I haven’t read a single page of Dune, so my entire context of the series has been the 2021 movie. Judging from my original review here, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the dense science fiction/fantasy story that was infamously dubbed “impossible to film.” Well, it was almost impossible to film, as it took nearly 60 years to get a decent film adaptation (unless you count the 1984 David Lynch fever dream). And just like The Two Towers release proved that Peter Jackson’s The Fellowship of the Ring wasn’t a one-off hit, Dune: Part 2 confirms that Denis Villeneuve is giving us something special with his trilogy.

In a time where our favorite franchises have become soulless husks that only exist to churn out streaming content (how ya doin’, Disney?), it’s refreshing to watch a big-budget film that’s created with clear passion and artistic vision. It has been almost three years since Dune: Part 1, and the time spent crafting it was more than worth it. At 2 hours and 46 minutes, Part 2 is in no rush, but unlike a bloated, meandering film like The Eternals (which was only 10 minutes shorter), Dune: Part 2 actually deserves the long runtime to develop the various political, personal, and religious plotlines that all weave together in an intricate (and sometimes uncomfortable) story.

The only time that telling a stranger, “I have dreams about you” actually worked. [Credit: Warner Bros.]

That’s right, despite being a PG-13 outing, Dune: Part 2 has no problem depicting the brutality of the Harkonnens, heartless political machinations, or the cruel manipulation of misplaced faith. The “Lisan al Gaib” plotline from Part 1 takes center stage here as Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) grapples between his desire for revenge and his reluctance to play into the messiah prophesy perpetuated by the shadowy Bene Gesserit and his mother Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson). This isn’t meant to be a feel-good story about the Force and the Chosen One- this is all about control and deception, and things (and Lady Jessica) only get more uncomfortable from there. Among the Fremen, Zendaya finally gets something to do as Chani, whose character only gets more layered as she struggles between her love for Paul Atreides and his whole cult following. However, my personal favorite was Javier Bardem as the infinitely likable Stilgar, who, unlike Chani, is fully on board with the Timothee Charmander fan club.

“The boy’s Wonka candy is delicious, as it is written.”[Credit: Warner Bros.]

Perhaps to still make us root for the remaining members of House Atreides and their converted Fremens, the warmongering rival house Harkonnen is still just the worst. If the Harkonnens were a year, it would be 2020. Stellan Skarsgard as the bloodthirsty leader Baron Vladimir (how’s that for an appropriate name today?)  is sufficiently disgusting to everyone except maybe Tucker Carlson, and Austin Butler as his freaky nephew Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen works well as a dark (or pasty white) inversion of Paul. Finally, Christopher Walken also joins the franchise as Emperor Christopher Walken.

Dave Bautista also returns as Drax the Unhinged. [Credit: Warner Bros.]

Just like Dune: Part 1, part 2’s visuals are stunning on the big screen. Seriously, this is a flim that demands a viewing on the largest format possible so that you’re able to soak in the massive desert vistas, monochromatic Harkonnen empire, and yeah giant worms. Hans Zimmer delivers yet another epic soundtrack with a vibe best described as “Gladiator in Space.” From sweeping love songs to the series’ signature strong female vocalist who sounds like me stepping on a Lego shard, the score perfectly conveys the good (and bad) emotions of each scene.

My bladder at the end of the film after two ICEE’s. [Credit: Warner Bros.]

Before I wrap up, remember that Lord of the Rings analogy from earlier? Well, apparently (remember, I haven’t read the series), there’s been a bit of streamlining and plot deviations from the source material, much like some of the liberties Peter Jackson took. Every book franchise has its hardcore weirdos (looking at you, Tom Bombadil fans), but as a lowly theatergoer, Dune: Part 2 was just dense enough with lore and characters for me, so I’m OK with the story editing that took place. If you’re a book purist, I get it, but for every other sci-fi fan out there, Dune: Part 2 has a good chance of being your favorite film of the year. Just leave that AMC popcorn bucket where it is, OK?

It kinda looks like a giant chihuahua is chasing them in this still. [Credit: Warner Bros.]