Zack Snyder's Rebel Moon: A Spectacular Deluge of Epic Extravaganza

Zack Snyder, the controversial mainstream director of Hollywood, has garnered an unsavory cult-like fanbase known for their relentless attacks on dissenters. Meanwhile, his creative endeavors are often disregarded by his detractors as nothing more than toxic garbage. Furthermore, Snyder's involvement in the DCEU resulted in a deep divide among audiences, causing constant discontent. Although he is now moving on to work on his franchise, Rebel Moon, his newfound artistic freedom may prove to be a double-edged sword.

Franchise filmmaking has reached its nadir, and audiences are becoming increasingly weary of it. The once-prosperous Marvel Cinematic Universe, which was considered a cash cow less than a decade ago, is now experiencing a decline that reflects a wider industry trend. Many of the MCU's competitors failed due to their inability to patiently construct a solid franchise. In this regard, Zack Snyder bears some responsibility for the disintegration of the DCEU. The question remains whether he will repeat the same missteps.

The Rebel Moon trailer has a lot going on

What happens when Zack Snyder has full creative freedom?

The length of the Rebel Moon trailer surpasses that of Dune: Part Two by almost a minute. It presents itself as a chaotic and unconventional spectacle. A narrator, unseen, recounts a fragmented tale involving a princess. Spaceships invade a planet, while a man trains a griffin in a scene reminiscent of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, albeit with more energy. Characters make brief appearances before meeting swift demises. Multiple wars unfold concurrently, creating a constant state of conflict. Various fight scenes of different scopes are showcased. A lady engages in conversation with a colossal spider woman before igniting a pair of distinct lightsabers. Within this whirlwind of colors, faces, and intricate details, a glimpse of the film's narrative can be caught, though it is fleeting. Snyder is renowned for his visually striking creations but has faced criticism for his storytelling choices. Perhaps this extensive trailer aims to emphasize his strengths. Present-day movie trailers often prioritize visual appeal over intricate storytelling, yet still remain comprehensible as narratives.

Sucker Punch occurs. Since his debut in 2004, Zack Snyder has directed ten feature films. Among them, one is a remake, six are based on comic books, and one is based on a children's book series. This leaves us with two original films, both directed and co-written by Snyder. While he primarily works in adaptation, his original works exist in a peculiar state. With source material, fans can discuss his skills as a visual interpreter and his passion for certain stories. For instance, his interpretations of Watchmen or 300 may not refine or accurately convey the original narrative, weight, or themes, but he utilizes his significant budget to provide fans with live-action recreations of iconic scenes. However, in the absence of source material, Snyder is compelled to rely solely on his writing skills.

Snyder's initial venture, Sucker Punch, marked his first foray into a passion project and his second credit as a screenwriter. Regrettably, it has garnered a reputation as his weakest film and one of the most disappointing creations to grace the silver screen in the 2010s. Its financial performance was lackluster, barely recouping its production expenses and failing to generate additional revenue for marketing. With an unfavorable assessment from 218 critics on Rotten Tomatoes, receiving a scathing 22% positive rating, Sucker Punch has not withstood the test of time. Modern viewers have taken note of its deplorable treatment of women and its vulgar climax. Some individuals were willing to give Snyder the benefit of the doubt, believing he had something meaningful to convey with Sucker Punch. However, a more generous interpretation would regard it as a mindless assemblage of doodles from a school notebook.

On a brighter note, Snyder's subsequent endeavor, Army of the Dead, experienced greater success. Although it was deemed unremarkable, conventional, derivative, and ultimately inconsequential, this represented an improvement. Sixty-seven percent of critics managed to find some redeeming qualities within Army of the Dead. Even the most favorable reviews took the opportunity to criticize the flat and wearisome characters as well as the uninspired writing. Stand-up comedian Tig Notaro emerged as the standout performer in the film. Notably, she was not originally part of the cast and was digitally inserted, filmed in front of a green screen, to replace a different comedian who faced allegations of sexual misconduct. While the film can be seen as a mixed bag, it still reflects some of Snyder's ongoing challenges as a filmmaker.

Is Rebel Moon already trying to do too much?

The final moments of the Rebel Moon trailer reveal that the film is divided into two parts. The first part, titled A Child of Fire, will be released on Netflix just before Christmas. Snyder and his colleagues frequently discuss the franchise potential of this yet-to-be-released film. Although its plot may be crowded, the main issue lies in the high expectations placed upon it. Originally conceived as a pitch for a Star Wars film, Rebel Moon still incorporates elements from Zack's desired franchise, making it an original concept that is closely tied to its inspirations.

Will Zack Snyder's $166 million Star Wars fan fiction generate enough excitement among viewers to support a cinematic universe? There is no way to ascertain this until its release. Will the inclusion of seemingly unnecessary details contribute to its success? Probably not. Snyder continues to make creative choices based on what he found appealing during his high school days. Perhaps this time it will pay off. At the very least, his fans will be pleased.