Lights, camera, Rebel Moon! Zack Snyder's highly anticipated sci-fi epic, Rebel Moon Part One: A Child of Fire, recently hit Netflix, and it seems to have sparked quite the debate among audiences. With initial review scores leaning towards the negative end of the spectrum, screenwriter Kurt Johnstad stepped up to address the critics while chatting with Variety.
Rebel Moon has quite the interesting backstory. Originally starting out as a Star Wars pitch by Snyder to Lucasfilm, the project took on a life of its own after the studio decided to go in a different direction. But fear not, for Snyder held onto his vision, nurturing it until it could burst forth onto our screens in all its glorious detail. However, the response so far has been less than stellar.
With a measly 23% rating on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer, Johnstad didn't hold back in his response to the criticism. He made it clear that he doesn't spend his days poring over reviews, stating, 'I don't read the reviews, I never have. Critics have a job to do. We live in a democracy. Everybody gets to vote.' He goes on to compare the film's reception to flavors of ice cream, emphasizing that it's ultimately a matter of personal taste. And while reviews may be pouring in, Johnstad firmly believes that the film's emotional core, vulnerability, and stunning visuals set it apart.
Yet, darkness looms over Rebel Moon. One of the major gripes from fans is Snyder's announcement of a Director's Cut, leaving them wondering why Netflix didn't just release that version from the get-go. The decision to release two versions of the film without a cinematic release remains a mystery. The recently dropped version on the streaming platform has drawn criticism for pacing issues, a tone reminiscent of recent Star Wars films, and a lack of compelling characters.
The passionate fandom surrounding Zack Snyder voiced their discontent on social media, questioning Netflix's choice to make them wait not only for Part Two but also for the version Snyder has been actively promoting in interviews. Nonetheless, Rebel Moon has soared to the top of the Netflix charts, meeting the streaming giant's expectations.
While the overall final product may not have struck a chord with everyone, the film has still managed to maintain a 67% audience approval rating. And let's not forget that its presence on the coveted Netflix chart speaks volumes. As we eagerly await the arrival of Rebel Moon Part Two: The Scargiver on April 19, 2024, fans can revel in the fact that the cinematic journey will continue, even if we have to wait a little longer.
So, whether you're a die-hard Zack Snyder enthusiast or simply a lover of galactic adventures, Rebel Moon has something to offer. It may not be a unanimous critical success, but it's a visually stunning spectacle propelled by its emotional core. So, grab your popcorn, tune in on Netflix, and embark on this interstellar journey. And remember, as Kurt Johnstad aptly puts it, 'If people watch the film, they'll have an experience, and they will either enjoy it or they won't.'
