The year is 2017. I went to one of the emptiest IMAX theaters I have ever been to to see Blade Runner 2049. I was so surprised as I was a big fan of the first. Unfortunately, we all know how that turned out financially. Nonetheless, the film still managed to crack my top 10 favorite movies of all time. Going forward, anything from Denis Villeneuve would always be one of my most anticipated movies of the year. When Dune was announced, I remember even bringing it up in class one day back in 2018. Six years later, I am so glad to have finally seen this version come into fruition.

Dune: Part Two picks up right where part one ended. This entry finds Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalemet) uniting with Chani (Zendaya) and the Fremen while seeing revenge against those who destroyed his family. When Paul is faced with a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the universe, he must prevent a terrible future only he can foresee. Surrounded by an ensemble cast, the film manages to balance out with its cast with spectacular visuals, a well-developed story, and action that is best seen on the biggest screen possible.

I first started listening to the audiobook of the novel back in the beginning of 2020, which may have been the worst way to do it compared to how much time was to come for the first movie to come out versus having to understand what was being told to you. For the most part, I understood it. It’s a very complex book that I believe David Lynch’s version struggled bringing to life. Seeing Villeneuve’s version brought to life expanded on what I thought I knew about the story and even made it efficient enough for viewers to understand. To me, the first movie was perfect. The sequel? Even better.

Very easily, this film was my most anticipated film of 2024, which may have worked out, because I don’t know if my brain could have processed what was better between this and Oppenheimer in 2023. Hopefully, the fact that this released so early in the year doesn’t deter from the fact that it deserves proper award recognition. While the film feels like it was shot back-to-back even though it wasn’t, the film flows seamlessly from part one to part two to make for a perfect pairing. Villeneuve has even gone on to say that he doesn’t believe that anyone needs to see the first before this one. While I would disagree, I think the better way to explain the film is that is stand out very well on its own.

The first act dedicates most of its screentime into Paul’s journey with the Fremen with hints of what’s going on with the Harkonnen family (more into that later). Paul’s journey includes having to persuade the Fremen that he is a qualified leader. Simultaneously, he is also forming a relationship with Chani. First, his journey into becoming a leader is phenomenal. Stilgar (Javier Bardem) is convinced that he is the coming Messiah that will lead them to freedom. Stilgar is already the people’s leader, so when he uses religion & prophecy’s to explain Paul’s importance, Paul has to figure out if he is a great man like his father claimed or if he becomes a powerful leader that his nightmares convey. On top of that, his relationship with Chani blossoms into something quite powerful. Chalamet is top-billed, but I would consider Zendaya as an equal necessity to Chalamet. Villeneuve really focuses on her character, which helps feel the emotional consequences of what happens later on the film.

As for the villainous Harkonnen family, the brief time we get them in the first act reminds the audience of who Paul is going against. But it’s really the second act that develops on this family through newer character and a richer story. This family is just not a family you don’t mess with. Viewers will recognize Glossu Rabban Harkonnen (Dave Bautista) and his uncle Baron Vladmir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård). Keeping these guys in the first part was a smart move to help understand how insane these guys work, because when Glossu Rabban’s younger brother & the Baron’s nephew Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen (Austin Butler) shows up, you clearly don’t know everything yet. Butler is in command with every scene that he is in and delivers one of the best villainous performances in quite some time. Keeping these villains as brief as possible shows how serious these guys are, but also allows the viewers to yearn for their return.

All of this develops the film’s first two acts. Throughout this time, every single technical aspect as it top-tier perfection. Seeing it IMAX reminded me of when I saw Blade Runner 2049. You get to see this whole world through close-ups and wide shots, both utilizing the needed necessecty of the scene. While it is a different director than that of the other, Denis’ vision shows that he knows what he wants captured to evoke the right emotion. Trust me, there were moments where I thought “Oh my gosh.” There were just some grand scenes that I felt lucky to see in this format.

As well as the cinematography, every technical aspect ups the game compared to the first. For a $190 million budget, it’s amazing at what they accomplish between location and the visual effects. When you add in the stacked cast, that brings the budget down even more of what they can accomplish visually. The musical score continues to transcend the film in a way that makes you connect to the film. There are selective films that can do that and composer Hans Zimmer captures the environment with the music beautifully.

Finally, I have to say that I really admire the love for the film from so many. The way the film ends is very unorthodox compared to your usual blockbuster that even left me emotionally floored thanks to the development that came before. I am used to when films are a bit slower, people will like it less. I’d say the film is equal action as it is drama. The slower moments really allows for the story & character to develop. By the time, it is even more effective by the time you see how the film concludes. Then, there are the themes that I think say a lot of today’s generations. Paul has to weigh whether or not he is the good man his father claimed and be a good person for Chani or if he follows what his elders claim he is. It offers an interesting dialogue on religion and what we pass down from generation to generation.

Overall, I feel privileged to live at a time to see this film. It’s certainly best to watch on the biggest screen imaginable. It’s grand in every way. When there’s action, it’s heart pounding. When it dramatic, the dialogue offers necessary good points that tell a deeper meaning of this world, but can often feel reminiscent to today. If you are a fan of sci-fi, Villeneuve, or even the first and the novel, you will not be disappointed at all.

VERDICT: Perfect