The student news site of Lambert High School

The Lambert Post

The student news site of Lambert High School

The Lambert Post

The student news site of Lambert High School

The Lambert Post

Rebel Moon: Visual Triumphs, Narrative Shortcomings

Rebel Promotional Picture (Courtesy of Netflix)
Rebel Promotional Picture (Courtesy of Netflix)

“Rebel Moon,” the latest movie directed by Zack Snyder, marks the first part of a two-part series, blending sci-fi elements into a space opera narrative. Drawing inspiration from classics like “Star Wars” and infused with Snyder’s signature visual flair, “Rebel Moon” takes viewers on a journey across a vast galaxy filled with rebels and tyrants, epic battles and unexpected allegiances.

“I was really impressed by the graphics and CGI in ‘Rebel Moon,’” Lambert sophomore Joshua Suh said. “Everything looked really realistic and cool.”

Suh’s sentiment is reminiscent of the gradual desire for cinematic escapism fueled by cutting-edge visuals. In today’s cinematic landscape, the allure of visually stunning elements plays a pivotal role in capturing audience attention and reflects a growing demand for high-quality visual experiences that contribute significantly to a film’s overall appeal.

However, Suh did go on to criticize the lackluster script, feeling let down by what he believed had the potential to be a great success.

“I felt like all the production team cared about was the visual appeal and not much about the writing,” Suh continued. “There were parts in the movie where I felt like they just blatantly copied other films, and it just led to a boring movie that didn’t really do anything new.”

Suh’s comments shed light on a prevalent issue in the film industry, emphasizing the struggle between visual appeal and storytelling. The conflict between prioritizing aesthetics over substance in movie production has been a long-standing concern for both filmmakers and audiences. This tension often arises when a production team leans heavily on impressive visuals, potentially at the expense of original and compelling storytelling.

The reference to plagiarism raises questions about the creative integrity of the film. In an era where audiences increasingly value innovation and fresh perspectives, a movie that borrows too heavily from other works may struggle to resonate with viewers. It underscores the importance of originality in storytelling and the potential consequences when a film fails to bring something new to the table.

In a broader context, these comments contribute to the ongoing conversation about the balance between form and content in filmmaking. They prompt discussions about the industry’s priorities and the impact of prioritizing certain aspects of production over others. Filmmakers and studios face the challenge of finding the right equilibrium to create a well-rounded and engaging cinematic experience that resonates with audiences and stands the test of time.


All in all, “Rebel Moon,” while not claiming the title of the worst movie in 2023, falls short of its potential, grappling with pacing issues and a lackluster plot. Despite some visually stunning moments, the film struggles to leave a lasting impression, ultimately leaving audiences with a mixed cinematic experience.

Donate to The Lambert Post

Your donation will help support The Lambert Post, Lambert High Schools student-run newspaper! Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover website hosting costs.

More to Discover
Donate to The Lambert Post