Dune: Part 2 – Movie Reviews by Ry!

Dune: Part 2 – Spice, Power and Love: A Hero’s Tale

Within the footsteps of one, a journey awaits.  We look beyond what is, attempting to find a reason for our next endeavor.  Just like a tale, we escape into unknown possibilities that are driven by emotional touches that can strike at any moment.  Storytellers build towards a journey, but it falls on us to see the worth in it all.  In this review, I look at the next chapter of a Sci-Fi tale.  Through an evolving adaptation, we embark on a journey that becomes more than just another film.  With a grounded sensation of character and depth, Dune: Part 2 falls in line as one of the great Sci-Fi adventures of our time.

This next chapter in the Dune franchise follows the young heir of House Atreides, Paul (Timothee Chalamet), as he struggles to find purpose in the fight against the Imperium.  Within a franchise, you hope that with each iteration, there is forward momentum.  With the first Dune, it brought about an intriguing look at world-building, character setups and concepts that laid the foundation for a visual escape.  With this next chapter, it builds from these foundational elements, but dives further into the greater mythos of the source material.  The film begins with Paul and his mother Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), embarking on a journey that brings them into the heart of the Fremen’s world.  As they slowly become engrained into the internal structure of their society, the story is further fleshed out with issues happening beyond the planet.  Within the greater empire, the consequences of eradicating House Atreides have led to political and religious conflict.  These fights lead to a web of emotional reverie that brings further characterization to Paul, Rebecca, and the overall control of Arrakis’ Spice production.  Through the onset of expositional and character interactions, the audience is pulled by the visual prowess of the world, creating a grounded journey through atmospheric aesthetics.  The mammoth scope is stunning, breathing life into a story that envelopes through emotional fortitude.  Through the conflict, we witness Paul struggle to find his purpose, balancing his vendetta against the Imperium and being an inspirational leader to the people of Arrakis.  Through this centralized character, the rest of the cast live and breathe organically, showcasing relative contrast through realistic motives.  Each choice made has endearing consequences, but the fortitude of those choices bear fruit through the rawness of the journey.  Through the weaving of familiar Sci-Fi elements, this film takes the ‘reluctant heroes’ tale to a level of unforgettable means. 

As Paul slowly engrains himself into the Fremen world, the balancing act of power and inspiration becomes a manner of truth of oneself.  From his mentorship with Stilgar (Javier Bardem) to his relationship with Chani (Zendaya), his every growing ‘purpose’ becomes an emotional web of personal zeal.  With Paul facing harden choices, we head into a third act that brings all the different story threads full circle.  Through stunning visuals and an engrossing score, the fallout of choice builds towards a climax and epilogue that leaves you posturing … for more.  Dune: Part 2 is a gratifying journey that defines what it means to love film.  If you are a fan of source material, Sci-Fi, or genuine escapes, this is one for you.  This is an award worthy experience.   

Full Score – 4.5 out of 5 (Award Worthy)