Dune: Part Two rave reactions call it the "definitive sci-fi epic of a generation"
By Daniel Roman
In just over two weeks, Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures will debut Dune: Part Two, the sequel to director Denis Villeneuve's 2021 sci-fi epic Dune. These two movies adapt author Frank Herbert's seminal 1965 Dune novel, and they're about as big as movies get. Villeneuve and his collaborators seem to be at the top of their game, and the cast — which includes huge stars like Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Austin Butler, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Christopher Walken, Stellan Skarsgård, a surprise appearance from Anya Taylor-Joy and more — is about as star studded as cast's come. Needless to say, the anticipation is sky high.
Last night, Dune: Part Two held its world premiere in London, England. After years of wondering how good the second movie would be, at long last we have our first critic reactions to the film. And if they're anything to go by, we're in for quite a ride. Many are calling Dune: Part Two a "masterpiece," and comparing it to Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings as a rare example of a near-perfect genre film event. Don't take my word for it:
Blown away by #DunePartTwo. Found it even more immersive, tactile and emotional than Part One. The clarity, heft and scale of the action is staggering. For me, the whole occupies a rarified place alongside The Lord of the Rings as the definitive version of a seminal text.
— Jordan Farley (@JordanFarley) February 15, 2024
#DunePartTwo is a giant epic, a masterclass of crafts from Greig Fraser’s exceptional photography to Patrice Vermette’s magnificent world building. Denis Villeneuve has delivered his magnus opus directing one of the best sci-fi films for generations to come. pic.twitter.com/Vvfs8YeFIi
— Jazz Tangcay (@jazzt) February 15, 2024
#DunePartTwo is an audio/visual triumph on par with (relatively speaking) 'John Wick 4' or 'Avatar 2'. Strong performances, some clever action beats but, like DUNE 1, it's a 2.5-hour film that mostly runs out of story at the 90-minute mark and jogs in place til the climax. pic.twitter.com/lNBjHDL0l1
— Scott Mendelson (@ScottMendelson) February 15, 2024
#DunePartTwo is not only Denis's magnum opus; it's the definitive sci-fi epic of a generation. A tragic tale of blind fanaticism & corruption. A spectacular, soulful, awe-inspiring masterclass of aesthetics & mood beautifully echoing Paul's turbulent journey. Left me speechless! pic.twitter.com/Vw61IKIGWr
— Griffin Schiller (@griffschiller) February 15, 2024
Arguably Denis Villeneuve’s magnum opus, #DunePartTwo is a masterpiece.
— Emily Murray (@EmilyVMurray) February 15, 2024
Throwing you right into the action, it is totally immersive, gripping, and ultimately devastating. Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya have never been better.
Just truly remarkable filmmaking - I’m in awe 👏 pic.twitter.com/r6DcSdXgQ8
#DunePartTwo is one of my most anticipated movies of 2024. It exceeded my expectation. A masterpiece! Sound design and cinematography is incredible. I can’t get over how talented Timothee Chalamet is. The action sequences are epic and loud. Must be experienced in the theaters. pic.twitter.com/okdQ8kfEFg
— Wendy Lee Szany (@WendyLeeSzany) February 15, 2024
#DunePartTwo/ #Dune2 is jaw-dropping, breathtaking & wildly exhilarating. It’s an adrenaline rush to the head & heart, soaring in its spectacle-driven action sequences as much as it sings in its refined, evocative stillness.Timothée Chalamet & Zendaya turn in singular work. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/I2TWLL39fg
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) February 15, 2024
And on and on. So far, I haven't seen a single review of Dune that's been anything other than glowing, with words like "masterpiece," "magnum opus," "jaw-dropping" and some variation of "best sci-fi film of our generation" getting thrown around quite a lot. Even if Dune: Part Two doesn't quite live up to that hype...oh, who am I kidding, it is totally going to live up to that hype. We're only two weeks away from returning to Arrakis!
Dune: Part Two picks up the story of Paul Atriedes (Chalamet), the scion of a noble house who went into hiding with Arrakis' native Fremen people along with his mother Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) after a brutal coup from the rival Harkonnen family foisted them from power. Now, Paul will rise to become a messianic figure to the Fremen and lead them on the warpath to striking back at the Harkonnens. The back half of the Dune novel is where most of the exciting stuff happens, so it's very easy to imagine how Dune: Part Two might exceed the first film.
Dune: Part Two drops into theaters on March 1. It can't get here soon enough.
dark. Next. Dune Prophecy. 'Dune: Prophecy' and the problem with expanding the Dune universe
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