Dune: Part Two

As someone who really enjoyed Dune (now subtitled Part One), despite its faults, I found it very easy to get excited for Dune: Part Two as I'm sure many did. The Hollywood strikes unfortunately made us wait a little longer, but perhaps that's almost a good thing because I'm not sure 2023 could have handled another movie as incredible as this. I know for certain I'd have had the hardest time making my Top 10 with a November-entry Dune: Part Two coming in for the kill. 

This sequel, which covers the latter half of the thick-boi book upon which it's based, is even better than the first. It shows such creativity and assertiveness in its ideas and style that I couldn't help but consistently think to myself that this planned trilogy will end up being one of those trilogies. One of those that enter the pantheon of great movie-trilogies. This feels big enough and unique enough that the comparisons to this generation's Lord of the Rings or Star Wars feel appropriate, even if I believe you have to let time decide that.

But forget comparisons and legacies for a moment and instead focus on this: Dune: Part Two is a sequel that's better than the first, somewhat dwarfs it in scope, and has very little acting against it. It f**king rocks. 

In this long-form review, my first one in several months, I'll begin as I normally do by getting the "issues" out of the way. For a movie just shy of 3 hours, I couldn't help but feel this needed more room to breathe as there are some pacing issues in the back half that can be jolting at times. Nothing is too jarring, but whenever I have to mentally note: "Oh...so now we're here I guess?", it takes me out of the film and makes me feel like there are scenes on the cutting room floor (a director's cut maybe?). If I think of any other moments I may have taken issue with in the movie, I can trace them back to this pacing component + perhaps some screenplay/adaptation gaps that left me a tad confused. I've heard others claim this film loses steam, which I disagree with, especially in comparison to the first that feels like the energy gets sucked out of it in the final 20 minutes. Here, the action is less, sure, but the weight of quite literally, the galaxy, is hinging on specific fights, conversations, etc. From an energy perspective, I found it was a different kind of high-stakes than a massive battle or action sequence.

When I mentioned the creativity and assertiveness of its ideas and world earlier, I truly meant it. This is Denis Villeneuve's vision, and it's captivating. His direction is impeccable and in an IMAX screen, I found myself spending so much time soaking in the richness of what was on screen. Anything from as simple to as the way he shows spice sparkling in the sand, to a massive interstellar ship that reflects its environment, to a planet with a black sun and fireworks that "splat" against the horizon...even more than in the first movie there is a ton of spectacle throughout this gorgeous film. And Villeneuve - currently the best director other than this guy - owns the whole thing with a measured hand and a balanced thoughtfulness between story, characters, and "holy s**t!" moments. 

Unsurprisingly, Dune: Part Two is a technical powerhouse. Starting with its cinematography (done by Greig Fraser), it's consistently immersive, especially in IMAX. I'll re-emphasize the richness of nearly every moment, feeling as if you could drink it up like hearty soup. The framing reminded me of Roger Deakins and the editing compliments it, giving the film's slower and even more action-packed moments plenty of time to breathe. The cinematography will undoubtedly be be some of the best of 2024. Hans Zimmer's original score is perfectly fitting, though can I say it's underused? I'm also a biased Zimmer fan so perhaps that's just me, but whenever it is used, it fits the wild planet of Arrakis like no one else quite could. Finalizing on special effects, there's not a single moment that felt fake in Dune: Part Two, which is actually astounding. It'll be hard pressed for any film to beat this for special effects because I legitimately can't even think of a "green-screen" moment that comes to mind. These are special effects that will stand the test of time, most certainly. 

"Runaway from the popcorn buckets!"

The plot of Dune (the book) is thick and features a lot of politics. Honestly, when I read it many years ago, it was a hard read. Much like the first film, I appreciated how well this second part handles the beefy story and makes it easier to follow, though there's still a lot audiences need to pay attention to. We're introduced to more than just House Atreides and House Harkonnen this time. The Bene Gesserit - a powerful witch society within this world - get a lot more to do, while the Emperor is more involved and the mention of other great houses come near the end. It could have all been too much, but thanks to a well-managed screenplay and strong performances, it is grandiose without being convoluted. 

Much like some of the best trilogies that stand the test of time, those performances are worth praising too. Timothee Chalamet - someone who I questioned if he was miscast for this role originally - truly comes into his own as Paul, similar to how the novel evolves. Zendaya is far more involved and even though their romance feels rushed, turns in her usual memorable performance. Austin Butler gets the "best surprise" award as a deranged, psychotic, and memorable villain - both in behavior and design. His Feyd-Rautha has some of the best scenes in the film, including his introduction. And when the rest of your cast is rounded out by the likes of (are you ready for this?): Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Lea Seydoux, and Stellan Skarsgard...you know that "weak performances" aren't going to be an issue. These are all professionals that add even more belief to this living world that's 7000 years in the future. 

Dune: Part Two is a monumental film, both in scope and delivery, but also in cinematic achievement. We're witnessing a trilogy that could very well stand the test of time and become just as synonymous with the word "Dune" as the groundbreaking novel was. In the hands of someone like Denis Villeneuve, that's almost a guarantee. Dune: Part Two is a film you must see in theaters, particularly in a massive IMAX, to fully soak it in and I can guarantee you won't forget this trip to Arrakis.

CONS

• Back half pacing issues that can create some jarring moment-to-moment leaps
• Book was confusing (to me at least) and there are times the film can be too, though much less so

PROS

• Even more visionary than the first, this is Denis Villeneuve's ideation of this world come to life. It's unique, detailed, and highly creative
• Visual splendor. From the cinematography to the costumes to the sci-fi design to the special effects, this is a film where you drink in the scenes. See it in IMAX!
• Similarly, an audio triumph. Deep bass, weapon and ship noises, plus an unforgettable and wild Hans Zimmer original score all elevate the experience
• Beefy plot that never gets convoluted. Expands the world the appropriate amount and introduces new characters
• Not a single bad performance in the bunch though Chalamet, Zendaya, and Butler get the Top 3 spots, with the latter being a highly memorable villain
• Great action beats that are intense, more frequent than the first, and well edited
• Consistently feels special - like an event - and is a complete blockbuster package

Rath's Review Score | 9.5/10