DIRECTOR: Denis Villeneuve
PRODUCERS: Denis Villeneuve & Tanya Laponite & Patrick McCormick & Cale Boyter &
Mary Parent
WRITERS: Denis Villenuve & Jon Spahtis (based on the novel by Frank Herbert)
PERFORMERS: Timothee Chalamet Zendaya Rebecca Ferguson Josh Brolin Austin Butler
Florence Pugh Dave Bautista Christopher Walken Lea Seydoux with Stellan Skarsgard
Charlotte Rampling and Javier Bardem
In 2021, we were introduced to a new kind of world with all sorts of new characters. From the mind of author Frank Herbert came DUNE, an epic story of trials, tribulations and destiny. In the tradition of cliffhangers and continuations, the 2021 epic left us hanging onto and waiting for more of what was to come; this second chapter delivers us just those things and ultimately, does not disappoint! This is the review of DUNE, part II.
Picking up where the first film left off, we see the main hero played by Timothee Chalamet continuing his journey with his newfound fellowship of allies he recently acquired when he beat Javier Bardem in a one-on-one fight. This film explores how far that's gone since then and the role he will later play as a leader and savior of his people. As a war brews, so does his place within the desert and his newfound tribe. Chalamet's character really evolves here and with Chalamet's performance added to the mix, embodies that in a way going far beyond what we saw the first time around. Growth through evolution seems to play a huge part in this chapter and that's part of what makes this film so great to watch.
Perhaps the most significant thing about this is the supporting performances from Zendaya to Ferguson, Brolin, Skarsgard and of course Bardem. Everyone just gave it their all and made us believe we were actually in the middle of a desert fighting not only for our lives, but our freedom. However way that Herbert conceived this world all those years ago is just past the concept of visual imagination. Perhaps the best creative mind since George Lucas came up with the Star Wars universe in the mid 1970's. In a way, Dune is just like Star Wars but set in the Dune desert where population can grow so big that any civilization will kill to get their hands on that kind of power. The typical 'good vs. evil' concept put in an unlikely location between two factions is just genius on Herbert's end.
Everything from the performances to the visual effects are absolutely stellar and believable. Seeing the sandworms in their true formation was a complete in awe moment. Your jaw dropped to the floor, and you were cheering like crazy in your mind and with your heart. After waiting and waiting to see them, it was 'the sandworm from Beetlejuice can take a vacation, THIS is the sandworm of cinema that's just taken over the scene!' moment that overtook you without explanation or anticipation. The action scenes elevated the story and the characters evolution as they seek to achieve their goal while the other party is seeking their desires by any means necessary.
The first DUNE was a hard film to follow, but only true fans of the book would be able to keep up with the details. Part two on the other hand, was an easy one to follow. If part one was the about the bringing up of the Messiah, then this one was about the fulfilling of the Messiah. Like Moses and Aaron, or Joshua or Nehemiah; Chalamet's character went from the prophet to the Messiah himself ready to take charge, lead and rise as the man he was destined to be. He could have been anybody else, but instead he became more than that. Those themes and more is what made this film so great to see. Definitely worth seeing on the big screen and worth every single minute of your time. Watch the first film beforehand and then go see this one. Dune, Part II is an epic film for the ages and generations to come and is sure to keep you engaged all the way until the end! Who knows, there may even be more coming in the future given this film's ending itself.
MY RATING: 5 out of 5
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