DUNE: Part Two Spoiler-Free Movie Review - DUNE TALK

[@1neOfN0ne]

Just got back from witnessing this masterpiece on IMAX. Not to be hyperbolic but it's possibly the best film I've seen in theaters this century

[@dustyblanco1546]

Just got back from an imax screening. My expectations were probably unfairly high, and it still exceeded them. Incredible.

[@mlwmemphis]

The Grandfather scene was 😮

[@dgour2004]

Just got home from seeing it in Imax. First movie I was super hyped for that I wasn't disappointed in some degree. A bunch of changes but when it was over I just wanted more. Timmy truly knocked himself (and me) out.

[@colesimons3533]

just saw it. Amazing. Chani is the goat fr fr

[@johnkerber9578]

Got tickets to see it tonight on iMax. So pumped!

[@2532robh1]

Saw it on imax tonight too! Loved it!

[@maciedixon3983]

I didn’t mind the changes sue me. The only one I really miss I will discuss later but the choice was made to cut this cause of that other choice

[@maciedixon3983]

One of the changes was made for acting purposes I believe

[@ahgasegg1205]

Seen the IMAX showing tonight... aside from a few cheesy lines that took me out of it a bit, literally a 10/10. Virtually nothing that could have been done better. Although I can't speak to it as an adaptation, as a movie it was incredible😮

[@AntheaThomson]

Thanks for all that you do! I’m watching it in 2 days time with a back to back fan screening part 1&2 on IMAX, so excited!

[@DuneNewsNet]

Back to back sounds great, have fun!

[@loganastrup6870]

Just saw it. I’m overwhelmed. I need to see it a bunch more times 😂

[@knightonart8886]

Yeah it's a lot to digest. 2 hrs 46 minutes flew by.

[@loganastrup6870]

@@knightonart8886 it did. I honestly could’ve sat for another hour

[@TheOriginalJDJ]

Great discussion as always. You all have managed to hype me up even more than I already was. This weekend can’t come fast enough.

[@terranncegilmore]

Just walked out of a special IMAX screening . Holy crap

[@JaxBespoked]

My screening was at 7. I'll probably be dreaming Arrakis all night.

[@JaxBespoked]

I am truly exhausted from my IMAX viewing a few hours ago. WOW!

[@tylerjensen8383]

I hear what you guys are saying regarding a prestige series, but there’s just no way it would be executed to this level in that format. The budget and subsequent talent (in front and behind the camera) they can bring to the table because it is a blockbuster film release is just far and away above what they could swing on a 10 episode series. It’s honestly not even close.

[@DuneNewsNet]

Certainly, less budget and talent would be a major factor. Question is whether that would significantly hurt quality of storytelling. Being able to spend more time with characters and factions-witnessing the story's signature political machinations play out across longer arcs-could add immersion in a different way. Hopefully 'Dune: Prophecy' on Max will offer a positive indication of what's possible for the Dune universe in television format.

[@PeloquinDavid]

Great discussion, guys. I'll see the film on Thursday. I get the sense from your discussion that Villeneuve's direction has (not for the first time) successfully elevated the performance of all the (already highly skilled) cast to HIGHLY memorable levels... But I REALLY don't think a serialized version would work: there would be too many cooks in the kitchen - none of whom would have the skill and commitment to the source material of a Villeneuve... When I think of what has been done in the case of Asimov's "Foundation" (or worse: to Tolkien's Second Age in "The Rings of Power"), I can't help but think that the Big Screen is where the story of Dune belongs...

[@DuneNewsNet]

Memorable performances indeed! With regards to a serialized version, those shows you've mentioned are good examples of creative directions that would not work for Dune. However with a strong, hands-on showrunner-someone who truly respects and understands the books-at the right studio, there could be so many possibilities.

[@vladmods]

What any adaptation needs is respect for the original works. Foundation and The Rings of Power are nothing less than cultural vandalism, unfortunately.

[@shanepartington7667]

I’m glad the changes work well in the film. I feel confident that Denis would have taken painstaking effort in justifying the changes in this adaptation. I’m not expecting it to follow the book verbatim.

[@maciedixon3983]

This I got them and I’m not very worried

[@pseudonymousbeing987]

Lolll I'm just like Simon!! I've been falling asleep imagining how I would open Part 2 if I was director, and how Denis will. It's so fun. I'm sure it's similar to what Denis does himself.

[@terrancegibbs7533]

I hope you guys loved it I can't wait to see it am excited

[@DuneNewsNet]

We loved it! Can't wait to watch it again tonight.

[@thomasbaxter1371]

Finally saw it in Imax. Loved it but on first viewing this feels like it should have been at least 20 mins longer. The third act particularly felt rushed. I will, of course, be seeing it a few more times and hope to come to terms with its rhythms and pacing but at this moment it feels like an extended version is definitely called for - wish Villeneuve was more open to this.

[@DoroteoVilla]

I can't sleep or think. I need to see Dune Part II!

[@PetePuebla]

If you've never seen David Lynch's dude I don't think you'll like it. I grew up on it in the 80s and I think that's how you could appreciate it if you did see it back then with the special effects that were back in the 80s. But I think if you saw this film for the first time today with the narratives and the Exposition I don't think you'd care for it too much. It's also really weird and really psychedelic at times. I'm not sure if the age well but it does have a cold following which I'm a part of.

[@barryscott6222]

38:00 regarding the wider Dune universe - I was also a little disappointed in the books that this was not a topic really touched on at all (beyond perhaps how the Spacing Guild felt or were impacted by the situation) Specifically - Caladan - this was the Atreides home world, so presumably, 10's or even 100's of millions of people. So even if the Atreides family "died" on Arrakis, there would still be a significant remnant of the great house on Caladan, and presumably still a major power in the Landsrat. But what happened to them ? So if the movie doesn't reference much about the impact on the Landsrat etc - then that is because the books don't either - except very obliquely. That is something I feel is one of the largest holes in the Dune story

[@LAZISH]

Seeng in on iMax next Saturday!!!!!

[@Azabaxe80]

First of all, every time I listen to this podcast (and it's almost never on KZbin) the theme music makes me think of that Pussycat Dolls _"Don't you wish your girlfriend was a freak like me"_ song. I never can get over it. Saw the film yesterday and to me it wasn't the overwhelming experience that many people are purporting it to be. If anything, the bombast that drives many a blockbuster film these days (save _Oppenheimer_ , a superior work of art) which I know is the appeal to many sci-fi/fantasy film lovers, detracts from the pretty strong underlying themes in the story as told in the film. I have not read the books nor do I ever intend to, so much of the context on this story I get from you guys in this channel and others who dedicate themselves to Dune lore. And I went into this film expecting Austin Butler's _Feyd-Rautha_ to rival Heath Ledger's _Joker_ . What I saw instead was a slightly homoerotic sadist, which is a let down, given how much hype there is around this performance. I saw the film with my two teenage daughters - both Chalamet AND Butler fans, of course, and the older of the two commented that Butler's performance was so cheesy she couldn't help laughing every time he was on screen. I don't share that view, but I agree that this Rautha wasn't particularly threatening. My question here is whether Rautha is as one-dimensional in the book as he is portrayed in other media. What I _was_ impressed by were the performances by Chalamet and Ferguson, not coincidentally, my favorite performances in the first film (although Stellan Skarsgård and Oscar Isaac also had me mesmerized). And although I missed the contemplative nature of the first film, I was impressed by the rhythm and economical nature of the film. I never got the impression that there were any unnecessary scenes in there. And yes, I loved it. And my daughters loved it too, their giggles notwithstanding.

[@DuneNewsNet]

Hah, now we can't unhear that. Regarding Feyd in the book; he's really only featured in a handful of chapters within the book, however those do contain a number of conversations and situations-not included in the movie-that offer some character development and insight into his motivation. For example, we see his scheme against The Baron play out and get more details on what a potential path to the throne would look like. As a whole, the Harkonnens get more "screentime" in the books. We should do an episode focusing on them at some point. Thanks for sharing your experience of Part Two, glad you all loved it overall.

[@FVD]

Flying from Perth to Sydney on Friday to see the film in IMAX over the weekend. Sad that Perth no longer has an IMAX screen. Also, while in Sydneytown, there's also the opportunity to see Dune 2 in 4DX too! 2 more days! And Final Fantasy VII Rebirth drops on the same day!! 😁👍

[@JamesSmith-hw6tl]

Rebecca F. and Austin B. both steal the movie. And Tim/Z are fantastic. That's how high the bar is. Great performances.

[@anthonyhughes5389]

Insanely intense and amazingly good....blown away. The action and battle scenes go so freaking hard....

[@trajanherr2630]

Wow the best theater experience I have ever had and probably the best movie I have ever seen. Still in disbelief.

[@tonyvincent9146]

Watching it in normal screening on Friday and then in iMAX on Saturday morning - can not wait for this movie!!

[@humbleopulence]

Oof, what a waste, my guy. Why not in the reverse order?

[@nic_el_loco]

I'm going to save your review until Thursday. ❤

[@DuneNewsNet]

Let us know what you think! Our spoiler discussion should also be out within a few days after Thursday.

[@bohebingbing1620]

love the content!

[@joaovictorkelima2551]

one of the most anticipated reviews for me is they didn't disappoint me in any way, the only thing missing was Mark and Garin to complete the party and it would have been a more perfect video

[@DuneNewsNet]

Appreciate your support! It will be larger group again once rest of the team see the movie (for some also the second or third viewing) and we can't wait to continue the discussions.

[@KnarfStein]

To me, taken together, D.V.'s Dune saga thus far is truly remarkable. But even on just the pure cinematic experience level, it's better than LotR or SW, because no other major filmmaker works so integrally with their production (and probably costume too) designer, DP, sound team, composer, and editor as D.V. He truly understand the raw power of cinema lies in image and sound. The dialogue is well-crafted and some of them are instant classics, but I agree with D.V. that the aspects of memorable films that first come to mind are the images.

[@AdeptCharon]

In regards to the Fremen language, The one in the films was invented for the films rather than being taken from the books, So if as Simon says the word for god in the movie's language is Denis, then that's just the creator of the language having some fun lol

[@Persillebalzm]

this

[@humbleopulence]

Could you comment on whether some of the crucial parts cut from the first film make an appearance in part two?

[@DuneNewsNet]

With Princess Irulan and Feyd-Rautha making their appearances in Part Two, we do get a number of elements from the book that weren't in the first film. There's also a lot more of the Harkonnens in general and we really get a good view of Fremen life. If you mean actual deleted scenes, as in the ones that were filmed and then cut out from the final movie, the only obvious one that returns is that Gurney does play the baliset in Part Two-although it's in a different context here.

[@humbleopulence]

@@DuneNewsNet ooh, I can already imagine the context of Gurney playing. There really can't be any other ;)) cheers for the info and thank you very much for avoiding spoilers! I personally feel that Part One was needlessly butchered for the sake of atmosphere and a cinematic runtime. I don't see why Denis couldn't deliver a 2 hour 40 min film with most of the missing elements kept in - but then again I'm not the type to linger on spaceships landing and people walking through hallways endlessly like Denis so unfortunately did in part one. There should've been a middle ground that wasn't explored because as it stands, part one is a bit too hollow and shallow for my tastes.

[@markrenton4101]

Can't wait tomorrow i will see this masterpierce on IMAX 👌🙏😊

[@argonout5]

Splitting hairs here 🙄. Glad we can agree it’s GOOD. No matter what you want it’s an AMAZING MOVIE. Going back this weekend double up on IMAX viewings.

[@jacksonbehrens461]

Seeing it on Friday woo

[@maciedixon3983]

Watching it in a few hours

[@JamesSmith-hw6tl]

Guys, check out Nerd Cookies spoiler review. She's disappointed. I disagreed with her. It's all though.

[@DuneNewsNet]

Thanks, we've watched it today. Really interesting to see various perspectives in the community, even with overall sentiment being extremely positive. Our full-spoiler review will also address some of these points, though from other angles. We'll be with a full house for the next show!

[@dianacooper186]

Reading the book . I hope I wont be to disappointed. Because I would love a scene in the movie haven't seen it yet where Paul takes the water of life!😮

[@monkitaa4praia864]

Can't listen to this…seeing the movie in about 2 hrs😮

[@DuneNewsNet]

Enjoy!

[@commonwunder]

For those that might’ve missed it. Dune is all about women. Women are the grand, all-powerful, scheming players and men are just the pawns. Men are either obstacles, or purely blunt instruments to women’s plans ( within plans ). The entire story revolves around one ‘Bene Gesserit’ - ‘the nuns of the future’, trying to ‘one up’ on her ( mother superior ) boss. She finally and successfully replaces all of her bosses pawns with her own. That’s the entire arc of the story. Men and their petty aims ( which were already placed in their minds by nuns anyway ) are just background furniture to all of this. “The sound and the fury - signifying nothing” Even the central male protagonist has to transcend his male limits and become a ‘’woman’. He has to become a ‘nun’ in order to be able to see the long-game and conquer, every other puny male he meets. Talented before, but once he becomes a woman, he’s suddenly god-like. This is the entire subplot of Dune. Once you gather this… you’re forced to look at the female 'love interest' character, the 'Villeneuve/Herbert collaboration' have given this trans-female protagonist. Is she the only female character not blessed with the vision and aptitude, for the long-game… yes, of course she is. As all of the other women are cool and calculating… did ‘they’ make her, consistently caught up the present moment, whiny and bad tempered, always the moody one… yes, of course they did. Luckily for previous moviegoers to this ( Lynch’s 1984 version ) epic. This character ( Chani ) was down played. They let the “Cassandra” element just lilt away. Not allowing her to be a diversion to the main action… ‘a boy’s journey to becoming a hero (nun) and finding his true purpose ( puppet of other nuns )’. ( With a bit of Freudian ‘self-doubt’ psychoanalysis thrown in ) With Villeneuve’s expert knowledge of the source material… he decided, to go ‘full moody’. Zendaya plays ‘anxiously temperamental’ to perfection. She pulls pouting face, upon pouting face, without a need to even pause. There’s a “I told you so” in her every frown, “you’re not a nun” in her every glance. This somehow downplays or spoils the enormity of the films exposition. It becomes a spat between two kids and the epic elements, are brought clunking to their knees. Because the grander narrative isn’t about them. For all of their infighting…you know one of the nuns is always going to be the ultimate winner. The films nods to religious propaganda and Machiavellian moves, by grown women is competing against a young women’s constant pouty face. It is jarringly obvious that whilst the hero fancied pouty face… the right move, was always to marry the princess. *Who just happens to also be a space-nun. So it’s a win-win for the space-nuns all round. Go space nuns!

[@terrancegibbs7533]

Hopefully they have the scene when they lose the baby

[@plo617]

I don't think the film has the same time skip as the book, unfortunately. Make of that what you will..

[@Yanel5795]

​@plo617 the time lapse has to happen or the story of a war becomes impossible

[@rob4926]

It doesn’t

[@plo617]

@@Yanel5795 Jessica will be pregnant with Alia throughout the film. That means no real time jump, no dead son and no believable rise of Paul to Fremen leadership. The film will rush through a bunch of plot. And it's crazy when you think that the combine runtime of Dune part 1&2 is longer than the scifi miniseries that released almost 25 years ago. So the defense that Denis didn't have enough time to include a time jump and (at least) Alia is preposterous.

[@Yanel5795]

@plo617 wow thats not good. You're telling me the fall of house Atreides to Paul becoming Emperor happens in less tha. 9 months? That's ridiculous. They could have easily included Alia, and she didn't have to have a large role in this film, but at least include her. That fact alone, no time jump, no alia makes me less excited for the film. I was pumped 10/10 now i am disappointed

[@jetsfan9115]

There are spoilers in this review

[@DuneNewsNet]

That should not be the case. We appreciate your feedback and it would help if you could send us a quick note about what you believe might be a spoiler. Feel free to reply here, send a note to our email address (see About section / links here), or direct message us on X /Twitter or Instagram. Throughout the whole recording we were very intentional not to include any spoilers for 'Dune: Part Two', exactly so that people who had only seen the first movie could watch this review without being concerned for spoilers. So far, we have not received any other feedback on this point, however understand that everyone is watching from a different perspective.

[@vladmods]

I will be seeing the movie the next weekend. That being said, I am not enthusiastic about the changes. The first movie has already proven that Villeneuve is prone to weird cuts and changes. I enjoyed the first movie, i've seen it multiple times and bought tickets to my friends, but it really needed at least 30 more minutes (dr. yueh, thufir, piter devries, the missing banquet scene etc.). Oh, and the gender and race swaps were odd.

[@Yanel5795]

What race swaps? The fremen are a dark wkon people based of north africans and arabs

[@drobinson-uo7ic]

I agree that Thufir and Piter got short changed in the first film. The banquet scene was important in the novel because it introduced the complex politics of the universe and the sophisticated strategy of different characters.

[@vladmods]

@@Yanel5795 ... Liet Kynes? As for the Fremen, they too should look more like Arabs.