I felt like I needed a CliffsNotes version of “Dune” to understand the goings on that occur in “Dune: Part Two.” I was enthralled because I really enjoyed the first part, “Dune,” three years ago. I didn’t need a reference book for that one.
“Part Two” begins a few years after the first one with Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) still leading the group of individuals in a spice world where time travel is possible, but only alluded to. I was intrigued by this from the get-go.
I loved the shenanigans that occurred in this chapter. The second chapter in the action-adventure directed by Denis Villeneuve, who also called the shots on the first chapter in 2021, pulled me in from the beginning. It is one intriguing romp. Chalamet and Zendaya (“Spider-Man: No Way Home”), who plays Chani, have great screen chemistry. Veteran actor Christopher Walken makes an appearance as Emperor of an opposing group in a giant power grab; fighting for rights for something that doesn’t exist.
Florence Pugh, who plays Brolin’s screen daughter Princess Irulan here, is rumored to figure prominently in the next chapter.
Returning baddies include Dave Bautista as Beast Rabban and Stellan Skarsgård as Baron Harkonnen. Josh Brolin returns as Gurney Halleck, a good-guy character who many presumed dead in the first adventure but returns in “Part Two.”
Even though it runs over two and a-half hours, audience members need to be patient because it’s all worth it at the end. I really cared about these characters and what happened to them. I was engaged and entertained the entire time. I also liked it because it’s not a dumb Marvel movie.
“Dune: Part Two” is a big-screen movie, for sure. Your movie money will be well spent.
Because of the success of “Part Two” at the box office, look for “Part Three” in the near future. I’m looking forward to the next “Dune” chapter when and if that happens.
Grade: A-
