The long-awaited sequel is here. Our JP reviews Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part 2” starring Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, and an all-star cast.
Dune: Part 2
Warner Bros. Pictures
- Directed by Denis Villeneuve
- Screenplay by Denis Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts
- Based on Dune by Frank Herbert
- Produced by Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, Patrick McCormick, Tanya Lapointe, Denis Villeneuve
- Starring Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Souheila Yacoub, Stellan Skarsgård, Charlotte Rampling, Javier Bardem
Studio Synopsis:
“Dune: Part Two” will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.
J.P.’s Take:
When the original “Dune” graced the big screen in 1984, audiences did not realize what an undertaking it was to produce for its time. Being that it was one of the most bizarre sci-fi / dramas, little did they know it would become a cult classic. Here we are in 2024, co-writers Denis Villeneuve (“Arrival,” “Blade Runner 2049”) and Jon Spaihts (“Prometheus,” “The Mummy”) now bear the daunting labor of love in creating a new vision of a world beyond worlds. Although they didn’t necessarily set out to spark the oddest sci-fi excursion ever, the duo has, however, succeeded in doing justice to Frank Herbert’s space opera masterpiece.
“Dune: Part Two” is a proper send-up to “Dune” (2021), which is conceptualized to be an accessible cinematic trip, even as nearly 3 hours run time. This story feels expansive without being overbearingly stuffed with unnecessary subplots. Spaihts and Villeneuve have worked out the kinks to bring a concise, contemporary tale of the coming of a messiah. The focus is Paul “Muad’Dib” Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), the mentioned messiah, as the Fremen have prophesied him, an aristocrat turned guerilla fighter. He is said to liberate the Fremen of Arrakis, the desert planet they call Dune, from the oppression of the sadistic Harkonnen family.
Lacking, which is a great thing, is screen-cluttering CGI. Instead, characters are placed in a more naturalistic environment, allowing ease of interaction and realism. The artificial imagery we see is sparse, yet no less constructively world-building. The breadth of cinematography leaves viewers immersed in mind-bending visuals. Similar to the ’84 outing, heightening the experience is a primal soundtrack designed by the multi-award winner composer Hans Zimmer.
Strengthened by its seasoned young and veteran actors, “Dune: Part 2” doesn’t suffer from hokiness. The performances of Chalamet as the intrepid Atreides, Zendaya as the undaunted Chani, Christopher Walken as Shaddam Corrino IV, Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck, Dave Bautista as Glossu Rabban Harkonnen, Javier Bardem as Stilgar, Florence Puge as Princess Irulan, Stellan Skarsgård as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, and Austin Bulter (who threw me for a loop) as the savage Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen are commended and well-received.
Also director of the sequel, Villeneuve stays planted in each character arc, while never straying away from the mission ahead. The plot stays grounded, even though it does become slightly long in the tooth in some spots. Villeneuve doesn’t out dazzle viewers with an onslaught of visual trickery or eye candy.
“Dune: Part 2” remains a bleak tale with a “Passion of the Christ” like trek. Those who grew up with the novels and the ’80s movie (like me) will be chomping at the bit for the third go-round.
Official Website: Dune
