Review of Dune 2 directed by Denis Villeneuve

20 February 2024
"Dune: Part Two" is a beast of a movie. 

Literally in the sense that it has giant sandworms that are the secret ingredient to intergalactic travel and that it's a monstrous 3 hours of breath taking film making.

It's the Godfather II of the sci-fi universe, toppling both Terminator 2 and Aliens from that crown. 

There, I said it, movie over Cameron fanboys, it's Villeneuve's world now. 

It is with great enthusiasm and a profound sense of cinematic gratification that I delve into the myriad ways in which this film surpasses the lofty expectations set by its first part, crafting a narrative and visual spectacle that affirms Denis Villeneuve's place among the great auteurs of our time.

Villeneuve is on one of the greatest directing runs of all time: Prisoners, SicarioArrival, Bladerunner 2049, Dune, and now this tour de force. 

Tora! Tora! Tora!

That last line made sense when I wrote it...

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The ensemble cast, a bank roll of of talent and character, brings the rich tapestry of Dune's universe to life with an intensity and depth that is spellbinding. Timothée Chalamet's Paul Atreides is a beacon of vulnerability and strength, navigating the treacherous waters of destiny and power with a grace that belies his years (his run of recent hits parallels Villneuve's own). Rebecca Ferguson's portrayal of Lady Jessica is nothing short of transcendent, imbuing the character with a complexity and resilience that is the beating heart of the film

New additions to the cast, such as Austin 'Thank You, Thank You Very Much' Butler's Feyd-Rautha, are revelations. 

Butler reinvents the role, delivering a performance that is both charismatic and chilling, washing away Sting's cinematic sins from the original Lynch film of 1984

A poem for FP, who as a supporting player, rocked the sand of Arrakis:

Florence Pugh, we love you,
In "Dune's" saga, bright and true.
Irulan's grace, in every view,
A royal dance, in desert's hue.


Zendaya's expanded role as Chani offers a window into the soul of Dune's universe, her performance a powerful testament to the strength and spirit of the Fremen and serves somewhat as a critique of power.

The narrative scope of "Dune: Part Two" is ambitious, encompassing the vast, desolate beauty of Arrakis and the intricate political and emotional machinations of its characters. Villeneuve and his team have crafted a story that is both a faithful continuation of the first film and a bold exploration of the novel's concluding themes. 

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The screenplay, again co-written by Villeneuve and Jon Spaihts (Prometheus, Passengers), strikes a delicate balance between loyalty to Herbert's vision and the necessities of cinematic storytelling, introducing subtle changes that enhance the film's emotional and thematic resonance.

The visual splendor of "Dune: Part Two" is unparalleled, a breathtaking blend of practical effects and CGI that brings the world of Arrakis to life with an unprecedented vividness. The battle scenes are choreographed with a balletic precision, their scale and ferocity a testament to the film's technical prowess and Villeneuve's visionary direction. 

Saradukar who?

This is a film that demands to be seen on the grandest of screens, a cinematic experience that envelops and overwhelms in the best possible way, which is why I saw it at Wellington's home of Lord of the Rings, The Embassy Theatre. 

The volume was.... amped.

"Dune: Part Two" is more than a sequel; it is a milestone in the evolution of science fiction cinema, a work that honors the legacy of Herbert's novel while carving its own path through the cinematic landscape. Villeneuve's film is not just a visual and narrative triumph but a thematic exploration of power, destiny, and humanity that is as profound as it is poignant.

As the film concludes and the not-so-subtle promise of "Dune Messiah" looms on the horizon (for those viewers in the know), one cannot help but feel that we are witnessing the unfolding of a saga that will define this re-define Villeneuve as a filmmaker. 

"Dune: Part Two" is a testament to the power of cinema to transport, I freaking loved it and this will become a science fiction classic - cult like even despite it's mainstream appeal. 

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About the author Jimmy Jangles


My name is Jimmy Jangles, the founder of The Astromech. I have always been fascinated by the world of science fiction, especially the Star Wars universe, and I created this website to share my love for it with fellow fans.

At The Astromech, you can expect to find a variety of articles, reviews, and analysis related to science fiction, including books, movies, TV, and games.
From exploring the latest news and theories to discussing the classics, I aim to provide entertaining and informative content for all fans of the genre.

Whether you are a die-hard Star Trek fan or simply curious about the world of science fiction, The Astromech has something for everyone. So, sit back, relax, and join me on this journey through the stars!
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