Guided by the calculus that is an ascent to power, “Dune: Part Two” is a breathtaking trip in every sense of the word. Filled with gigantic enemies (sand-worms and Harkonnen alike), prophecies come to light, and adept combat scenes, it’s 165 minutes of flair on the big screen. With its simple and inhospitable desert setting, “Dune” forces the audience to pay attention to the visual play-out rather than to unpack its densely intricate plot. Really, there’s not enough Chapstick in the Known Universe to convince one to visit the barren planet of Arrakis — but it’s compelling enough to watch this fictional epic play out.
“Dune: Part Two” is the complement to Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part One,” both adaptations of Frank Herbert’s 1965 sci-fi series. It follows Paul Atreides, a nimble and charming protagonist whose journey is to fulfill the age-old prophecy of Lisan al Gaib. This prophecy anticipates a messiah who will rise to save the Fremen people of Arrakis, a planet which harvests melange (or “spice”) — an invaluable commodity that makes interstellar travel possible and extends life. In many ways fated into his role as Maud’Dib (“The Tamer”), Paul hovers between being like a brother to the Fremen people and becoming their revered leader. It feels at first that he’s disinterested in power (just good with a sword), until he is forced to drink the Water of Life — a blue-tinted poison that reveals horrific truths to Paul and ignites his desire to fight this interplanetary battle.
While Paul’s ascent from nervous youth to valorous leader is the film’s main focus, “Dune: Part Two” would be remiss without its supporting cast. In particular, Austin Butler of “Elvis” fame plays the psychopathic Feyd-Rautha, a malicious and cunning Harkonnen warrior who acts as Paul’s greatest foe. Butler is eerily good at being bad: with razor-sharp cheekbones and a devilish smile, it’s difficult to think of a better villain in recent films. And one can’t not mention Paul’s love interest Chani, a fearless Fremen warrioress who acts as a guide and savior in her own right — expertly portrayed by the enthralling Zendaya.
Driven by ambition and greed, “Dune: Part Two” lacks romanticization — and instead acts as a fantastic representation of betrayal, zealotry, and the worrisome threat of an apocalyptic war. It’s one best experienced on the biggest screen you can find.
Movie Times: Click Here
Genre: Action, Science Fiction
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Actors: Austin Butler, Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Florence Pugh, Stellan Skarsgård, and Zendaya
Run Time: 2 hrs, 46 min
Rating: PG-13 for Sequences of Strong Violence, Brief Strong Language, Some Suggestive Material
