Dune Part Two

 

   Once again co-written and directed by Denis Villeneuve, Part Two picks up moments after the end of Part One. While the first film was for the most part setting up the foundation, Part Two fully engages the viewer in the expanse of the story in a most spectacular way.

    Cast members who survived the first film return led by Timothee Chalamet and Rebecca Ferguson. Also returning with expanded roles are Zendaya, Javier Bardem, Charlotte Rampling, Dave Bautista, Josh Brolin and Stellen Skarsgard. New cast members include Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, Lea Seydoux, and in an uncredited one scene cameo, Anya Taylor-Joy.

    Mr. Villeneuve clearly has a vision for the material and has created a fully realized science fiction classic. The cinematography will take your breath away. The visuals are stunning, blending live action with CGI seamlessly.  The sound is immersive and the actors couldn't be more committed to their roles. Mr. Bardem, in particular appears to be having a great time and Mr. Butler (almost unrecognizable) has shed the Elvis persona once and for all.

    While the film does comes to a conclusion, it is open ended enough that one can only hope Mr. Villeneuve will commit to a third film, based on "Dune Messiah", to complete the trilogy.