🏆92% 

Dune: Part Two is a fantastic movie. I’ve been on a high for Dune, you’ve been on a high for Dune, the whole damn internet’s been on a high for Dune. Sure, the first film was a big deal back in 2021- but with this second installment, there’s no denying its reached the level of being a full on cinematic cultural phenomenon that’s in groves drawing in even non typically movie going audiences. To me, one of the ways you know a film is a massive hit is when it not only overjoys its enthusiastic top demographics but reaches outside to a pool of other demographics that accept the invitation and the party with just as much love- this film has absolutely accomplished that, and done so with such impressive measure. On this second watch, my theater was even more crowded than the first weekend and the pure excitement in the air of entering Arrakis remained. While I’m still personally at a standpoint where I wouldn’t particularly say this a perfect film or a masterpiece- I totally understand why many are so hyped about this film and eager to call it those things, and at the end of the day there’s no denying this is indeed a pretty significant cinematic achievement. I’ll more than likely watch this film a couple more times throughout the year, most likely again come next awards season, so for this review I’d like to focus on diving into more of my thoughts on the technical elements.

The balance of style & substance maintains the same quality and sense of atmosphere, but for some reason I adore Greig Fraser’s cinematography in this film more than his work in part one- like, a lot more. Don’t get me wrong, Dune: Part One’s cinematography is phenomenal and (although it was my least favorite out of that all timer lineup) made for a great Oscar winner for Best Cinematography- but this revisit confirmed for me that Fraser is on a whole other level with this film. I mean, how can you watch that opening sequence without awe and disbelief- the whole film is shot brilliantly, but the colors & framing of that opening are simply genius. As for the editing, it took me a little to fully appreciate the editing of the first film but this time around my ion is really warming up even faster. Most notably, the editing in the final minutes of this film are masterful- the perfectly timed reaction shots to tense events, the explosion of sounds & action as the film closes out, and of course that unforgettable knife duel. Joe Wright & Greig Fraser once again knocked it our of the park, and second Oscar wins are looking pretty likely as of now. Oh, and one last thing to note- this rewatch confirmed for me that Javier Bardem might give the best performance out of the excellent cast. Not just because Stilgar has become a rapidly fast meme online, but because his performance is expertly balanced and without the blink of an eye convincing. Overall there’s still hundreds of films set to release this year but I think we can all collectively agree that even if better films come out, Dune: Part Two will withstand a reputation as THE film of 2024- a title it so objectively deserves. 

🔙Midnight Cowboy♻️ 
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