Review of Dune: Part Two

Dune Part 2 has arrived and my good God what an astounding spectacle it is. Denis Villeneuve warmed up the tracks with his superb but exposition heavy first part, but with this second instalment he and that magnificent Hans Zimmer pull the collective ripcord on stunning large scale set pieces, devastating emotional beats, detailed visual world building and jaw dropping cinematic undertakings. Timothee Chalamet *finally* gains a much needed edge to his acting vernacular, his Paul Atreides metamorphosing from timid, sheltered introvert prince into fearless and often frightening messiah in the making is a staggering turn. Stellan Skarsgard continues his masterclass in obese understated villainy as evil Baron Harkonnen, Javier Bardem takes up comic relief duty in the film's very welcome and most surprisingly playful performance, Austin Butler is pure unbridled feral fury, Josh Brolin gritty and graceful as ever, Florence Pugh stately and pragmatic, Rebecca Ferguson turns up the intensity to unbearable levels as her character's arc takes a menacing turn while Christopher Walken, a fascinating, bold yet strangely appropriate choice for the emperor of the entire universe, downplays his unmistakable energy to fit the space opera atmosphere. The film's best performance goes to Zendaya though, her desert warrior princess Chani is a captivating character respite with rough resilience, tender resolve and bruised vulnerability when certain heartbreaking plot revelations unfold, she's perfect. Everything that was just beginning to fire up in the first film is roaring on full blast here; the battles are sensational, tactile ballets of machinery in motion, explosive projectiles obliterating spice harvesters, lithely ruthless hand to hand combat, invigorating rides atop the immense sand worms complete with immersive POV shots and enough super sonic sound design to make you actually *believe* you are there. The emotional resonance is present too amidst all the beautiful chaos of battle, a hero's journey that could easily spill into intergalactic horror if wrong choices are made, and ill favoured destinies are followed. This is what movies were made to be, a colossally huge epic that doesn't forget to be smart, detailed, meticulously written and teeming with creativity. Great film.