My Watchlist

📽️ Rebel Moon - Part One A Child of Fire (2023)

New Release (Dec 21) | Science-Fiction/Fantasy | Netflix 🟢

When a peaceful colony on the edge of the galaxy finds itself threatened by the armies of the tyrannical Regent Balisarius, they dispatch Kora, a young woman with a mysterious past, to seek out warriors from neighboring planets to help them take a stand.

I’m typically much higher than the consensus on Zack Snyder films. His style of filmmaking sticks with me and I find his storytelling to be striking and unique. Seeing this in a sold-out advanced screening was a phenomenal experience and made for some great crowd reactions and applause. This is very obviously a Part 1 to a two-part epic, with the second installment releasing this upcoming April.

On paper, Zack Snyder' taking on a space opera in the vein of Seven Samurai is my dream come true. Since Zack partnered with Netflix and they announced this project (one that he’s been working on for over three decades), I was thrilled. As I sat and watched this one in 70mm IMAX, I found myself loving it, while being conflicted with some disappointment.

Netflix commissioned Snyder to develop two versions of his saga - a PG-13 version for wide release and his longer, true-to-vision R-rated extended edition that will come at a later point in time… to re-create the ‘Snyder Cut’ movement that happened with Justice League…a poor, inorganic strategy.

With this being the cut-down PG-13 version, the film moved at a breakneck pace starting in the second act. It felt like a collection of incredible scenes with zero connective tissue tying it all together. It might have been a creative decision, but there was zero time to breathe or live with any of this ensemble cast. I’m almost positive that they picked up three different members within 15 minutes of screen time. I wanted more team dynamics and conversations between each other, but it drifted from scene to scene.

None of this is on the actors, though. They were great across the board and had all of their characters feeling believable. Sofia is the star here, but they all bring it. Skrein is weird and fitting as a villain in this universe, Anthony Hopkins's voice role of the robot Jimmy was amazing and I particularly loved Ray Fisher’s Darrian Bloodaxe. On top of the performances, you got the signature Snyder action flair as he goes fucking ballistic with lens flairs, slow-mo and aggression…some will love it and others will roll their eyes, but I was a fan.

Outside of the film feeling like it’s sprinting from scene to scene, I had a ton of fun. The world-building is VAST and I could see myself falling in love with this new fantasy sci-fi story as we progress throughout the saga. Snyder takes inspiration from films like Dirty Dozen, Seven Samurai and more - but this happens in most films. When you craft a new Hero’s Journey in space, it’s naturally going to draw comparisons to Dune and Star Wars.

I’m eager to watch this one at home with some beers and a vibe later this week - I feel like my score could go higher. If not, I’m almost positive the extended R-rated edition will solve all of my issues…whenever they decide to release it.

So, I’m going to recommend this because it’s a fun space fantasy film with a new world to explore, but it didn’t completely satisfy me. Throw it on and enjoy a fun story…but wait for the extended R edition for the full experience.

3 stars. Letterboxd review here.

My Playlist

🎮 God of War: Ragnarok - Valhalla DLC

New Release | Action/Adventure | PS5 Exclusive 🟢

God of War: Ragnarok is one of my favorite games of all time. If you have access to PlayStation and haven’t played either of the recent God of War games…stop reading and do it ASAP.

Last week during The Game Awards, they announced this DLC and trailer and released the game just days later. Somehow, Santa Monica Studios managed to keep this a secret from the industry and shocked fans. No DLC was expected, so this was a welcome surprise.

The game is a roguelike mode that builds and expands upon the main game’s storyline. The gameplay is fun and challenging, so I’m still making my way through it, but I’m happy to report that it’s mandatory for all God of War fans. I thought this would be a combat arena mini-game mode, but it’s much, much more. If I’m being honest, I probably would have paid for this if needed - I cannot believe it was free.

🎮Madden NFL 23

2022 Release | Action/Adventure | All Platforms 🟡

Yeah, it’s time for my yearly random Madden obsession. Don’t get it twisted, this game is dogshit, but playing connected franchise with some friends really hits when you’re in the mood for it. So far, we’re on year 3 and I’m a two-time Super Bowl champion…nbd.

Do not buy this game under any circumstance, lmao. I’m playing the year-old version for free via EA Play which makes it passable, but they regurgitate the same shit year after year. Sometimes I get the itch to run some franchise modes…we’ve all been there.