Visually dazzling doesn’t even begin to describe Dune Part 2. It’s jaw dropping. See it in IMAX or on the biggest screen possible. I couldn’t look away for 2 hours and 46 minutes. I didn’t even want to blink!
The sequel covers the 2nd half of the original novel. I found the book boring and difficult to digest, but Denis Villeneuve’s two adaptations merely use the book as an outline. Frank Herbert left a lot of blanks to fill in, and he fills in those blanks with breathtaking action. He’s also able to make the story more clear and accessible. The additions to the cast (Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Lea Seydoux, Anya Taylor-Joy and the great Christopher Walken) are all most welcome. Returning cast member Javier Bardem has more to do this time around and he steals every scene he’s in. But the two leads (Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya) truly shine.
In adapting “Dune,” Villeneuve set out to make Star Wars for adults (Herbert thought George Lucas stole a lot of his ideas). I’d say Villeneuve has beyond succeeded. He delivers a thrilling story about the cult of personality, the power of faith and the ways that prophesy can be exploited to manipulate the masses. This is a sci-fi epic with weight and depth.
I can’t wait for Part 3.
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