'Dune: Part Two' film review: A true breathtaking, sand-swept sci-fi spectacle
The rare sequel so good it actually improves upon its predecessor, 'Dune: Part Two' (in theaters March 1) makes good on every single promise set up in the first film.
In short: Paul Atreides rises among the Fremen as a warrior and possible savior while seeking revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Stars Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Zendaya, Javier Bardem, Austin Butler and Florence Pugh.
'Part One' literally concluded with the frustrating "This is only the beginning" bit of dialogue, which left 'Part One' unsatisfying and lacking true resolution. But 'Part Two' accomplishes the feat of wrapping up every thread of the story setup in 'Part One' - while tantalizingly teasing future sequels. The sequel resolves the character arc of Paul Atreides, while setting all the pieces of the next chapters of 'Dune' films. Few films succeed in cementing resolution and building excitement for where the story goes next, but 'Part Two' sticks the landing.
As oft repeated on this site's film reviews, the strongest and most evocative theme of storytelling is that of identity. For all the sensory spectacle that is 'Dune: Part Two,' its Paul's layered internal conflicts of identity that powers this sequel. Paul is a foreigner trying to learn the ways of the Fremen, the indigenous people of Arrakis. He was the crown prince of House Atreides and he's an emerging warrior within the Fremen. While his heroic victories on Arrakis increase his profile as a Fremen warrior, some believe Paul is not merely a Freman fighter - but he is also their messiah. Despite all the plot machinations moving around Paul Atreides, 'Dune: Part Two' is powerful because it is firmly and firstly a character-driven drama set against an awesome sci-fi backdrop.
While not every film released on IMAX screens needs to be seen in the premium format, watching 'Part Two' is exactly the type of film that IMAX technology was intended for. The sand swept vistas of Arrakis demand the largest screen scale possible. The deep, threatening resonance of imminent sandworms are a crowning achievement of sound design. All the sympathy and compassion for those who only experience 'Part Two' at home when it drops on some streaming service. 'Dune: Part Two' is the reason cinema exists.
If there's anything to nitpick, it's only that some intriguing side characters get too little screen time. Austin Butler exudes menace and danger as the bloodthirsty and sociopathic Feyd-Rautha. Florence Pugh carries Princess Irulan with an aristocratic integrity that few others of nobility in the 'Dune' universe possess. Yet, for the most part, their two magnetic characters are wholly separated from Paul Atreides. They are danger and intrigue personified, yet, they are not really supporting characters as much as they become late third-act plot points. 'Part Two' weighs in at 2 hours and 46 minutes but (due to exquisite pacing) it never feels "too long" - and even just a few more scenes to add a little more dimension to Feyd-Rautha and Princess Irulan, given their significance to the film's resolution.
Final verdict: 'Dune: Part Two' is an essential film of 2024 - an epic spectacle that must be experienced on the biggest screen possible.
Score: 4.5/5
'Dune: Part Two' opens in theaters nationwide on March 1. This sci-fi drama has a runtime of 166 minutes and is rated PG-13 for sequences of strong violence, some suggestive material and brief strong language.
