Dune: Part 2 - Movie Review
The epic second installment of Dennis Villeneuve's Dune adaption not only triumphs, but instantly becomes one of the best films of the 21st Century.
Just wow. It lives up to all the hype and then surpasses it! I genuinely feel like this is a film that will be seen as revolutionary. Denis Villeneuve has created something that is epic beyond proportions. I believe this can justifiably be called a masterpiece and will be mandatory learning in film classes for generations to come. It is easily a top-25 film of all-time for me.
Within the first 15 minutes, I immediately knew that this was something special. The scene where Paul and Jessica are hiding from the Harkonnen warriors and you can feel and hear their bodies thumping one-by-one to the ground was so intense that I felt like I was there. This sound design is worthy of every award there is. It was a highlight for me.Â
The film then settles in as we meet the Fremen, headlined by the extremely talented and laugh-out-loud funny Stilgar, brilliantly played by Javier Bardem. The religious conflict between his sect and Chani's sect was not only extremely important to the plot, but also added another level of complexity to an already extremely captivating story. It just worked so well.
The best moment in the film for me was undoubtedly the worm-riding scene. This was already immensely emotional as we felt the necessity for Paul to be accepted as the Lisan al Gaib. The score, visual effects, and the contrast between the Paul's quiet focused mind and the loud, disruptive sandworm took that emotion to another level and had me tearing up. It was an incredibly moving moment.Â
The final act was so gripping. It just flew by. The fight scenes felt immense, but also intimate and emotional. In fact, that is a theme throughout this film. Villeneuve has the special ability to emit a sense of vastness while also making the audience feel close and intimately tied to the action. It is truly a one of a kind talent. The final confrontation with Austin Butler's Feyd-Rautha and the sacrifice Paul and Chani's relationship must take is as equally exhilarating as it is heartbreaking.
Part 1 is that much better now that Part 2 is here, and this legendary novel finally has a worthy motion-picture counterpart. Villeneuve has definitely earned the right to complete this trilogy with Messiah and give Paul, Chani, the Fremen, and House Atreides their proper send-off.
What a moment in cinematic history. I am so happy we get to share it together.
Dune: Part 2 is available to watch today on Max. You can check out all my other reviews at Blitz’s Backlot. I am not affiliated with any news outlets. These are just my honest, concise thoughts as a film and TV enthusiast. Hope you enjoyed!
