The title says it all. I walked out of Dune: Part Two completely floored. This is what a theatrical experience should be. Denis Villeneuve returns with the second half of the Dune story, and what a return it is. Dune: Part One was the setup, and world-building needed for this film to work. I immediately wanted to forget watching it, so I could watch it again for the first time. Part One walked so this one could soar above and beyond my biggest expectations. This is one of the best films I have ever seen.
Timothee Chalamet & Zendaya as Paul Atreides & Chani from Dune: Part Two
Villeneuve’s direction in this film is top-notch. To me, this cements his place as one of the best directors of this generation. This is adapted from Frank Herbert’s classic novel released in the 60s. With that being said, This is masterful storytelling. Proving Herbert’s story is complex and deep. It also shows Villeneuve’s vision and passion for bringing this story to life like never before. Massive praise to the cinematographer Greg Fraser for some of the most beautiful shots I’ve ever seen in film. I hate the way people use the word “Cinema” to describe a film. I’ll admit it, this is the right film to use that term. I couldn’t get enough of this film, and there were moments I wanted to go on forever.
Hanz Zimmer’s score is once again phenomenal. The sound in this film elevates this Sci-Fi epic. Zimmer brings more emotion and depth with the score. I thought Part One’s score was brilliant, but he outdid himself here. The scope of this film is grander, and more action-packed than the first film. What I loved is the action was in short spurts, and not taking a lot of time in the overall runtime. This makes the action more impactful when it does occur. Dune: Part Two is a slow burn, and I appreciate that. If Villeneuve had condensed the giant story of Dune into one film, which happened before. Then I wouldn’t appreciate this story as much. Both films needed to happen, and I am so happy they did.
Timothee Chalamet & Austin Butler as Paul Atreides & Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in Dune: Part Two
The cast shines in this film, as expected. Not one performance stood out as being mediocre, or just ok. Everyone brought their best to their respective roles. Chalamet as Paul Atreides is once again the standout. There are some scenes that I can’t believe Chalamet is pulling off the way he is. Proving he is one of the best actors working today. Josh Brolin, Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson, and I could just keep going on and on. The relationships, conflicts, and more with all these characters work so well. I need to read the book now. I want an even longer cut of this film, give it to me Villeneuve!
Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha is another highlight for me. Seeing him go from iCarly, and other kid shows back in the day to now is insane. He even had a brief stint on Arrow, and now he is in some of the biggest films releasing today. His talent shines here as a new villain in Part Two. His scene with Chalamet (shown above) was brutal. The fight coordination was some of the best I have seen recently. Butler has range, and I hope this role helps him secure more major films. Pugh is another newcomer to this film, and I wanted more of her. She plays a significant role, and the more I saw of her character. The more I wanted to learn of her backstory. Maybe we will get that in Dune: Messiah, which is coming next.
Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan in Dune: Part Two
I’m calling it now, Dune: Part Two will be winning many Oscars next year. Other filmmakers should be lucky this film was pushed to 2024. 2023’s landscape in terms of films being considered for the Oscars would be changed if this were released in 2023. I can see it winning Best Picture easily. Chalamet deserves a Best Actor nomination as Paul. I’ve sung all the praises for this film, not sure what else I can say. To anyone who didn’t watch Part One, get on it now. You don’t want to miss watching this film in the theaters. I would have hated it if I missed it for some reason.
This to me is the definite version of Dune, I don’t see how anyone could do a better version of this story. Not knowing how Dune: Messiah goes, I can’t wait to see more of this universe. The visuals and world-building are so fascinating. You can see all of the popular franchises nowadays taking inspiration from Herbert’s work. Run to the theaters if you haven’t already. This is what the theaters are made for.
Dune: Part Two is in theaters now!