by Jeremy Kazieva,
A Triumph. A historical masterpiece. A film that belongs in IMAX Theatres. ‘Dune: Part Two’, is a sequel that not only manages to surpass its expectations in every conceivable way but cements itself as one of the best sequels ever made in film history.
Following the events of the first film, ‘Dune: Part Two’ catches the audience up with Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), who is now living amongst the Fremen, learning their ways of the desert and figuring out whether or not he is indeed the chosen one the legend has spoken of. Meanwhile, the sinister Harkonnen continues to try and dominate the planet and eradicate the Fremen once and for all.
The first film effectively set the stage for a bigger, more emotionally satisfying second chapter and Denis Villeneuve and his team have not only followed through on that potential but have outdone themselves as well. First and foremost, the performances in the film are simply phenomenal across the board. The returning cast, including Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Rebecca Ferguson, and Dave Bautista are all terrific, especially Chalamet who is highly deserving of an Oscar. His journey as Paul in this second installment is incredible and emotionally challenging, Chalamet handles it all skillfully, able to show the light and dark sides of his character, the hero and the villain. He’s magnetic here and the potential for where he could take the character in a third installment is very exciting.
The new additions to the cast also blend in perfectly with our returning players, with Christopher Walken, Florence Pugh, Lea Seydoux, and Austin Butler coming into the fold. However, the standout is Austin Butler, playing the new villain Feyd-Rautha, delivering a terrifying and electric performance that truly needs to be seen to be fully believed. If his performance proves anything, it’s that his Oscar-nominated performance in Elvis was no fluke. The man can certainly act.
The film’s biggest asset is easily its Holy Trinity of director Denis Villeneuve, cinematographer Greig Fraser, and composer Hans Zimmer. Villeneuve has once again proven he’s one of the best blockbuster filmmakers working today, with his handle on the characters, the world, and the story firm, precise and excellent attention to detail. Fraser’s cinematography is once again stunning, creating some of the most visually magnificent shots in any sci-fi film. Zimmer’s score feels like a character in and of itself, only enhanced by the film’s stellar sound design that only helps the score amplify itself.
The action sequences are also breathtaking, as Villeneuve once again seamlessly blends the visual effects with practical work to create complete enveloping, tactile set pieces. Simply put, this film demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible with the best sound system you can find. It’s a spectacle in every sense of the word, a visual and audio feast for all Sci-Fi fanatics. The storytelling is fantastic, delivering surprises that will give audiences vertigo in the best ways possible. It’s a sequel that keeps the viewer on their toes and at the edge of their seats.
Also, for a film that is nearly three hours long, it’s paced wonderfully, fully utilizing every minute, resulting in a film that is a tight, extremely well-put-together adventure that leaves you wanting more. Unlike its predecessor, it feels like a complete meal that also sets up another possible installment in a few years that will have plenty left to explore.
‘Dune: Part Two’ is an astounding achievement for Denis Villeneuve and his extremely talented cast and crew. It’s a sequel that not only remedies the flaws of its predecessor but improves upon it in every way imaginable. This is a sequel that is bigger in visual and emotional scope, delivering a sci-fi sequel for the ages that will leave audiences demanding a third trip back to the world of Dune as soon as possible.
** You can also check out Jeremy’s video review on TikTok by clicking the pic below:
