‘Dune: Part Two’ picks up seamlessly from the first film, delving deeper into Paul’s dystopian dreams amid power struggles and emotional relationships. Zendaya, Javier Bardem, Rebecca Ferguson co-star.
By Dana Barbuto/Boston Movie News
“Dune: Part Two,” the highly-anticipated continuation of Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi masterpiece, seamlessly picks up the narrative where its predecessor left off.
Timothée Chalamet portrays messiah-in-the-making Paul Atreides, a chosen one who can see into the future. Also, he is blessed with a remarkable head of hair that defies the desert’s dryness. There’s not an ounce of frizz on those wavy tresses. But that’s neither hair(!) nor there. Chalamet’s Paul faces the daunting task of embodying the roles of warrior, mystic, and savior. That’s a lot of responsibility heaped upon those skinny shoulders. And, as he’s done in the past with his Oscar-nominated performance as a lovestruck teenager (“Call Me By Your Name”) or a charming chocolatier (“Wonka”), Chalamet handles all the physical and emotional requirements of the role with a commanding presence. Water might be scarce in the harsh desert of the planet Arrakis, but the camera drinks him in any way.
“Part Two” further explores Paul’s journey as he allies with Zendaya’s Chani and the Fremen, the freedom fighters of Arrakis who believe in his messianic destiny. The intricate plot unfolds against the backdrop of power struggles involving the monstrous House Harkonnen, led by the imposing Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård, looking like a cross between Fat Bastard and Jabba the Hutt) and his lunatic son, played by Austin Butler, looking like he walked straight out of the 1995 movie “Powder.”
While the script, co-written by Villeneuve (“Blade Runner 2049”) and Jon Spaihts (“Doctor Strange”), navigates the storyline capably, the dense language and lore of “Dune” may pose challenges for newcomers. Lisan al Gaib, Mahdi, and Muad’Dib? All Paul references, I think. The Water of Life gives those who imbibe superpowers? Right? And the Bene Gesserit? I give up.
While watching “Part Two,” I was often lost, yet fully able to predict what happens next. All this thinking and tracking comes amid a pulverizing Hans Zimmer score that invades one’s ears. Submission is the only option, and it’s easy to get swept away in this meticulously built world when your seat is rattling amid visually stunning pictures and superb Dolby sound. See it on the biggest screen possible. Watching Paul learn how to ride a giant sandworm like a waterskiing broncobuster was thrilling. Cowboy up, Paul! The Worm Unit (a real thing; watch the credits) earned their paychecks that day.
I also found engaging moments of unintentional humor. Lady Jessica’s (Rebecca Ferguson) face tats rival Post Malone’s, and she has this raspy-voiced outburst that’s straight out of a possession scene in a horror movie. No spinning heads, though. Watching Butler, as Feyd-Rautha, Paul’s primary antagonist, with his pale skin and blackened mouth, lick the blade of a knife was a welcome bit of camp. Elvis has indeed left the building.
Snark aside, the emotional core remains the evolving relationship between Paul and Chani, anchoring the narrative with genuine depth. In Zendaya’s hands, Chani is the story’s beating heart, a sincere and fierce warrior who’s got Paul’s back. “Part One” ends just as the two meet, and in “Part Two,” their union deepens. She guides Paul, teaching him the way of the Fremen, like how to walk in the sand without summoning the gigantic worms, who respond to rhythmic sounds. There’s some desert hanky-panky, too. But, as Paul leans into this whole messiah thing, Chani, well, she’s had enough of his power plays.
“Part Two” surpasses its predecessor, offering more intrigue, emotion, and action. Old faces reappear, with Javier Bardem, James Brolin, Charlotte Rampling, and Dave Bautista returning to the mix. Newcomers include Christopher Walken as the emperor, Florence Pugh as his daughter and empress-in-waiting, Lea Seydoux spices up the sisterhood, and Anya Taylor-Joy shows up to, well, no spoilers here.
Paul may not have bad hair days on Arrakis, but at the end of “Part Two,” he’s stepped in some deep shit. I’ll say no more except that I hope a third installment comes sooner rather than later.
‘Dune: Part Two ’
Screened Feb. 20 at AMC Boston Common
Rating: PG-13 for sequences of strong violence, some suggestive material, and brief strong language.
Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Florence Pugh, Léa Seydoux, Austin Butler, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Charlotte Rampling, Souheila Yacoub
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Writers: Denis Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts
Running time: 165 minutes
Where to watch: In theaters Friday
Grade: B
Boston Movie News 
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