Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Dune: Part Two (2024)
This is part two of a two-part series.
The sets are vast, presenting sweeping vistas.
The ships are colossal.
The houses are gigantic. They are substantial, cavernous structures.
The set decoration echoes ancient earthly cultures.
The technology is so advanced, it's nearly invisible. It's seamlessly integrated into people's ears, eyes, and fingertips.
The worms are monstrous titans. They feel viscerally real. Their approach is announced by massive dust storms, and sand that becomes akin to quicksand just before they consume their victims.
This is the book, once deemed unfilmable, that has now been so successfully adapted.
Yet... something is missing from the ending.
The ending is merely... acceptable. It doesn't shortchange us. There's no cliffhanger demanding a third movie in the franchise. However, the story is far from over. Much like the book was not complete, being the first in a six-part series. Which is ultimately, what is missing from the ending. This isn't the end.
"I am Paul Muad'Dib Atreides, Duke of Arrakis. The Hand of God be my witness, I am the Voice from the Outer World! I will lead you to PARADISE!"
- You don't have patience for long movies. Dune: Part Two, like its predecessor, unfolds its story at a meditative pace.
- You're not a fan of science fiction or fantasy. The movie is based on one of the most revered novels in the genre.
- You prefer fast-action and explosions. While the movie has its share of action sequences, it's more focused on world-building and character development.
- You haven't watched the first part. The sequel is a continuation of the first movie and will be hard to understand without prior knowledge.
- You want a light, fun and easy to understand film. Dune is complex and could be confusing.
- You're too young. The movie is rated PG-13. This means some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "Dune"? I mean, are we in the future or the past? They've got spaceships and lasers, yet they're still using swords and riding giant worms. I guess in space, nobody can hear you scream, but they sure can hear you ride a worm.
And what's up with the Spice? It's the most valuable substance in the universe, it can extend life, expand consciousness, and even allow for interstellar travel. But it's just sitting around in the desert, like some sort of cosmic sandpit. One minute you're digging for buried treasure, the next you're hallucinating and predicting the future. It's like a sci-fi version of a mushroom picking trip gone wrong.
And let's talk about these giant sandworms. They're basically the landlords of the desert, charging exorbitant rent in the form of people's lives. But don't worry, if you learn their secret handshake or in this case, secret rhythm, they're suddenly your best buds. Who knew interspecies friendships could be built on a shared love of drum solos?
And the stillsuits, they're supposed to recycle all the body's waste into drinkable water? No thank you! I'd rather die of thirst than drink my own sweat. Even Bear Grylls would say "That's a bit too much."
And what about the clothing in this film? It's like the costume department raided a post-apocalyptic fashion show. Everyone's wearing these heavy robes and masks. I mean, it's a desert, people! Ever heard of a sunhat and shorts?
Also, the film is so long, it is trying to out do the length of the utterly huge worms. It's like they took the concept of 'epic' a little too seriously. And there is a second part to this as well? Because one long movie wasn't long enough?
Then there's the dialogue. You've got people talking about prophecies, destiny, and power like they're at a high school philosophy class. "I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer." I mean, come on! The only thing I'm fearing is another long monologue about the mysteries of the universe.
And the names! Muad'Dib, Bene Gesserit, Harkonnens... It's like they tossed a Scrabble set into a blender and picked out letters at random. I spent half the movie just trying to remember who's who.
But hey, despite all that, there's something oddly captivating about it. Maybe it's the epic story, the stunning visuals, or just the sheer amount of sand. I mean, who knew watching people navigate politics and sand dunes could be so entertaining?
Interstellar (2014)
Directed by Christopher Nolan, "Interstellar" explores the thrilling unknowns of space travel and the limits of human resilience just like "Dune: Part Two". If you enjoy enduring stories about survival and grace under pressure on a galactic scale, you may find "Interstellar" to your liking.
"Blade Runner 2049" (2017):If you enjoyed "Dune: Part Two", then you should check out "Blade Runner 2049". Directed by Denis Villeneuve, who also directed "Dune: Part Two", the film offers a visually compelling journey that expands on the original Blade Runner narrative. With its themes of humanity and identity, it showcases Villeneuve's capacity for deep, philosophical storytelling.
"Ex Machina" (2014):For lovers of sci-fi, "Ex Machina" is a thrilling exploration of artificial intelligence. The film's complex characters and thought-provoking narrative will appeal to fans of "Dune: Part Two"'s intricate plot and character depth.
"Arrival" (2016):Yet another exceptional movie from director Denis Villeneuve is "Arrival". This film tells the story of a linguist who tries to communicate with an alien race and revolves around the theme of understanding and connection - a narrative arc similar to "Dune: Part Two". If you have appreciated the thematic depth and arresting visuals of "Dune: Part Two", "Arrival" is for you.
"Mad Max: Fury Road" (2015):In terms of films that recreate the intensity and arid spectacle of "Dune: Part Two", "Mad Max: Fury Road" is a must-watch. Directed by George Miller, the film is rich in high-octane action, lush visuals, and compelling character arcs, making it a worthwhile recommendation for any "Dune: Part Two" fan.
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