Deckelmeier (@joedeckelmeier) December 14, 2023
It appears Part One will take on the heavy lifting of worldbuilding though that does not negate the sci-fi space opera’s incredible vision, according to Yoko Higuchi’s reaction. The intergalactic take of Akira Kurosawa’s Magnum Opus is not short of breathtaking visuals, a compelling story and the vast mythology Snyder promises.
It should also be noted the anticipated action sequences are expected to be a “bit restrained due to the PG-13 rating” as Griffin Schiller says. On the bright side, Zack’s exhilarating visuals make up for it.
Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire will stream on Netflix from December 22.
