DUNE: PART TWO
Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Josh Brolin, Léa Seydoux, Stellan Skarsgård, Austin Butler, Charlotte Rampling, and Christopher Walken
Director: Denis Villeneuve
PAIGE
Dune: Part One walks so that Part Two can run! This film is an astonishing visual spectacle thanks to its exquisite set pieces, breathtaking cinematography, and powerful score by Hans Zimmer. Every line manages to have significance, and every frame has magnitude. From the captivating performances from the entire ensemble cast to Denis Villeneuve's brilliant mind as a storyteller, Part Two solidifies itself among the best sci-fi adaptations to ever grace the big screen. To quote the great Martin Scorsese, “This is cinema!” I truly hope the spice continues to flow because I’d love more stories from this world.
NICK
Dune: Part Two wasn’t high on my anticipated list since the first one didn’t really land with me. That said, what a fucking film. Part Two both retroactively improves Part One and ramps things up considerably, all thanks to director Denis Villeneuve. Without any hyperbole, this is one of the best directed films I’ve ever seen. Everything from the acting (the authenticity of the storytelling really takes things over the top) to the stunning visual effects fires on all cylinders. It made me anxious, it moved me, and it didn’t waste a single minute of its near three-hour runtime. Believe the hype, it’s a masterpiece.
ADRIANO
As someone who loves Dune: Part One while also acknowledging some of its flaws, Part Two is a superior sequel in every way. I don't need to tell you, but the technical craft of this film is breathtaking. Director Denis Villeneuve had full control, and it shows in just about every frame. But what really grabbed me is just how well written it is. While there is a decent amount of set-up, as a non-book reader, I was floored by the path the film went down and firmly white-knuckling throughout the entire final hour. Bring on Messiah ASAP.
PRESTON
Visually stunning, written by a sci-fi legend, and accompanied by a score that is breathtaking…so, why am I not joining the gathering masses popping off chef’s kisses to the sky? Dune: Part Two is just way too long without the needed element of adequate story progression. The dynamic between Chani (Zendaya) and Paul (Timothée Chalamet) is frustratingly inconsistent, there are odd time jumps that gloss over or straight-up skip plot points previously focused upon, and there are some weird casting choices. It’s good, but I suspect I will only revisit it once more before Part Three, which is thankfully years away.
KATIE
It's been a while since I could say I found a blockbuster truly breathtaking, but Denis Villeneuve’s ambitious sequel to his Oscar-winning film is a triumph, richly building upon the themes, characters, and history he previously established whilst creating an even more expansive and impressive film than the first installment. It earns every single minute of its runtime and could have afforded to be even longer. I was completely drawn into the world that Villeneuve masterfully crafted, captivated by the vast scale, incredible fight choreography, mesmerising visuals, faultless storytelling, and unforgettable performances.
AMARÚ
The biggest obstacle Dune: Part Two has is convincing the audience it’s more than just another white savior messiah movie. To believe it’s more than that, you have to believe in Timothée Chalamet’s sincere portrayal of Paul Atreides. To believe that, you have to believe all the performances around him. Well… I believed. Not just in the outstanding cast’s varying chess game machinations (especially Javier Bardem and Zendaya), but also director Denis Villenueve’s total dedication to giving epic importance to every aspect of the film. I believed so much so that, even though I still have lingering questions, I don’t question how damn good this movie is.
CALEB
Dune: Part Two is anything but your typical blockbuster. Sure, it involves plenty of jaw-dropping spectacle, but it’s also entirely unafraid to explore the original novel’s heavy thematic undertakings. Its biggest strength is its willingness to embrace the moral ambiguity of its protagonist, though. The Dune books have always underscored the dangers posed by charismatic leaders, and director Denis Villeneuve runs with that idea, delivering Paul’s (Timothée Chalamet) story as a cautionary tale about unchecked influence. With a stellar ensemble cast, a powerful score, and mesmerizing cinematography, Part Two likely will be remembered as one of the greatest sci-fi adaptations of all time.
QUENTIN
Sorry to be a Debbie Downer, but Dune: Part Two is not the amazing masterpiece my fellow writers would have you believe. Parts of it are amazing, for sure, including the visuals, action sequences, and Austin Butler, but as a whole movie, it only reaches the level of “good.” That’s mostly because the story tries to do too much, and plot points seemingly meant to elicit an emotional reaction fall flat. Plus, I’m left with several questions of the “why didn’t [insert character] do X?” variety. It’s still worth seeing on the biggest screen possible, just remove yourself from some of the hyperbolic takes out there.