Dune: Part Two review 

Dune: Part Two is written by Jon Spaihts and Denis Villeneuve, and directed by Denis Villeneuve. It is the second half of his adaptation of Frank Herbert's Dune book, as well as the sequel to Dune: Part One. It follows Paul Atreides (played by Timotheé Chalamet) as he unites with the Fremen people of the desert planet Arrakis to wage war against House Harkonnen.

Right off the bat I need to say the film excels on every technical aspects. The visual effects are breathtaking, bringing the harsh beauty of Arrakis and its iconic sandworms to life with stunning realism. From sweeping desert landscapes to thrilling action sequences, the CGI seamlessly integrates with practical effects, immersing viewers in a visually stunning and immersive experience. 

The cinematography expertly captures the harsh beauty of Arrakis, from its sweeping deserts to its towering sandworms, beautifully capturing this imagined world. The action sequences are pulse-pounding and exhilarating, showcasing the Fremen's warfare tactics and Paul's growing prowess as a leader and warrior. 

The films screenplay I felt was really strong, Denis and Jon did such an amazing job bringing this world to life on the big screen. The main central characters are really developed and fleshed out, I really felt myself getting immersed in this world. The concept of prophecy and the idea of a chosen one play a central role in the story. They really do a good job with characters struggles, especially as they question their identity and legacy, particularly Paul as he grapples with his dual heritage and the weight of his family's legacy. Lady Jessica also faces challenges as she inherits memories and confronts the consequences of her choices. Truly well done.

Denis Villeneuve direction is truly masterful. He effortlessly balances the epic scale of the story with intimate character moments, immersing viewers in Frank Herbert's universe with breathtaking clarity. Villeneuve's visual storytelling is captivating, creating a visually stunning experience that enhances the emotional impact of each scene. This is easily one of his best films and I honestly cannot wait to see what he does with “Dune: Messiah” 

Performances in this movie are pretty strong, I truly liked Timotheé Chalamet’s performance as Paul. He captures Paul's vulnerability and inner conflict with nuance, transitioning seamlessly into his role as Muad'Dib. The third act truly gives him a lot to do, his performance shines as he navigates the complexities of power, loyalty, and destiny, delivering a captivating portrayal. 

I really liked Zendaya’s performance, she brings depth and authenticity to the character, infusing Chani with both vulnerability and strength. Her quiet intensity and determination makes Chani a compelling presence on screen. She truly brought emotional depth and humanity to the film. 

Austin Butler absolutely KILLED it as Feyd-Rautha! He steals and commands every scene he is in and just makes it his own. He is truly terrifying and embodied the role with ease. One aspect that makes Butler's performance truly scary is his ability to embody Feyd-Rautha's ruthlessness and lack of empathy. He portrays the character with a cold, steely gaze and a demeanor that is both charismatic and unnerving. Butler's portrayal suggests that behind Feyd-Rautha's charm lies a dangerous individual capable of extreme violence. portraying him as a calculating and ambitious antagonist who stops at nothing to achieve his goals. His performance captures the character's manipulative nature and his willingness to use any means necessary to further his own agenda.

Though while I mostly liked the movie I do have a few issues, due to the complex plot and extensive world-building, l found the pacing of the film to be slow and uneven. While the film excels in world-building and visual spectacle, some critics may argue that certain characters lack depth or development. Secondary characters, l Feyd-Rautha and Princess Irulan (played by Florence Pugh) in particular, I felt didn’t receive as much screen time or attention as the central figures, which lead to a lack of emotional investment for me. I also wasn’t the biggest fan of the ending, however I feel a second watch may change my opinion on these. 

In conclusion, this movie shines as a cinematic achievement, with Denis Villeneuve's masterful direction bringing Frank Herbert's universe to life. Stellar performances, especially from Timotheé Chalamet, Zendaya and Austin Butler deepen the emotional resonance of the film. Despite its slow pacing and some secondary characters lacking depth, the breathtaking visual effects and captivating storytelling make it a compelling entry in the Dune saga. Overall, "Dune: Part Two" is a triumph, setting the stage for the eagerly anticipated "Dune: Messiah."