DUNE: PART 2 (2024) REVIEW

 

In Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two,” get ready for a ride as massive as a sandworm's appetite, with a side dish of epic battles and spectacle that would make even the most jaded moviegoer gasp. This installment isn't just a film, it's a galactic-sized experience served with a side of humor and nuanced themes that make you ponder the meaning of power, fanaticism, and whether sand gets everywhere in space.

As the Fremen mourn Jamis's defeat (still fresh like yesterday's spice), Paul Atreides finds himself knee-deep in desert politics and Harkonnen headaches. Villeneuve orchestrates battles so grand, they make fireworks look like sparklers, while Dave Bautista as Rabban Harkonnen struggles to lead with all the grace of a sand dune in a windstorm. And let's not forget Stellan Skargard's Nosferatu-meets-Jabba-the-Hutt vibes, adding a dash of creepy to the chaos.

Meanwhile, Paul's journey from awkward teen to potential savior of the universe takes center stage. With Javier Bardem as Stilgar declaring him the chosen one (no pressure, right?), Paul navigates Fremen life like a sand surfer, all while cozying up to Zendaya as Chani. But wait, there's more! Political intrigue served piping hot, courtesy of Christopher Walken as Emperor and Florence Pugh's narrating skills. It's like Game of Thrones in space, but with less backstabbing and more sandworms.

And speaking of sandworms, the special effects are out of this world, literally. From the sun-kissed hues of Arrakis to the monochrome madness of the Harkonnens, Greig Fraser's cinematography is a feast for the eyes. And let's give a round of applause to Hans Zimmer for a score so intense, it could turn a sandworm into a tap dancer.

But what about the cast, you ask? Timothee Chalamet may divide opinions like a sandstorm, but his portrayal of Paul is like a spice-infused stew—complex and satisfying. Zendaya brings her A-game, even if her chemistry with Chalamet is as elusive as a sand flea. Rebecca Ferguson as  Lady Jessica is slippery as an eel, while Javier Bardem as Stilgar adds a sprinkle of mischief to the mix. And let's not forget Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha, who chews scenery like it's sandpaper.

So, is "Dune: Part Two" the next "Empire Strikes Back"? Nah, it's more like "The Two Towers" in space, with a sprinkle of spice and everything nice. With a third chapter looming on the horizon, one thing's for sure: critics will need a thesaurus to describe the sheer magnitude of this cinematic sandstorm.