Lamar Reviews - "Dune 2" (Airdate 3/8/2024)

This movie comes nearly 21/2 years after the first one because of the Hollywood’s strike. I think it was worth the wait. The closest thing to what Director Denis Villeneuve is trying to accomplish here is what Peter Jackson did with The Lord of The Rings. Like Jackson, Villeneuve refused to try to put this story in one movie. He is pushing for a third, but if for whatever reason it doesn’t get made, this movie works. But make no mistake if allowed, the third one will easily pick up where this leaves off.

The movie starts with Paul Atreides, played by Timothee Chalamet, and his pregnant mother, Jessica, played by Rebecca Feguson looking to stay with the Fremen after the House of Treides has been destroyed by House Harkonnen. Paul has to prove he’s not a spy by fighting beside them and learning their ways. When Chani, played by Zendaya, helps him learn how to survive the desert, they fall in love.

Stilgar, played by Javier Bardem, not only trusts him, but is convinced that Paul is the Messiah sent to lead the Fremen to victory. Paul fights the idea, but as the movie keeps going, he starts to see where it might be just the thing to bring everybody together and accomplish their goal.

To say this movie has a star-studded cast would be an understatement. Stellen Skarsgard, Josh Brolin, Dave Bautista, are all back. New to story, Austin Butler plays Feyd-Rautha, Baron Harkonnen’s young nephew and planned successor. Seeing him in this, you could never imagine him playing Elvis. Also new is Florence Pugh playing Princess Irulan, the daughter of The Emperor of the universe who is played by Christopher Walken. The emperor is behind the killing of Paul’s father.

The movie is 2 hours 46 extraordinary minutes, Rated PG-13 for strong violence, some suggestive material, and some strong language.

This is a spectacle of huge proportions, that exceeds the first movie. The fight scenes and battles are sometimes fast and violent up close, and sometimes poetic in slow motion at others. Unless you have a room dedicated to viewing, with a huge screen, and an incredible sound system, go to the theater. Better yet, and I wish I had, go to an I-Max.  The cinematography is breathtaking and beautiful. The desert scenes are just unbelievable. Those were filmed in Wadi Araba, Jordon, and the Liwa Oasis, a four-hour drive from Dubai, to name a few. This movie is not meant to be merely watched, but experienced.

Duke Paul Atreides goes through a huge transformation as he struggles with accepting his destiny. Chalamet manages to pull all of that out. He may have a hard time topping this performance. If he can I don’t want to miss it.

See Dune before this or read the book. I saw Dune, and still wish I had read the book.

My Score: 5 Ice Cold Budweisers