Well, everyone, today, we review the next installment in the newer film version of a franchise that has been based on a book series that began around 1965, with the first six spanning from 1965-1985, and there apparently being quite a few others after that. Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, and a few other people are back as their respective characters from the first movie. So now, let’s discuss Dune: Part 2.
Plot: After arriving on the planet Arrakis, and being reunited with his girlfriend, Chani (Zendaya), and the tribe, known as the Fremen, Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) must now prevent a holy war from occurring, and the fate of his family, and loved ones from suffering a terrible fate. Will visions that he keeps having help him to do so in the end?
Ladies, and gentlemen, first of all, Hans Zimmer’s score is amazing for this film. I mean just as with animated films like The Lion King, Kung Fu Panda, and live action films like Inception, and Interstellar, he truly does know how to use his music to engage the audience very with this film. Truth be told, it’s really when any of the powerful moments occur that people are really bound to love the score for this film, be it the battle scenes, any scene that is more powerful, and uplifting, and scenes like those. Next, and most importantly, the storyline is really great. Honestly, considering that the first film felt a little more slow, and had a little too much put into it such as probably way too many characters even for a 2 1/2 hour movie, and had a little too much going on for it, it was nice to see more specific elements toned in on, including better world building, better character development, and more. Granted, some of the newer characters could have likely been developed a little better than they were. Still, they were still developed enough to be likable, and memorable. Also, the planet of Arrakis is really cool, almost like a potential Mars type of planet, but most likely inhabitable like Tattooine from Star Wars. It’s also interesting, considering that this film can likely have a Star Wars kind of feel in terms of the sci-fi feel, the fictional planets, and the designs of particularly the human characters. Additionally, the acting was really great, especially from Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, and others. You also have newcomers such as Florence Pugh, and Christopher Walken, joining the cast. Both have been great actors in the past, especially Walken. I mean, come on, can you ever go wrong with someone like him? Who hasn’t like him in roles that’s he’s been in in the past, be it one of the villains in one of the earlier James Bond movies, a character from Mouse Hunt, Blast From The Past, and Click to name a few? Well, he’s great in this film as well as Emperor Shaddam IV. Next, some of the creatures in this film were really cool, especially these creatures called sand worms. Honestly, if Warner Brothers had it’s own the park, I bet that if there was a 3-D ride of Dune, or roller coaster ride, or something along those lines that involved those creatures, that would likely be really cool. While watching this film, I’m not sure if other people who saw this film also felt this way, or not, but when I watched any scene that involved humans riding the sand worms, part of me felt myself wishing that I could have been transported into the film just to ride those things even for a few minutes, if not more. Well, then again, I’m sure at least a few, or even many other people who saw this film probably felt that way too? Well, if you’re reading this review, and felt that way as well, feel free to let me know either on this blog, and wherever else I post this review. Well, along with the sand worms, the rest of the visuals for this film are incredible. If this film didn’t have 3D showings, then it probably deserved to have those. This film could most definitely be incredible in 3D. Finally, the action sequences, including the fight scenes, were well choreographed.
But are there any negatives for Dune: Part Two? Well, yes, there is at least one. I know it may be somewhat hard to explain better without hopefully spoiling the film, or at least certain aspects of it. Basically, there was a point that occurred near the end of the film, where the main character, Paul, made a decision that, at least in this film, felt somewhat out of place, and hardly had a whole lot of buildup to that point in time in the film. And yes, it may have likely been a life-altering one not only for him, but all those around him. Again, not going to give away what that decision was. However, I do wonder if it was explained better in the novel why he did what he did. You got me! Maybe because this film was running closer to three hours, they couldn’t elaborate on that whole deal? Still, would it have hurt to make this film have a running time of three hours, or a little over to try go into a little more detail on that aspect? Just a thought! Maybe they will more in the future films. We shall see!
And that’s my review for Dune: Part Two. Though there were certain aspects, particularly near the end, that could have been elaborated on a little more, this film is most definitely a wonderful experience. And yes, definitely one more fun to see in theaters first before video, if you were to watch it multiple times. It has a story that was better developed than it’s predecessor, has a fun sci-fi, and Star Wars feel, has a wonderful score, likable characters, and more elements that make this film really fun to watch. If you like sci-fi, have at least seen Dune: Part One, and enjoyed that one, but have yet to see this second film, then all the more reason to see Dune: Part Two. You are bound to have just as much fun, if not more than you may have with the first film.
Final Grade: A
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