Dune, Part Two (2024)

Reviewed by Galen Strickland
Posted November 21, 2024

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This will be a brief review since there isn't much more to say beyond what I wrote about the first of Denis Villenueve's Dune adaptations. The special effects are outstanding, the acting either perfect for the part, or adequate for the part, with a few exceptions. Since I have seen the other adaptations more times than I've read the book, and more recently, I am sure I have confused some things in the adaptations with what is in the text. The other film/TV have included things from the later books. Here, it seems there is more conflict between Paul and Chani than I recall, but I could be wrong, and there is at least one major event in their life that is missing. When I last read Dune I had intended to follow-up with Messiah and Children but have yet to do so. Perhaps before Villenueve's third installment, and I'm sure I have plenty of time before that is released. That is as far as I ever got in the books, although I do have the other three Frank Herbert novels. I can't judge the books written by his son and others, but I doubt I'll ever read them.

I was not impressed with Christopher Walken as the Emperor. He appeared as if he wasn't sure which movie he was in. Both José Ferrer from the Lynch film, and Giancarlo Giannini in the mini-series, did a better job. Dave Bautista was the perfect Rabban, making it evident why he was known as The Beast. Austin Butler surprised me as Feyd-Rautha, a complete flip from his Elvis characterization. Florence Pugh has done remarkable work the past few years, but her Princess Irulan was not given enough to do. I can say the same for Rebecca Ferguson. I am probably in a very small minority who thinks Saskia Reeves has been the best Lady Jessica. Javier Bardem was much better in the first film. Here he seems to be channeling a cross between a sycophantic yes-man and a enthusiastic boy band fan.

In spite of those negative or ambivalent comments, I still liked this film a lot, and can recommend it. I have no excuse for holding off watching it for so long. Eight months since its theatrical premiere, and six since I bought it on Blu-Ray. Well, one excuse I guess. With everything else going on in my personal life, plus wanting to read as much as possible, I haven't taken the time to watch long movies. But I am glad I finally managed it, and I am looking forward to Part Three, or "Dune Messiah," or whatever the title of the next one will be.

Related Links:
My review of Dune: Part One
Review of the novel
David Lynch's Dune (1984)
The Mini-Series (2000)

 

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