Synopsis: “Dune: Part Two” will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.
The pressure to uphold or exceed expectations is often greater than the possibility of failure. Failure is often expected and easily accepted because many do not succeed. However, when others believe in you more than you believe in yourself, the strain of that load of faith and hope can feel incredibly overwhelming. You’re no longer trying to prove doubters wrong, you’re wanting to prove supporters right. The success itself can also be terrifying for fear who you may become. Maybe you’ll become a shell of the person you once were. Perhaps you are concerned about the target that undoubtedly will be placed upon your back and may make you reactive. Or is that power will corrupt you, and you know you’ll enjoy it? Regardless, you will always become who you were meant to be. The question is, deep down, who are you?
“In the shadows of Arrakis lie many secrets.”
The wait is over and it’s time to buckle up. War is coming. Directed and co-written by Denis Villeneuve, Dune: Part Two is remarkably epic in every way possible. This film is easily one of the greatest sci-fi spectacles you’ll ever see. From its stunning visuals and breathtaking cinematography to the masterful score and phenomenal storytelling, it’s the best film of the year. Furthermore, I don’t foresee any film this year topping it. From a technical standpoint, Dune: Part Two is almost flawless. There were one or two disorienting edits that made me lose my footing momentarily, but I was quickly engulfed back into the gargantuan tale. Where its predecessor felt a tad lethargic due to laying the foundation for prophecy, subterfuge, and a power vacuum, the sequel ramps things up and grabs your attention immediately.
We are fully immersed in Fremen culture and traditions. From religious ideologies and genius war tactics, to worm riding, you will leave wanting to try a little spice yourself. Picking up where the first film left off, the fight against the ruthless and diabolical Harkonnen continues. Determined to put an end to Harkonnen spice harvesting, Paul Atreides, Chani, Stilgar, and the rest of the Northern fighters will stop at nothing to free their land despite being hunted. Even if that means attacking one machine at a time. Nevertheless, the only way to truly win is to fulfill the prophecy and join with the Southern Fremen. For all to go as foreseen by the new Reverend Mother, Paul must do things he has never done while trying not to lose himself in the process. If death and destruction are all you see, can you avoid that fate, or was it always your destiny? It remains a tale of dark versus light, good versus evil, and humanity versus monsters. And you don’t have to try very hard to see parallels to our reality. As lines begin to blur, whose side will you pick?
“I won’t be fighting for him. I’m fighting for my people.”
Filled with colossal battle scenes, blossoming love, religious fervor, and dark secrets, excitement lies around every corner. For those familiar with the book, some reveals won’t come as a surprise. However, it’s still done in a unique way that slightly sets itself apart. The film perfectly balances its multiple storylines making it easy to follow while also leaving a magnificent opening for the next chapter in the story. The production design, the costumes, and the VFX are top-tier. This is a must-see IMAX experience. The sheer size and scope will leave you in awe for most of the runtime. It’s majestic, intense, powerful, and uplifting. It’s phenomenal in every sense of the word. Lives are changed forever, bodies are dropped, blood is spilled, and politics grow more complex. I can’t wait to see what is in store for us next. It’s turning out to be one of the greatest stories to ever play out on screen. Its rewatchability is high.
Pace & Pop
With how much rich storytelling takes place in this film, the pace is perfect. It maintains a pleasing balance of all aspects resulting in an ease of flow and loss of time. It may have an almost 3-hour runtime, but I could’ve watched for an hour more. What popped for me? What didn’t pop? I loved everything about this film and the emotional rollercoaster it took me on.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Lea Seydoux, Souheila Yacoub, Javier Bardem, Anya Taylor Joy
From the first film to this one, the cast has only gotten more fantastic. With more emotion, more action, and higher stakes, come grand performances. You couldn’t ask for a better showing. This is Timothée Chalamet like you haven’t quite seen him. As Paul, he is immensely intense, gravelly focused, and potentially dangerous. There seems to be an awakening in both the character and the actor. Zendaya’s Chani is reluctant and plays everything close to the vest. She’s more important than she realizes and the closer she gets with Paul, the bigger the world becomes. The chemistry between Chalamet and Zendaya feels Shakespearean. Every interaction feels and looks poetic. There’s a delicate dance between light and dark throughout the film and sitting dead center is Lady Jessica played by Rebecca Ferguson. She’s the lighthouse guiding the way but only she knows where the path leads. And she is more terrifying than I could have expected. Dave Bautista and Austin Butler as Beast Rabban and Feyd-Rautha, respectively, are two of my favorite performances. The nephews of Baron Harkonnen are unhinged psychopaths with a penchant for excessive violence. The pair deliver rage-infused performances that leave you wanting more. I can’t rave enough about everyone involved.
Dune: Part Two releases in theaters and IMAX on March 1, 2024. Stay safe and follow the Mahdi.
Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 2h 46m Director: Denis Villeneuve Screenplay: Denis Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts Based on: Dune by Frank Herbert Producers: Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, Denis Villeneuve, Tanya Lapointe, Patrick McCormick Executive Producers: Joshua Grode, Jon Spaihts, Thomas Tull, Herbert W. Gains, Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt, Kim Herbert, Richard P. Rubinstein and John Harrison Director of Photography: Greig Fraser Production Designer: Patrice Vermette Editor: Joe Walker Visual Effects Supervisor: Paul Lambert Costume Designer: Jacqueline West Score: Hans Zimmer
https://youtube.com/watch?v=U2Qp5pL3ovA%3Fsi%3DI7-JMgQahfkxFBgh
Dune: Part Two is remarkably epic in every way possible. This film is easily one of the greatest sci-fi spectacles you’ll ever see. From its stunning visuals and breathtaking cinematography to the masterful score and phenomenal storytelling, it's the best film of the year. Furthermore, I don't foresee any film this year topping it. From a technical standpoint, Dune: Part Two is almost flawless.
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GVN Rating
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
