2021’s Dune took the world by storm as it adapted Frank Herbert’s novel into a big screen sci-fi epic. Fans had to wait a few years, but Dune: Part 2 has hit theaters, bringing the second half of the book to life. Was this continuation worth the wait, or is it as dry as the deserts of Arrakis? Let’s dive deep into this vast universe to find out.

The Good

Dune: Part 2 is easily one of the most visually stunning movies ever made. This is due to the gorgeous cinematography, realistic special effects, spectacular costume design, and insanely impressive production design. Each of these elements work together to create an immersive experience like none other. It’s worth experiencing on the biggest screen possible for this reason alone.

The movie sounds just as fantastic as it looks. The sound design, whether it be ornithopters taking flight, thumpers pounding the ground to summon a sandworm, or an explosion causing destruction, further pulls the audience into this world. Even though most of these elements only exist in the Dune universe, the sound is designed in a way that sounds alien-yet-appropriate for what they are. The score is unique and sounds absolutely beautiful. The sound design and the score work together to create something that sounds strange but matches exactly how this world should sound.

This sequel greatly improves upon one of the biggest issues with the first film. The first Dune was not exactly the friendliest to newcomers who hadn’t previously read the book. It was spectacular to look at, but a little hard to understand without multiple viewings or reading a Wikipedia page. This movie, thankfully, is much easier to follow without having read the novel. In fact, it even helps clear up some of the details in the first one. Actually being able to follow the plot in its entirety allows the movie to be much more entertaining. 

The world-building throughout the movie is brilliant. We see how the various cultures operate without ever being explicitly told. This universe feels vast, but the world-building is done in a way that the audience feels like they’re a part of it and that they belong in it. It makes it that much easier to get invested in this world and the story.

This movie is extremely action-packed. Fights with blades, bombs, guns, and even sandworms all compel the audience to sit on the edge of their seats. The use of large war scenes and smaller one-on-one battles keeps the action feeling fresh throughout the whole film. Every action scene is well-choreographed and extremely suspenseful.

The acting from the entire cast is amazing. They’re all massively talented and add a lot of emotion and unique personality to their roles. Austin Butler, who portrays Feyd-Rautha, completely stole the show whenever he was on screen, which is saying something considering the film’s stacked cast.

The Bad

Frustratingly enough, the movie ends on a cliffhanger. It’s not some random place to end; it does feel like this part of the overall story is complete. Where this and the first movie adapt the first Dune novel in its entirety and the next movie will go on to adapt the next book, it feels off that they left it on a cliffhanger. It’s likely just to keep the movies flowing into the next one and so the next one feels necessary, but it’s still not always fun to be left hanging.

There are some areas in which some extra explanation could have been used for the folks who haven’t read the book yet. The names of certain characters, places, and groups are said, but it’s not always clear who or what is being talked about. It’s also worth noting that a couple of characters’ motivations aren’t totally clear. If there was more time given, some things would have felt more clear.

There’s a point during the film’s climax in which Paul assures the Emperor that his bloodline will remain intact. Why does Paul care? He’s actively trying to overthrow him and take power. It probably would have been easier just to take him down with his army. The reason is likely that this is the specific “path” Paul saw in his vision, but maybe the audience should be shown that. They make a point of showing the same vision several times throughout the movie in which someone is on all-fours starving to death; one of those times could have been a vision relevant to the decision to marry someone who isn’t his love interest.

The film’s long length is certainly felt. There are some movies that are just as long or even longer that don’t feel like it. This one, however, had me checking my watch around the 2-hour mark. If a movie is long and also has long, lingering still shots, those shots can be shortened. If the pacing was cleaned up a bit then this wouldn’t feel like as much of an issue.

Conclusion

Dune: Part 2 is a visual treat that must be seen on the big screen. Everything looks and sounds phenomenally. It’s also an exciting time throughout due to its story and action sequences, outside of a few slower, more dull moments. The world-building goes deep into this universe that’s worth exploring. Like the first movie, there are issues with the pacing, which then causes other issues itself. This movie is incredible in just about every sense of the word, but perhaps Dune would have been better off adapting into a TV series instead of just a few movies. Regardless, it’s still a grand spectacle filled with immense talent.

Rating: 9/10

Read Next: Floating Head Movie Posters Need to Stop