'Dune: Part Two' Movie Review: An Epic Action-Packed Sequel

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It’s finally here. Dune: Part Two releases in theaters today after what felt like countless delays from its original release schedule in 2023. With last year’s strikes over, Warner Bros. is finally bringing the year’s most anticipated film to the masses. So was it worth the wait? I saw the film twice last week, and even though it’s only March, I can safely say this will be one of my top films of 2024. It’s nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece.

Dune: Part Two follows Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) as he allies with Chani (Zendaya) and the Fremen on a quest for revenge against those who destroyed his family. Amidst this, he faces a crucial choice: save the love of his life or the fate of the known universe. Only he can see the horrific future that lies ahead, and he strives to do whatever he must to stop it from becoming a reality.

Dune: Part Two Movie Trailer

Dune: Part Two Movie Review: What I Did and Didn’t Like

With a run time of 2 hours and 46 minutes, Dune: Part Two is a game-changer, plain and simple. There’s really nothing I have to complain about with this film, which is a rarity for me, especially with a film I had such high expectations for. Not since the Lord of the Rings trilogy hit screens more than 20 years ago have we seen something this epic. It’s a hefty tale, but how the story unfolds (and its richness) keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Visually, the movie is stunning. Denis Villeneuve and cinematographer Greig Fraser capture the vastness of the desert and the tension of the battles perfectly. And the music? Hans Zimmer’s score elevates the whole experience, making every scene feel even more epic. Also worth noting is the sound editing, which is next level. Experiencing this film in RPX or Dolby Cinema is an absolute must, as you’ll feel every second of the movie. Though IMAX promises grandeur, the superior sound quality of RPX or Dolby arguably offers the best viewing.

Dune: Part 2 Movie — Photo Credit: Warner Bros.

Story

What makes this film a true game-changer is its seamless blend of intense action, profound narrative depth, and character development. One of the many things I appreciated about this film was how the script manages to give every character their moment, making the complex plot feel smooth. The big battles and one-on-one fights, like the showdown between Paul and his nemesis Feyd-Rautha, are just incredible. These moments don’t drag or feel rushed; they’re just right.

As a whole, the character development here is just so rich and nuanced. It’s rare to have a film with this much action that also has such deep character exploration, which again is a testament to the script – being able to so perfectly balance these personal arcs with the grand scale of the story. The human element doesn’t get lost in the battles and politics.

Austin Bulter in Dune: Part 2 / Photo Credit: Warner Bros.

Acting

The cast is stellar across the board. Chalamet brings a mix of strength and vulnerability to Paul, making you root for him all the way. Zendaya’s Chani is fierce and unforgettable. The new faces, like Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha, add tension and drama that keeps things interesting. However, I will say my only real complaint about the film was that I heard a little bit of Bulter’s Elvis in Feyd-Rautha’s voice, which jolted me with an unexpected giggle in some more serious scenes.

Beyond the leads, Dune: Part Two showcases some truly stellar performances from the supporting cast as well. Rebecca Ferguson returns with a portrayal of Lady Jessica that effortlessly captures her complexity and strength.

Javier Bardem’s depiction of Stilgar offers a nuanced look at Fremen leadership and the concept of faith, embodying both the wisdom and the warrior spirit of the Fremen people while bringing a nice balance of comedic relief when needed.

Josh Brolin, who book fans knew would return as Gurney Halleck, may have surprised some fans who thought he died in the first film. He also delivers a solid performance here, helping to guide Paul through his journey with a blend of mentorship and friendship that is equally touching and impactful.

Florence Pugh, stepping into the role of Princess Irulan, brings an elegance and complexity to her character that resonates despite her limited screen time. We can see the internal conflicts she’s struggling with, which offers us a glimpse into he political and personal challenges her character has faced.

Next, we have Dave Bautista’s return as Rabban, and this time around, we get to see a different side of his character as he has to swallow his pride as Feyd-Rautha enters the picture. And lastly, we have Christopher Walken, as Emperor Shaddam IV, who serves as the film’s main villain. Walken approaches the role with a calculated coldness and authority, embodying the Emperor’s manipulative and strategic nature perfectly.

Overall

Sure, the Dune: Part Two is long, but it needs that time to tell its story properly. Every minute is worth it, building up a world that’s vast, detailed, and completely absorbing. The film sets a new milestone in the genre, marking a high point for sci-fi and fantasy films. It takes the rich material from Frank Herbert’s books and brings it to life in a way that’s both faithful and fresh.

If you’ve been waiting for a movie that matches the scale and excitement of what we experienced with The Lord of the Rings (especially The Two Towers), this is it.