Rebel Moon Part 2 review: A slow-mo sci-fi slog
The second installment of Rebel Moon titled "The Scargiver" receives a negative review. The film continuously displays explosions, science fiction clichés, and explanations that hold no importance. Despite these flaws, it still manages to surpass the first film, "A Child of Fire", which attempts to create a futuristic movie series but ultimately falls short. The meaning behind the titles remains irrelevant.
Once all the mundane table preparation is finished, Snyder is free to showcase his exceptional abilities in Rebel Moon: Part 2, featuring countless intense fights packed with slow-motion moves and triumphant stances. Although visually impressive, I cannot help but feel disappointed that it fails to have a substantial impact or narrative significance.
This blog post may contain information that reveals key plot points for Rebel Moon: Part 2. The writers of Rebel Moon: Part 2 have really outdone themselves this time. The storyline is even more intense, with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The character development has also improved significantly since the first part, with each individual having their own unique personality and motivations. If you enjoyed the first part of Rebel Moon, then you definitely won't be disappointed with Part 2. It's everything you loved about the first part and so much more. The action scenes are bigger and better than ever before, with breathtaking special effects that will leave you in awe. Overall, Rebel Moon: Part 2 is a must-see for any fan of action movies. You won't regret watching it, but beware of those spoilers!
In case you didn't get the chance to watch the inaugural Rebel Moon movie, let me fill you in on the plot. It's a fusion of Star Wars and The Seven Samurai. The main character, Kora, is played by Sofia Boutella. She's an ex-elite member of a brutal empire, concealing herself within a seemingly peaceful farming village. She spends her days planting and reaping crops. However, when a horde of wicked military personnel storms into the village, things take a turn for the worse. They murder the village chief and threaten a young girl's safety. Kora takes matters into her own hands by eliminating the attackers in self-defense. But the community is left vulnerable to a probable retaliation.
In the initial movie, she searches for skilled fighters who can protect the community. Among them are a defeated fighter portrayed by Djimoun Hounsou and a tough swordswoman portrayed by Doona Bae. They go by the names Titus and Nemesis, but their identities are not relevant as their characters lack depth.
I have to be honest: I attempted to write a review for the initial edition of Rebel Moon but eventually abandoned the endeavor. The story was incredibly tedious, to the point where I struggled to stay awake over several days of viewing. Once the experience came to a close, all I felt was a sense of anxiety, knowing that I still had two more hours of Rebel Moon left to endure.
The Scargiver didn't put me to sleep, although the compliments I have for it are not very meaningful. The movie had a strong sense of speed and plenty of action, which is probably why I managed to stay awake. You can watch it without thinking much and simply appreciate the visually pleasing images, similar to how you would for Snyder's other movies like Sucker Punch, Justice League, and Watchmen. Snyder's specialty is more in creating a specific visually-appealing style rather than telling a great story. However, sometimes his visuals, like the strange montage of our heroes gathering wheat, can almost feel poetic.
I feel disappointed that I didn't become invested in the characters or storyline of the movie. James Gunn's Guardian's of the Galaxy series won our hearts by showcasing a group of outcasts and underdogs, with storylines that drove their individual growth and emotions. The characters in Rebel Moon, on the other hand, come across as unoriginal copies from superior films, and the plot seems contrived (with even deliberate hints towards a future sequel).
Hounsou attempts to convey the emotions of Titus through his eyes, however, his efforts are limited. Even though Bae's portrayal of a tough warrior woman is impressive and her flashback is captivating, she is not given enough opportunities to showcase her skill during the action sequences. Additionally, there is the character of Jimmy, a robot with Anthony Hopkins as its voice. Jimmy is introduced in the first film briefly and only appears for a few minutes in this one to fight. The reason for this is unclear but seemingly, the character is significant enough to narrate both Rebel Moon movies; however, it seems that Snyder mainly wanted Hopkins' voice to instill earnestness.
Maybe the only thing that redeems Rebel Moon: Part 2 is Ed Skrein, who plays the movie's villain, Atticus Noble. Although his character is a typical wicked person, Skrein's exceptional acting skills make him captivating to observe. While Darth Vader is terrifyingly composed, Skrein's Noble is hilariously turbulent, similar to the Joker blended with Hans Landa from Inglorious Basterds. He seems to delight in being evil, and that's worth noting!
Considering the massive success of the initial flick, as per Snyder and Netflix's claims, it's safe to assume that more installments of Rebel Moon are on the horizon. In the past, Snyder expressed his desire to produce a director's cut for both movies, extending the runtime to six hours. In a recent interview with Radio Times, he revealed his hopes of expanding the Rebel Moon franchise to include four to six films. It sounds a bit ominous, to be honest.
