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Movie Review: Dune Part Two

Saw this on an IMAX screen yesterday, and waited to write a review because I had so many thoughts. I’ll try to keep this as spoiler free as possible.

Part two follows Paul Atreides and Lady Jessica as they try to integrate into life on Arrakis. The Harkonnens have reinserted their control over spice production and are constantly fighting off the Fremen, the indigenous people of Arrakis. It isn’t until later they realize Paul and his mother, now pregnant, are alive and leading the attacks against them.

I’ll start my review by saying that every single actor brings their A game. I’m a bit burnt out on Timothee Chalemet, but he is so intense in this that I didn’t mind. Zendaya and Florence Pugh bring youth, two young actresses at the top of their game. But it is the performances of Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Stellen Skarsgard, Lea Seydoux, and Austin Butler that really draw your eye. Such star power that’s its hard to look away. Austin Butler in particular really makes you feel awed. Creeped out. Fearful. Awed all over again.

This is a visually stunning film. The setting is a character in and of itself. The rolling dunes and the terrifying worms moving within them are a formidable presence. Special effects are so well done that I feel like Oppenheimer and the other films nominated for next week’s Oscar’s are fortunate that Dune Part Two was pushed to 2024 for Dune would have swept the technical awards. And I think it will next year. Cinematography as well, because it’s hard to look past the sheer beauty this film portrays.

Denis Villeneuve understands this assignment. He understands the source material so deeply that he gives us a Paul Atreides who goes from reluctant leader to a powerful one, but told as a cautionary tale on prophecies. On the blind faith people put on leaders who lead them down a deadly path of war and destruction. I believe Frank Herbert meant for Paul’s arc to be a tragedy. And I see where Villeneuve is leading this arc. I’m here for it every step of the way. And I hope he gets a Best Director nomination next year, for this sequel is on par with The Empire Strikes Back and The Return of the King. It will be talked about for decades.

Five out of five stars for me, for I have a hard time finding fault with this masterpiece.


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