MeinMMO Editor-in-Chief Leya watched Dune Part 2 by Denis Villeneuve in the cinema and got goosebumps multiple times. She is convinced that we won’t see anything comparable in science fiction for a long time. Read her spoiler-free review here.
We can keep this critique very short: Yes, Dune 2 is indeed as good as everyone says and writes. (via Filmstarts)
The current 97% on Rotten Tomatoes is rightly found on the review platform. Anyone who enjoyed the first part even a little should definitely watch the sequel.
If you were skeptical after the first film, I would still give the second one a chance. Visually, it raises the bar significantly and the story reveals its true core, which will provide plenty of discussion and topics to talk about.
Dune 2 is a movie worth watching in theaters just for the visuals and the soundtrack by Hans Zimmer. Those who watch it later at home might regret not having seen it on the big screen.
Those who cannot relate to the first part of Dune, science fiction, or a slow storytelling style will not be captivated by the second part either.
More doesn’t really need to be known to decide for or against a movie ticket.
But of course, I have more detailed thoughts for you that advocate for Dune 2 and also some points that can be criticized about the film. They are available here shortly before the movie release, completely spoiler-free.
Visually Stunning with Great Contrasts
Dune 2 has a budget of 175,000,000 euros and you can see that. There is a mix of practical and CGI effects that are hardly distinguishable from each other.
Often I found myself lost in the images of the red desert of the planet Arrakis. The warm tones and the sparkling spice that make the planet so precious are presented in unforgettable scenes. Especially the warm tones support the budding love between the main character Paul and the desert dweller Chani.
Together with the crackling sound design, I often felt as if I were standing in the desert myself.
Dune 2 thrives strongly on contrasts in its staging.
Just when we see Paul and Chani cuddled up looking at the sea of sand, the next moment follows a wild ride on a sandworm. And these rides are incredibly exciting!
Just as we swing from big explosions and mass brawls to two people fighting with two knives.
The Harkonnen planet Giedi Prime is again completely the opposite of warm Dune. Here there are only cold tones, sharp edges, and a mechanical aesthetic reminiscent of HR Giger.
These contrasts greatly benefit the film and ensure that you are glued to the images. Especially since the storytelling itself is somewhat slower.
It’s for such images that I go to the cinema. My colleague Vali from GameStar even finds in his review:
You won’t find a better reason to go to the movies than Dune 2
The same goes for the sound design. Villeneuve knows exactly when a breath can create more tension than a boombox subtly telling us what we should feel with music.
I assume that fans will discuss whether some changes are good or bad.
From my perspective, the adjustments help to meaningfully shorten the story for the film. The essence of the plot is never lost because of this. For some changes, I would even say that they have improved the story.
All in all, I would have to be very picky to find a point of criticism that would be an absolute deal-breaker for Dune 2.
One point I want to address here: In the first part, it is often criticized that the film is a typical “white savior” story. That is when a white person acts as a savior to rescue non-white people from a difficult situation. With the ending of Dune 2, it should be clear to everyone that we are not dealing with such a story.
Dune 2 is Already a Classic of Science Fiction
I wouldn’t know how this adaptation could have been filmed better today than Denis Villeneuve has done.
He treats Frank Herbert’s story with respect, but also manages to engage those who come into contact with Dune for the first time. I am convinced that the first and second parts of Dune will still be regarded as important classics of science fiction in decades. Similar to the adaptations of The Lord of the Rings in the fantasy genre.
Those who don’t see this in theaters will miss film history.
The alternation between silence and the penetrating score by Hans Zimmer simply harmonizes well with the contrasting images.
The Story Becomes Really Complex, Hits the Core
In Dune 2, the actual core of the story becomes clear. To avoid spoilers, I have to remain very vague at this point.
The further the film progresses, the more doubts are sown about the narrative of the “chosen one.” You begin to increasingly wonder what story you are actually watching.
Dune is about, among other things, how religious beliefs can be used to gain political power. How faith and prophecies can be misused as a tool – for good as well as for evil.
Packing all of this into a film and giving it the right weighting is not easy. Denis Villeneuve has managed that.
I am curious about the discussions after the film.
What Can Be Criticized
That’s a matter of taste, but Dune 2 is told slowly and has a leisurely pacing. I could imagine that some might be bothered by that. But one should already know this from the first part. Otherwise, Oppenheimer is a good comparison in terms of narrative pace.
I think most of the criticism of Dune 2 will come from book fans.
I can’t remember all the details in the story and had to look up some things. However, there are some adjustments in the story from the books. The all-controlling sisterhood of the Bene Gesserit is most affected here.
I assume that fans will discuss whether some changes are good or bad.
From my perspective, the adjustments help to meaningfully shorten the story for the film. The essence of the plot is never lost because of this. For some changes, I would even say that they have improved the story.
All in all, I would have to be very picky to find a point of criticism that would be an absolute deal-breaker for Dune 2.
One point I want to address here: In the first part, it is often criticized that the film is a typical “white savior” story. That is when a white person acts as a savior to rescue non-white people from a difficult situation. With the ending of Dune 2, it should be clear to everyone that we are not dealing with such a story.
Dune 2 is Already a Classic of Science Fiction
I wouldn’t know how this adaptation could have been filmed better today than Denis Villeneuve has done.
He treats Frank Herbert’s story with respect, but also manages to engage those who come into contact with Dune for the first time. I am convinced that the first and second parts of Dune will still be regarded as important classics of science fiction in decades. Similar to the adaptations of The Lord of the Rings in the fantasy genre.
Those who don’t see this in theaters will miss film history.
