Disclaimer: I have not read the “Dune” novels. Therefore, I will not be making any comparisons to them nor will I critique the movie based on this reality. Thank you.
After what seemed like a full industry reset after the 2020 Pandemic, films have had ebbs and flows especially when it comes to quality. I’m not in the industry, but I do know that this was not the studio’s fault when it came to limitations due to Covid-19. Blockbusters seemed to be set back as it was most difficult to calculate large productions. It seems like these days are ending. Warner Bros. and director Denis Villeneuve are making strides on the silver screen now with the grand release of “Dune Part 2”. Starring an ensemble of A-listers and consisting of an all-star crew, “Dune Part 2” continues the epic, space operatic Frank Herbert adaptation starting with “Dune” (2021). With inconsistent blockbusters now dawning upon us, does “Dune Part 2” assist the industry? Absolutely.
The Tale Of Anti-Heroes
First and foremost, “Dune Part 2” is a war movie. Writer and director Denis Villeneuve expertly conducts the dire themes of political leverage and battle over resources through a fantastical filter. The scale that is thrusted onto the screen is one to behold. The world building that “Dune” (2021) began reaches peaks and is incredibly immersive. This is some of the finest world building a blockbuster franchise has ever offered. As fun as the scale is, the themes that go along with is are harrowing and heartbreaking.
The characters, who flourish with distinctive personalities, are all expertly acted by an all-pro team of actors. Timothée Chalamet, portraying the famous Paul Atreides, gives his best performance to date ranging from joyous to menacing. At his side, Zendaya turns in the best work of her star career as Chani and she should never look back from this performance. Those two leads are joined by immersive performances all around as characters with sinister and questionable intentions. A true war epic filled to the brim with excellently written anti-heroes and villains.
Pairing the impressive scale with the troubling themes immediately makes “Dune Part 2” one of the most important blockbuster epics in recent memory.
A Technical Achievement
An unfortunate reality of the industry struggles is the decrease in quality of large budget movies as of late. Limited set locations and VFX struggles have started to plague large scale films and people do NOT like it. “Dune Part 2” is a fantastic change of pace.
Operating on a sizable budget, “Dune Part 2” succeeds and MORE in the technical department. Framed perfectly, mixed amazingly, and edited to a flawless pace. I cannot say enough about the care of quality that went into the look and sound of this motion picture. On topof all that, Hans Zimmer conducts another fantastic score that will surely be stuck in heads. Come next March, “Dune Part 2” will look to sweep the technical Academy Awards and never look back.
As Written
When Warner Bros. announced these adaptations of the “Dune” novels with Villeneuve attached, the excitement was certainly there. Little did we know we were on the precipice of something this special. A franchise so important to this era of film that will surely become one of the greatest of all time.
With acting, storytelling, and visual imagery this amazing; this is The Lisan al-Gaib of films. As Written. As the prophecy foretold.
I loved this film and it is now firmly embedded itself in my psyche. A blockbuster masterpiece indeed. Do yourself a favor and witness how back we are in IMAX.
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