DUNE: PART TWO: A Masterpiece & Staggering Epic That Defines Why We Go To The Movies
'DUNE: PART TWO' (98/100) - Every now and then a movie comes along that feels transcendent for its genre. With 'DUNE: PART TWO', we get a movie that not only transcends its genre but transcends the movie-going experience. This movie is simply one of the greatest sci-fi movies and epics ever released and has a scope & scale that will leave your jaw on the floor. The conclusion of this legendary two-part story needs to be seen as soon as possible and on the biggest screen you can find.
Anyone who follows me knows I loved the first 'DUNE' movie from a few years back. While it cleaned up at the Oscars, it wasn't loved by everyone, which I can understand. The first movie was a much slower burn of an epic, as it dove deep into the characters and lore, but I still found it to be fantastic. The second movie however, as teased by its director Denis Villeneuve, is much grander in terms of pacing and action. Right from the jump, 'DUNE: PART TWO' soars and only ever really stops to gasp for air when it takes time to dive deeper into its incredible characters and lore. The slower moments cut deep, as they help prop the story up to greater heights, and big action moments knock you onto your ass with a driving force.
The sheer size of 'DUNE: PART TWO' is something I can't get out of my head, even a few days after seeing the movie. When I think about epics and a large scale, I think about 'Lord of the Rings: Return of the King' for example with its iconic Ride of the Rohirrim battle scene. No matter what comes to your mind, think about the biggest movie you've ever seen, and I promise you 'DUNE: PART TWO' dwarfs that.
ACTING/CHARCTER ELEMENTS: The acting in this movie is fantastic, and I am not sure it will get the praise it deserves. Timothee Chalamet crushed the role of Paul Atreides, and his commanding Prescence on screen, especially in the biggest moments of the movie, is a large reason as to why it all works so well. Any criticism of the Paul character from the first movie needs to be tossed out the window, because he is incredible in the sequel. I was skeptical when he was first cast, but he filled into the role perfectly, and will live on as an iconic on-screen sci-fi character. It's not only Chalamet's Paul who benefits from how deep we go with the characters in this movie, as the same can be said for Zendaya's Chani, Rebecca Ferguson's Lady Jessica, Josh Brolin's Gurney Halleck, and Javier Bardem's Stilgar. The villains all hit in their own perfect, eerie, unsettling way, as well. Stellan Skarsgard is fantastic again as Baron Harkonnen, Dave Bautista is a force as Rabban, and newcomer Austin Butler as the psychotic Feyd-Rautha might be the best part of the movie? Not only did Butler shake the Elvis voice, he perfectly captured a voice similar to Skarsgard's character, fitting for a nephew (also, I will say this again, Chalamet did a great job sounding a lot like Oscar Isaac, who played his father in the first movie). Other newcomers also flourished in the movie as Christopher Walken and Florence Pugh were excellent castings as the Emperor, and his daughter Princess Irulan. While I did love the first movie, it is undeniable that the acting from this great cast hits another level to, what I think are, award-worthy levels.
STORY/TECHNICAL ELEMENTS: I implied how great all of these elements are above, so I won't harp on them too long, but this movie is a fucking marvel in terms of its story and technical elements. The only small "critique" I would have is just how much is actually going on. It may, at times, feel a little thick for some people, but the story & script are masterfully put together by Denis Villeneuve. He leaves nothing for chance, and dumps it all into this movie, and the audience is the winner. There are moments where I wish he had gone a little farther, and deeper, with the first movie, especially when it came to fleshing out characters (there were some possible restraints on that movie, trying to keep it from being overly long by the studio). However, none of that is the case with the sequel, as it goes as deep as possible in every aspect possible. Everything on screen is breathtaking, with mind-blowing special effects that might be the best I've ever seen in a movie, and cinematography that will surely win at the Oscars next year. Then, of course, the music, as expected, is another Oscar-worthy showing from the great Hans Zimmer. The sweeping score in this movie adds a whole other layer, and the themes for each character, planet, and story thread seamlessly blend together and elevate the world. Speaking of the world, the world-building in this movie through every element, from script, to visuals, music, and more, is top notch. To be this immersed in every aspect of this 'DUNE' universe through just two movies is a testament to the genius that is Villeneuve, who I think is the best working director in Hollywood right now.
While 'DUNE: PART TWO' might not be perfect, it sure doesn't miss the mark by much.
This is why we go to the movie theater.
This is why we sit down with our popcorn, candy, and soda.
This is what the magic of movie-making is all about.
Run to go see 'DUNE: PART TWO', whether you want a stunning sci-fi movie, a massive epic of a story, or just want to experience one of the greatest large scale blockbusters ever released.
You will leave the theater feeling as though you just live on Arrakis for two and a half hours.
Many expected greatness from 'DUNE: PART TWO', but instead, we got a masterpiece.
- - SPOILER SECTION - -
I will keep this section short, but the War Tribunal scene, battle on Arrakis at the end when the Emperor arrives, and final Paul vs. Feyd duel, are three of the greatest things I have ever seen in a movie. Goosebumps galore, and just explosive, epic moments that truly make this movie elite.
What an experience.
I cannot wait to go again.