• Latest
  • Trending
Dune Part Two Review

Dune: Part Two Review – Visual Splendor and Mythic Storytelling

A Widow's Game Review

A Widow’s Game Review: Three Perspectives on a Dark Deed

Terrifier-4

Damien Leone Pledges Epic Backstory Reveal in Terrifier 4

5 hours ago
Mountainhead

Armstrong’s Tech Billionaire Black Comedy Mountainhead Goes Live on Max at 3 a.m. ET

5 hours ago
Donald J. Trump and diddy

Donald Trump Open to Diddy Pardon Amid Sex-Trafficking Trial

5 hours ago
Karate Kid: Legends

Jonathan Entwistle on Crafting a Standalone Karate Kid Tale with a Nostalgic Twist

6 hours ago
Your Friends and Neighbors

Apple TV+ Fast-Tracks Your Friends and Neighbors Season 2 for Spring 2026

6 hours ago
Day of Reckoning Review

Day of Reckoning Review: Archetypes Under Pressure in a Modern West

The Hunt Review

The Hunt Review: Charting 13 Years of Trauma and Division

Destination X Review

Destination X Review: A Game of Veiled Realities

Spray Paint Simulator Review

Spray Paint Simulator Review: Coating the Town, One Careful Layer at a Time

Tim Travers the Time Travelers Paradox Review

Tim Travers & the Time Travelers Paradox Review: Samuel Dunning Stars (and Stars, and Stars…)

Earnhardt Review

Earnhardt Review: The Anatomy of a NASCAR Titan

  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Gazettely Review Guidelines
Saturday, May 31, 2025
GAZETTELY
  • Home
  • Movie and TV News
    Terrifier-4

    Damien Leone Pledges Epic Backstory Reveal in Terrifier 4

    Mountainhead

    Armstrong’s Tech Billionaire Black Comedy Mountainhead Goes Live on Max at 3 a.m. ET

    Donald J. Trump and diddy

    Donald Trump Open to Diddy Pardon Amid Sex-Trafficking Trial

    Karate Kid: Legends

    Jonathan Entwistle on Crafting a Standalone Karate Kid Tale with a Nostalgic Twist

    Your Friends and Neighbors

    Apple TV+ Fast-Tracks Your Friends and Neighbors Season 2 for Spring 2026

    the last of us season 2

    Laughs and Gasps: Fans Split on The Last of Us Season-Finale Tone

    Russell Brand

    Russell Brand Denies Historic Rape Charges in London Court

    Ming-Na Wen

    California-Shot “Mandalorian & Grogu” Eyes May Debut, Casting Rumors Swirl

    Nine Puzzles

    Disney+ Crime Hit Nine Puzzles Races Past Records in First Week

  • Movie and TV Reviews
    A Widow's Game Review

    A Widow’s Game Review: Three Perspectives on a Dark Deed

    Day of Reckoning Review

    Day of Reckoning Review: Archetypes Under Pressure in a Modern West

    The Hunt Review

    The Hunt Review: Charting 13 Years of Trauma and Division

    Destination X Review

    Destination X Review: A Game of Veiled Realities

    Tim Travers the Time Travelers Paradox Review

    Tim Travers & the Time Travelers Paradox Review: Samuel Dunning Stars (and Stars, and Stars…)

    Earnhardt Review

    Earnhardt Review: The Anatomy of a NASCAR Titan

    The Ritual Review

    The Ritual Review: An Unsettled Echo in a Somber Chamber

    Dept. Q Review

    Dept. Q Review: Edinburgh’s Gloom and a Detective’s Fractured Soul

    And Just Like That... Season 3 Review

    And Just Like That… Season 3 Review: A Stylish Step Forward, But Does It Go Far Enough?

  • Game Reviews
    Spray Paint Simulator Review

    Spray Paint Simulator Review: Coating the Town, One Careful Layer at a Time

    F1 25 Review

    F1 25 Review: A Stunning Drive, If You Have the Right Rig

    Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo Review

    Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo Review: Whip-Smart Mechanics and Pixel Charm

    Elden Ring Nightreign Review

    Elden Ring Nightreign Review: Condensed Chaos for Tarnished Veterans

    Scar-Lead Salvation Review

    Scar-Lead Salvation Review: An Anime Perspective on a Rogue-like Path

    Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 Review

    Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 Review: The Taranis’s Final, Heartfelt Song

    Death end re;Quest Code Z Review

    Death end re;Quest Code Z Review: A Perilous Loop of Progress

    Wings of Endless Review

    Wings of Endless Review: More Than Just a Flight of Fancy?

    Creature Keeper Review

    Creature Keeper Review: A Keeper’s Tale of Ambition and Issues

  • The Bests
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Movie and TV News
    Terrifier-4

    Damien Leone Pledges Epic Backstory Reveal in Terrifier 4

    Mountainhead

    Armstrong’s Tech Billionaire Black Comedy Mountainhead Goes Live on Max at 3 a.m. ET

    Donald J. Trump and diddy

    Donald Trump Open to Diddy Pardon Amid Sex-Trafficking Trial

    Karate Kid: Legends

    Jonathan Entwistle on Crafting a Standalone Karate Kid Tale with a Nostalgic Twist

    Your Friends and Neighbors

    Apple TV+ Fast-Tracks Your Friends and Neighbors Season 2 for Spring 2026

    the last of us season 2

    Laughs and Gasps: Fans Split on The Last of Us Season-Finale Tone

    Russell Brand

    Russell Brand Denies Historic Rape Charges in London Court

    Ming-Na Wen

    California-Shot “Mandalorian & Grogu” Eyes May Debut, Casting Rumors Swirl

    Nine Puzzles

    Disney+ Crime Hit Nine Puzzles Races Past Records in First Week

  • Movie and TV Reviews
    A Widow's Game Review

    A Widow’s Game Review: Three Perspectives on a Dark Deed

    Day of Reckoning Review

    Day of Reckoning Review: Archetypes Under Pressure in a Modern West

    The Hunt Review

    The Hunt Review: Charting 13 Years of Trauma and Division

    Destination X Review

    Destination X Review: A Game of Veiled Realities

    Tim Travers the Time Travelers Paradox Review

    Tim Travers & the Time Travelers Paradox Review: Samuel Dunning Stars (and Stars, and Stars…)

    Earnhardt Review

    Earnhardt Review: The Anatomy of a NASCAR Titan

    The Ritual Review

    The Ritual Review: An Unsettled Echo in a Somber Chamber

    Dept. Q Review

    Dept. Q Review: Edinburgh’s Gloom and a Detective’s Fractured Soul

    And Just Like That... Season 3 Review

    And Just Like That… Season 3 Review: A Stylish Step Forward, But Does It Go Far Enough?

  • Game Reviews
    Spray Paint Simulator Review

    Spray Paint Simulator Review: Coating the Town, One Careful Layer at a Time

    F1 25 Review

    F1 25 Review: A Stunning Drive, If You Have the Right Rig

    Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo Review

    Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo Review: Whip-Smart Mechanics and Pixel Charm

    Elden Ring Nightreign Review

    Elden Ring Nightreign Review: Condensed Chaos for Tarnished Veterans

    Scar-Lead Salvation Review

    Scar-Lead Salvation Review: An Anime Perspective on a Rogue-like Path

    Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 Review

    Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 Review: The Taranis’s Final, Heartfelt Song

    Death end re;Quest Code Z Review

    Death end re;Quest Code Z Review: A Perilous Loop of Progress

    Wings of Endless Review

    Wings of Endless Review: More Than Just a Flight of Fancy?

    Creature Keeper Review

    Creature Keeper Review: A Keeper’s Tale of Ambition and Issues

  • The Bests
No Result
View All Result
GAZETTELY
No Result
View All Result
Dune Part Two Review

Good Morning, Verônica Season 3 Review: Sensationalism Undermines Early Nuance in Dark Finale

qomp2 Review: Pong Ball's Escape to Freedom

Home Entertainment Movies

Dune: Part Two Review – Visual Splendor and Mythic Storytelling

Villeneuve Expands the Mythology and Raises the Stakes

Naser Nahandian by Naser Nahandian
1 year ago
in Entertainment, Movies, Reviews
Reading Time: 6 mins read
A A
0
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on PinterestShare on WhatsAppShare on Telegram

It feels like we just left the desert world of Arrakis yesterday. For those who need a refresher after the epic that was 2021’s Dune, here’s a quick recap. Based on Frank Herbert’s classic sci-fi novels, Part One followed young Paul Atreides and his noble family as they took over control of the remote desert planet and its precious export, the mind-enhancing spice melange. But they were soon betrayed and attacked by their rivals, the ruthless Harkonnens. After his father was killed, Paul escaped into the desert with his mother Lady Jessica. Which brings us to where Part Two picks up.

Denis Villeneuve’s eagerly awaited sequel wastes no time throwing us right back into the action. Paul and Lady Jessica have taken refuge with the Fremen, Arrakis’ tough desert dwellers. But the vengeful Harkonnens are consolidating power and trying to wipe out the Fremen resistance.

As Paul gains favor among the Fremen and starts embracing his foretold destiny as their prophetical messiah, an epic showdown begins to take shape. Will Paul choose compromise or all-out war against the forces that destroyed his family? And can he control the jihad he sees in his apocalyptic visions? Gorgeously filmed and pulsing with tense drama, Dune: Part Two delivers the thrills with a mythic scale befitting the endless sands of Arrakis.

A Visual Feast Across the Stars

It’s no secret that Dune is one of the most gorgeous sci-fi film franchises ever made. Denis Villeneuve somehow manages to top himself in Part Two, delivering breathtaking vistas and visually imaginative sequences that live up to the first film’s Oscar-winning cinematography and production design.

Cinematographer Greig Fraser finds clever ways to portray the immense scale and tactile reality of Herbert’s worlds, from the blazing orange vistas of Arrakis to the stark obsidian architecture of the Harkonnen home planet. The exterior shots make us feel insignificantly small under the expanse of sky and sand, while close-ups of weathered faces and hands evoke gritty texture. Villeneuve deftly alternates between macro and micro visual language. When not bathing his sets in natural light, he creates striking color palettes for each faction, from the Harkonnens’ hellish red infernos to the Fremen’s earthy umbers.

Fans eagerly awaiting more action won’t be disappointed. The movie packs exhilarating battles between Harkonnen harvesters and Paul’s guerilla Fremen, who burst from the sands wielding knives and spears against armor and lasers. It’s a brilliant blend of ancient and futuristic modes of combat. The celebrated sandworms also make memorable appearances, such as during a ritualistic ride that cements Paul’s godlike status among the Fremen. Even quiet scenes like Paul and Chani’s moonlit walk crackle with tense chemistry.

With so many competing visual signatures across the Dune universe, Villeneuve harmonizes them masterfully while saving the best for later. I already can’t wait to see what he dreams up for Part Three!

Standout Stars Anchor the Saga

Any blockbuster lives or dies by the strength of its performances. Luckily for Dune fans, the cast delivers in spades again. Leading man Timothée Chalamet anchors the film with a muscular turn as Paul Atreides. The young actor portrays both Paul’s charismatic messiah side and his conflicted inner turmoil with equal aplomb. One moment he’s rallying the crowds with righteous conviction, the next he’s brooding over the bloodshed to come. His chemistry with Zendaya’s Fremen warrior Chani adds tender notes to temper Paul’s hubris.

Dune: Part Two Review

The supporting players also impress. Rebecca Ferguson expands Lady Jessica’s steely cunning as she ruthlessly maneuvers all the pieces into place. Stellan Skarsgård, meanwhile, grows ever more grotesque as the floating, sap-addicted Baron Harkonnen. His scenes drip with decadent menace. Of the new additions, Austin Butler makes a striking impression as the feral baddie Feyd-Rautha, while Florence Pugh’s calculating Princess Irulan promises to play a bigger role later.

By populating his space opera with distinct, multidimensional characters portrayed by pedigreed talents, Villeneuve ensures that the human drama resonates as much as the visual feasts. We believe in these people and their high stakes journeys, which makes their triumphs, betrayals and sacrifices cut all the deeper. It’s a principal ingredient that elevates Dune above hollow CGI spectacle into the realms of classic mythology.

“Immerse yourself in the haunting mystery of Hitogata with our The Shell Part II: Purgatorio review. Uncover the dark secrets and chilling atmosphere of this detective noir adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat.”

Expanding the Saga’s Ideas and Emotional Resonance

While the visual craftsmanship steals the spotlight, Dune would be mere empty spectacle without the thoughtful themes that give its imaginative world depth and nuance. Part Two continues expanding the intricate lore and sociopolitics of Herbert’s universe. We visit new planets and factions, getting a sharper picture of the complex dynamics vying for influence. But the film also makes time for more personal arcs.

Dune: Part Two Review

At the core lies Timothée Chalamet’s emotional performance as Paul Atreides. His messianic rise among the Fremen sees him wrestling with questions of vengeance versus compromise, pragmatism versus idealism. Mystical visions show him the religious crusades that could spring from his actions. Paul must weigh his loyalty to family legacy against the greater good of Arrakis’ natives in determining how to oppose the imperialist Harkonnens. It’s a balancing act full of compelling shades of gray.

Indeed, Part Two avoids simplistic “white savior” tropes by emphasizing the Fremen’s indelible ties to Arrakis that Paul can never fully inherit as an outsider. Zendaya represents this perspective well as Chani, urging Paul not to arrogantly assume leadership but earn the Fremen’s trust. Villeneuve could still dig deeper into the implications of Paul and Lady Jessica usurping the tribe’s spiritual traditions, but he allows some nuance and criticism.

As the centerpiece to Villeneuve’s intended trilogy, Part Two also has tricky narrative duties. It can’t just retread the beats of Part One, yet it can’t rush to a definitive climax when Part Three must follow. Overall it strikes that balance well, keeping interest high and saving the real fireworks for later without an overly awkward cliffhanger. Once the full arc sees completion, this middle chapter should feel right at home.

Sonic Landscapes as Epic as the Visuals

A true theatrical experience engages all the senses, and Dune understands sound’s crucial role in immersing us within onscreen worlds. Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer returns to gift Part Two with another enveloping score that amplifies the emotional stakes. His mix of Middle Eastern-inspired textures, heavenly choral tones, and thunderous percussion grounds us amidst the shifting desert sands.

Dune: Part Two Review

The music paints tonal contrasts between factions. Scenes in Harkonnen strongholds simmer with industrial mechanizations and ominous choirs, the diesel-punk sounds matching their stark hellscape aesthetic. Meanwhile lilting woodwinds score the Fremen’s agile battlefield movements with twirling, mystic energy. It’s a compelling clash of civilizations audibly rendered.

When not leaning on Zimmer’s compositions, the film foregrounds natural ambience to heighten realism. The desert winds, creaking machinery, and dialog shouts sound crisp and directional rather than drowned in cacophony. Every step and swish of a blade cuts through with visceral clarity. Foley artists even craft signature sounds for the crackling energy beams and creature growls.

These audio details demonstrate the all-encompassing care that Denis Villeneuve invests into articulating his vision of Herbert’s universe. Dune: Part Two doesn’t just look and feel real, it sounds real too, and that palpable authenticity makes buying into its expansive fiction that much easier.

An Imperfect yet Rapturous Middle Chapter

As the bridge between Denis Villeneuve’s series-opening act and its upcoming climactic conclusion, Dune: Part Two has its flaws. Certain characters like Florence Pugh’s Princess Irulan still feel underserved. The film could have more fully addressed thorny themes about imperialism and indigenous rights. And with another chapter still to come, the story can’t yet deliver definitive closure or catharsis.

Dune: Part Two Review

Yet most of those quibbles fade away when weighed against everything Part Two accomplishes. Visually and sonically, this is world-building craftsmanship at its most refined. The performances lend psychological depth even when the script brushes past opportunities for complexity. Viewers new to the saga may still feel occasional confusion, but moments of grand spectacle should inspire seeking context. And for devoted fans of Frank Herbert’s novel, Part Two marks an affectionate translation rather than the hatchet jobs of old.

Whatever reservations one might harbor about the ending, it leaves the trilogy perched for a monumental finale. Major pieces are perfectly placed across Villeneuve’s cosmic chessboard. As we eagerly await the director’s endgame maneuvers in Part Three, Dune continues feeling like the proverbial “unfilmable” epic finally done justice on a suitably grand canvas. Given the scope and skill evident so far, I suspect the best is yet to come.

The Review

Dune: Part Two

9 Score

With gorgeously realized visuals and high drama befitting its epic scope, Dune: Part Two delivers an exhilarating middle chapter that expands the saga’s vision while leaving fans eager for a powerful finale.

PROS

  • Breathtaking visuals and cinematography
  • Hans Zimmer's stirring musical score
  • Strong performances by Chalamet, Zendaya, Skarsgård, etc.
  • Expands worldbuilding and lore of Dune universe
  • Ambitious themes related to power and destiny
  • Exhilarating action sequences and set pieces

CONS

  • Underserves some new characters like Irulan
  • Could dig deeper on imperialism commentary
  • Ending leaves story unfinished without full closure

Review Breakdown

  • Overall 0
Tags: AdventureAustin ButlerCale BoyterChristopher WalkenDenis VilleneuveDuneDune: Part TwoFeaturedFlorence PughGreig FraserHans ZimmerJon SpaihtsJoseph M. Caracciolo Jr.Mary ParentRebecca FergusonSci-FiStellan SkarsgårdTimothée ChalametZendaya
Previous Post

Good Morning, Verônica Season 3 Review: Sensationalism Undermines Early Nuance in Dark Finale

Next Post

qomp2 Review: Pong Ball’s Escape to Freedom

Try AI Movie Recommender

Gazettely AI Movie Recommender

This Week's Top Reads

  • The Librarians: The Next Chapter

    The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 1 Review – Bridging Eras with Spellbinding Charm

    26 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Death Valley Review: A Witty Welsh Wander into Cosy Crime

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Boglands Review: Shadows and Whispers in the Irish Mist

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Cannes Film Festival 2025 — Complete Winners List

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Nine Puzzles Season 1 Review: Puzzle Pieces, Pain, and Police Procedurals

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • MobLand Season 1 Review: Family Ties and Underworld Intrigues

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The Better Sister Season 1 Review: Not Quite a Killer Thriller

    6 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Must Read Articles

Destination X Review
Entertainment

Destination X Review: A Game of Veiled Realities

14 hours ago
Earnhardt Review
Entertainment

Earnhardt Review: The Anatomy of a NASCAR Titan

15 hours ago
The Ritual Review
Entertainment

The Ritual Review: An Unsettled Echo in a Somber Chamber

2 days ago
Dept. Q Review
Entertainment

Dept. Q Review: Edinburgh’s Gloom and a Detective’s Fractured Soul

2 days ago
And Just Like That... Season 3 Review
Entertainment

And Just Like That… Season 3 Review: A Stylish Step Forward, But Does It Go Far Enough?

2 days ago
Loading poll ...
Coming Soon
Who is the best director in the horror thriller genre?

Gazettely is your go-to destination for all things gaming, movies, and TV. With fresh reviews, trending articles, and editor picks, we help you stay informed and entertained.

© 2021-2024 All Rights Reserved for Gazettely

What’s Inside

  • Movie & TV Reviews
  • Game Reviews
  • Featured Articles
  • Latest News
  • Editorial Picks

Quick Links

  • Home
  • About US
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise with Us
  • Review Guidelines

Follow Us

Facebook X-twitter Youtube Instagram
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Movies
  • Entertainment News
  • Movie and TV Reviews
  • TV Shows
  • Game News
  • Game Reviews
  • Contact Us

© 2024 All Rights Reserved for Gazettely

Go to mobile version