All together great movie! I think the thing I loved the most was the uniquely gothic, noir look & feel. Similar to the Matrix or Jurassic Park, the cinematography and sets of this movie just seemed different and unique and really played into that off world vibe in a very real and visceral way to me vs. So many other Sci-Fi's movies including the Star Wars franchise which just remind you you're watching a Sci-Fi movie with good special effects. The other thing I liked a lot was the actor who played Paul. Sure there are some big name stars in this movie, but it's always nice to see a fresh face who does a great job. Although he was 25ish while filming this, he appeared much younger and innocent which I liked a lot as well and gives him room to grow
I went into this knowing very little, and I'm glad I did. I was intrigued to see it and watched it in a Dolby cinema which I highly recommend as you just get that more immersive feel to it. I've never read the books, but story wise it's similar in many ways to the original Lynch Dune movie. So if you've seen the original or the 2000 mini series (which I have not) then you won't be surprised by the story & plot, aside from some creative liberty differences. However if you have not seen any of the previous Dune movies or series, don't and just see this first. Granted if you're reading this review, chances of that are pretty slim.
Admittedly I didn't know going into this that it was only the first half, but I wasn't totally surprised either. I knew the movie was 2.5 hours long, and it got near the 2 hour mark I realize they wouldn't be able to wrap up the story in 30 more minutes. As I understand it part 2 wasn't even green lit prior to this coming out, but I sure hope they follow through with it as I really like this directors vision and found myself immersed, entertained and intrigued the entire way through.
So why only a 9 out of 10? Well for me I think I've given one or two 10's in my entire life. So while I thought this movie was awesome, very memorable, and am going to see it again in the theater (this time with my daughter instead of my friend), I felt the ending could have had a little more punch to it, and I do feel there were certain aspects that could be confusing if one isn't familiar with the story, but then some times a little mystery makes for a better movie rather than spoon feeding the audience everything
I'll be curious what my daughter thinks about it when we go to see it. I've told her not to view any spoilers and by all means DO NOT see the original or it will take any suspense away. Overall I highly recommend.
I went into this knowing very little, and I'm glad I did. I was intrigued to see it and watched it in a Dolby cinema which I highly recommend as you just get that more immersive feel to it. I've never read the books, but story wise it's similar in many ways to the original Lynch Dune movie. So if you've seen the original or the 2000 mini series (which I have not) then you won't be surprised by the story & plot, aside from some creative liberty differences. However if you have not seen any of the previous Dune movies or series, don't and just see this first. Granted if you're reading this review, chances of that are pretty slim.
Admittedly I didn't know going into this that it was only the first half, but I wasn't totally surprised either. I knew the movie was 2.5 hours long, and it got near the 2 hour mark I realize they wouldn't be able to wrap up the story in 30 more minutes. As I understand it part 2 wasn't even green lit prior to this coming out, but I sure hope they follow through with it as I really like this directors vision and found myself immersed, entertained and intrigued the entire way through.
So why only a 9 out of 10? Well for me I think I've given one or two 10's in my entire life. So while I thought this movie was awesome, very memorable, and am going to see it again in the theater (this time with my daughter instead of my friend), I felt the ending could have had a little more punch to it, and I do feel there were certain aspects that could be confusing if one isn't familiar with the story, but then some times a little mystery makes for a better movie rather than spoon feeding the audience everything
I'll be curious what my daughter thinks about it when we go to see it. I've told her not to view any spoilers and by all means DO NOT see the original or it will take any suspense away. Overall I highly recommend.