The first film in Zack Snyder’s original two-part space opera “Rebel Moon” was met with the ever so predictable panning, much of it from those who seem triggered by the mere mention of the director’s name. The movie wasn’t nearly as bad as fashionable sentiment declared and it did a good job setting the next film which Netflix was onboard to release as part of their exclusive deal with the strangely polarizing filmmaker.

But in fairness, “Rebel Moon – Part One” was far from a flawless film in large part due to a particular demand in Netflix’s deal with Snyder. It seems Snyder had always envisioned “Rebel Moon” to be epic in scale and R-rated. Netflix agreed to let him fully realize his vision but demanded that he first release a shortened PG-13 cut of both films. This led to “Part One” feeling shortchanged in some key places including its character development and even the action.

That problem is even more pronounced in “Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver”, a movie that eventually gets to the big showdown both films have been building towards but that feels as though large chunks are missing. To no surprise it’s a visual feast and the performances bring these characters to life. But the action, while often beautifully shot, is once again pruned as evident by noticeable camera zooms and awkward cutaways to avoid violence that may push to an R-rating. And then there is the story which (in this version) tries to get by on the bare basics. You can tell there’s much more than what we get.

“Part Two” begins with Kora (Sofia Boutella) and Gunnar (Michiel Huisman) returning to their village with the warriors rounded up in “Part One” who have agreed to help the villagers defend themselves against the oppressive Imperium. Those warriors are a former Imperium general Titus (Djimon Hounsou), a cyborg swordmaster Nemesis (Doona Bae), a prince-turned-blacksmith Tarak (Staz Nair), and a young rebel fighter Millius (Elsie Duffy).

What they didn’t realize is that the ruthless Admiral Atticus Noble (Ed Skrein), who Kora killed in the first film, has been resurrected and is now set to lead his forces on a siege of their village. So Kora and the warriors quickly begin training the inexperienced farmers in order to mount some kind of defense against Noble’s army. The full final hour of the movie is dedicated to the epic battle as it unfolds in the air and on the ground.

But getting to that final hour is a little rocky. That’s because “Part Two” takes too long to get going. The first hour has its moments and Snyder takes the time to give his characters more to do than just fight. But there’s not enough compelling drama and lengthy exposition is no substitute. I hate to beat a dead horse, but it’s another case where it feels like segments are missing. Again, it’s trimmed down to the bare basics with only a handful of scenes that actually feel as though they’re adding anything of value to the characters or the overall story.

But then the second hour kicks in and Snyder gets down to doing what he does best. The glacial pacing of the first 60 minutes gives way to an action-packed second half that’s full of exciting set pieces and cool combat in spite of its obvious PG-13 edit. Snyder’s creativity really shines as he turns a farmland into war zone and even more so when the fight is taken to Noble’s massive starship hovering in orbit. And the inevitable second round between Kora and Noble is nothing short of jaw-dropping.

“Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver” directly continues the story of the first film in such a way that it’s hard to see it as its own movie. For many (like me) that’s hardly a dealbreaker. But if you didn’t like “Part One” it’s hard to imagine this one will change your mind. Most of the same limitations remain but to a greater degree. This is especially true with the characters who get the worst end of the PG-13 edit (take Jimmy, a robot knight voiced by the great Anthony Hopkins who is all but forgotten for most of the film). Snyder still nails his strengths. We’ll just have to wait to his director’s cuts to experience his full vision. “Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver” is now streaming on Netflix.

VERDICT – 3 STARS