One of the best things I can say about director Zack Snyder‘s sci-fi space epic “Rebel Moon: Part One – A Child of Fire” is that at least it’s not totally unwatchable. It certainly is a total mess of a movie (which was supposedly inspired by “Star Wars,” Akira Kurosawa, and “Heavy Metal” magazine) that’s unfocused and lacking in all areas, from lame CGI effects and one-dimensional characters to mediocre performances and unsatisfying plot. Despite all of these serious flaws, I couldn’t stop watching. It’s not that I’m a total glutton for punishment, but that I inexplicably found myself invested in the lead character’s story arc.
Set on the quiet edges of the galaxy, the hardworking inhabitants a peaceful farming colony are threatened by the tyrannical ruling force. Kora (Sofia Boutella) is a tough, mysterious stranger who lives among the villagers. Desperate for help, Kora is tasked with assembling a team of trained fighters and brave warriors to help make a stand against the Mother World. She searches for the best people she can find, which includes an unlikely group of outsiders that share a passion for revenge.
The story takes a long time to get going and once it does, it’s a letdown. There’s a lot of traveling around the galaxy and meeting new characters that simply aren’t all that interesting. The only one with whom I developed any sort of emotional connection is Kora, with the others fading into the background. At least Snyder nails the villain department, as Atticus Noble (Ed Skrein) embodies pure evil (which makes him a great bad guy).
The film doesn’t look great either, with horribly mediocre CGI effects and bloodless, censored PG-13 action. Snyder pushes the boundaries of the rating with violence, but there’s no grisly aftermath. It’s not that the movie needs it to be enjoyable, but it does make it feel too sanitized.
Dragging this story out into two parts is excessive, but hopefully the second installment will fare better. “Rebel Moon: Part One – A Child of Fire” is a drab, unexciting movie that’s only slightly better in quality than a “Star Wars” mockbuster.
