Dune: Part 2 Parent Guide

With the destruction of House Atreides and the death of Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac) at the hands of Baron Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgard), backed by Emperor Shaddam IV (Christopher Walken), the fate of Arrakis is up in the air. It seems likely that the only planet known to produce the hallucinogenic Spice needed for interstellar travel will fall under the control of the Harkonnens, but for one thing: Paul Atreides and his mother, Jessica, survived the attack and fled into the desert for refuge with the indigenous Fremen militia.

Raids against Harkonnen Spice gathering have put pressure on both the Harkonnens and the Emperor, but Paul is after more than just the Spice of Arrakis. He wants revenge, and the Fremen are just the allies he needs. But his mother, a member of the shadowy Bene Gesserit, is more interested in making an ancient prophesy come true, a prophesy that would see Paul take the throne of the Emperor and pursue a massive Holy War against their enemies – something Paul still hopes to avoid.

There’s been no drop-off in quality since the last film, I’m pleased to report. The incredible sense of scale and force that made the first entry so visually impactful is still present, and Hans Zimmer’s brilliant score continues to bring a sense of brooding significance to these massive events. But there’s more to this movie than some cool explosions, big spaceships, and good tunes. Paul is increasingly forced into difficult choices which demand that he either embrace his destiny and cause billions of deaths across the stars, or vanish into obscurity, letting his father’s killers go free.

While the narrative certainly fosters worthwhile character development, it also drags down the pacing. This sequel is a two-and-a-half hour movie, and it certainly feels like one. It also suffers from being the second film in what is clearly intended to be a trilogy, which is always a difficult position to be in as a film. You need to resolve enough to keep the story running, but not so much that you cheat yourself out of a third film. Villeneuve does a good job walking that tightrope, but I still noticed a little more drag in the film’s flow than I did the first time around.

Don’t be deterred by my minor gripes – Dune Part 2 is an excellent sci-fi offering, and it certainly justifies the ludicrous number of showings I’ve seen at local theaters. If other reviews are anything to go by, then this is going to be another big hit. My advice? See it on the biggest screen you can – and with the smallest drink you think you need. It’s a long movie without any good bathroom breaks, so plan accordingly.