Dune

I’m really glad I finally got to see Dune on the big screen after such a long time—it truly demands that massive canvas! I’m not familiar with Herbert’s book or the 1984 film, so I had some mild concerns about whether I’d be able to fully enjoy this experience. Fortunately, the film makes an effort to explain everything in detail to viewers unfamiliar with this world and its mythology (sure, some things are still a bit unclear, but that’s unavoidable). But let’s talk about the film itself. Visually and sonically, it’s an absolutely breathtaking spectacle. I haven’t seen a cinematic product so masterfully crafted in a long time; it warms your heart. The subplots kept me engaged, and no character really bothered me (Jason Momoa was the MVP, and Stellan Skarsgård as Baron was top-notch!). Zimmer’s bombastic orchestral score added the perfect touch. Perhaps the open-ended ending is a bit disappointing, promising a more intense second part that may unfortunately never come. We’ll see how profitable Dune turns out to be in the end. It might not be a flawless film, but it certainly met the high expectations of a well-crafted autumn blockbuster. And for that, I’m happy. 8/10 (21.10.2021)

Denis Villeneuve ends his personal "sci-fi trilogy" in pompous style. Concerns about too much plot or character superficiality are completely unnecessary, as this Villeneuve version has a huge heart alongside its majestic aesthetic. All the weight that Chalamet's character carries is vividly palpable, and Rebecca Ferguson excels as the caring mother (who shares that weight with him). So does Jason Momoa, who has perhaps his best role ever here. In general, the entire casting is ultra-successful, and Hans Zimmer's boisterous tones combined with the orgiastic visuals give you (more than) one pleasant shiver. If Villeneuve makes a sequel at least this good, his adaptation will become a cult classic. [90%] (23.10.2021)

My expectations were really high, but I ended up getting so much more. Dune is an absolute masterpiece, the best science fiction in years, with an amazing cast and Zimmer’s excellent score. It’s audio-visually polished and made for the big screen, even though it is "only" an intro to the upcoming second part. Most importantly, it’s a film that you have to see in a theater! Without the big screen and high-fidelity sound, you would be robbed of one of the best cinematic experiences in years. (26.10.2021)