REBEL MOON: CHAPTER ONE & CHAPTER TWO- DIRECTOR’S CUT – MOVIE REVIEW
Written By: John Darius
Director Zack Snyder is one of the most well-known names working today within the industry. Over the last two decades, Snyder has gone on in creating films that are while controversial to some, are also beloved by many. From titles in “Dawn Of The Dead”, “300”, “Watchmen”, Sucker Punch, “Man Of Steel”, and of course his two most popular films in Batman V Superman, and Justice League. Many can argue that Snyder is without a doubt a one of a kind artist. His work does indeed speak for itself, and at times stands in the same league as other well-known directors in Christopher Nolan, M Night Shyamalan, Michael Bay, and more.
Now in 2024, Snyder has returned. Introducing to fans across the globe, his fully realized vision for his most recent work in Netflix’s Rebel Moon-Chapter One: Chalice Of Blood, and of course its successor in Rebel Moon-Chapter Two: Curse Of Forgiveness. Two films set far into the future and act as an epic space opera unlike anything one has ever seen. Our main protagonist and lead in Kora played by the beautiful (Sofia Boutella) has gone into hiding from the militaristic Imperium after the death of the royal family. Now looking for a form redemption, Kora and her people journey across the galaxy in search of fighters to rebel against the sadistic tyrant Balisarius and his right-hand admiral Atticus Noble, in hopes of bringing back peace to their village and the enslaved.
Rebel Moon Chapter One takes us to the beginning of this intergalactic war. Showcasing to us as an audience our heroes who when first seen are at their lowest. Each lost in their own darkness grasping in need of hope… Filled with an outstanding cast with high profiled names in Djimon Hounsou, Ed Skrein, Michiel Huisman, Anthony Hopkins, Charlie Hunnam, and much more. Part One in itself does an amazing job revealing to us this newly well crafted world. While also heavily building upon the relationships formed amongst our protagonists. To put it lightly, Rebel Moon is pure joy! It is an origin tale that takes us deep into the making and mindset of this universe and the characters we follow throughout this journey. Ultimately standing as not just a wonderful love letter to the highly beloved franchise known to many by the name of Star Wars, but also a beautiful start off to a newly well thought-out story filled with dozens of worlds to discover.
Talking with The Hollywood Reporter, Snyder discusses the differences and workflow that occurred between his R-rated cuts and PG-13 cuts stating:
“The roughing-in was all together, and then it was one at a time. So it was really making four movies, and that was a little bit exhausting. It was a little more work than I thought to do four movies altogether. It would’ve been interesting to make it all as one movie.“
Each character within this saga is handled with incredible care, and leaves room for so much more to explore. Mysterious, yet broken, and at other times filled with enough heart that’ll have one in awe by the end. Visually this film as I mentioned before is absolutely stunning, and will leave you blown away by the sheer effects of it all. Visual storytelling is Snyder at his best, and make no mistake this film like all his other projects, reaffirms that once again. The amount of ideas that are implanted on screen scene by scene are endless. Making this film as a whole unique to the say the least.
Rebel Moon – Chapter Two is far more intense and bigger than its predecessor. Taking us into the inevitable war that we foresaw to come all throughout the first film. Part Two is more of a reflection of who these characters can become once banded together in the face of the corrupt. We see our heroes each pulling their weight of the heavy burdens they carry. While in the end overcoming their adversaries in a fight to the death. All in all, Snyder does an incredible job laying down the ground work for these characters to shine. While informing us of the importance of both family and the bonds we share with one another that as a whole makes us who we are in the end.
While the story can be a bit convoluted at times, it is never in any way shape or form dull, and will keep one’s interest minute by minute. Yearning for more. This is a universe that I believe has been carefully planned out, and will in the end serve as one of the best original film franchises to come about in years. People will have a blast with this one. Trust when I say it is worth the three hours, and will catch you off guard with just how fast time flies once finished. It is a solid science fiction story that understands what it is at its core. Which acting as a homage to the classic 1954 film, Seven Samurai, but instead this time imagined in space. Lastly, I cannot end this review without acknowledging the incredible score done by the amazing composer Junkie XL who’s also been involved in another favorite of mine this year being Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.
There already have been talks of a third entry on the way with fans eager to see what comes next. Speaking with Playlist, Snyder states:
“We have definitely been working on a ‘Part Three,’ as far as the story goes,”
“We definitely know where we’re all headed – we’ve known that for quite a while, to be honest. So yeah, I’m excited to make some more Rebel Moon movies. That would be fun.”
While right now it is uncertain, it does indeed sound like Netflix isn’t finished with this world just yet. Hoping we get to see more story unravel in future projects over time. As always I hope you all enjoyed this review, and post below your thoughts on these two films. Did you enjoy them? What were. your first impressions? If so, let us know. Can’t wait to hear from you all.
Rating: 3/5
REBEL MOON – TEASER TRAILER:
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