Random Double Movie Review - Dune (Parts 1-2)

 

You know, for as long as I have known about these two part adaptation films, never as far as I know has there been a larger gap between films. But I can understand with this one because no one knew how the first part would play out and as a precaution, the cast (and presumably the crew) signed on for one film. But as luck would have it, it actually performed better than expected, and thus we got a second part, a few years later. Had the Hollywood labour disputes of last year be resolved or didn't happen, the second part would've been released around the usual time for the second part of a two part film adaption. But understandable that it had to be moved. So that aside, we got two films based on the first of several science fiction books created by Frank Herbert, with a third one in development. So let's see what awaits us in this Dune of a duology (at time of review):

Part 1

In a possible distant future, the ruler of the planet Caladan, Duke Leto Atreides (played by Oscar Issac), is given the job of fiefholder on the harsh desert planet Arrakis which is also the source of this drug that they call spice. It serves as the main ingredient to interstellar space travel in a very safe way. The current fiefholder, Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (played by Stellan Skarsgård) sets about having his family destroy the Atreides family in an attempt to maintain power over Arrakis. The local Fremen on the planet, form an alliance with the Atreides family, the youngest of which, Paul (played by Timothée Chalamet) is set on doing what he can to continue his father's work, especially when sinister forces are at play that want to kill him. This part, I would say, has a better first hour as we get lots of things established, and it's all good stuff. By the second hour, I feel it's a completely different film all about survival, which isn't a bad thing. I don't really remember the first film that well, but it was a good start to this trilogy of films based on a series of books. 7/10

Part 2

So without giving away too much, Paul sets about finishing what his father started, with his adventures being recorded in secret by Princess Irulan Corrino (played by Florence Pugh). Paul works to reunite the Fremen and wage war against House Harkonnen while the emperor (played by Christopher Walken) worries about his actions leading to him losing power. While no surprise that the film was delayed by the Hollywood labour strikes, I will admit that the ending of the first half, wasn't exactly a cliffhanger ending. Still, though, this second part is good. Visually stunning and if you are able to go through the first hour, which can be quite slowly paced, it is a pretty darn good film. Best film of the year? Well, the year is still young, so I can't really say yet. But definitely getting to that point, and definitely a popcorn film best seen on the big screen. 9/10

With a third film on the way that is expected to end this story, this is a good duo of films if you are able to get pass the complicated stuff. It can get overly complicated in places, but aside from that, they are both visual spectacles (the second part especially), have a great cast of actors (lots of big names surprisingly) who all act their parts well, and it makes me look forward to the third film. Who knows how this holy war will end, but I'm sure it will be something epic and visually spectacular. 8/10