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DUNE: PART TWO

Dune: Part Two is a jaw-dropping movie that sent thrills through my spine as it follows Paul Atredes and the Freemen. The film opens your eyes to the beauty of the desert while keeping you on your toes with stellar fight sequences and war scenes.

Dune: Part Two starts where the first movie ended, with Paul Atredes (Timothee Chalamet) and his mother (Rebecca Ferguson) having joined Chani (Zendaya) and the Freemen. Seeking revenge against those who have hurt his family, Paul learns the way of the Freemen to gain their trust and respect, falling in love along the way. When the threat resurfaces, Paul and the Freemen must work together to regain their land and prevail over the House of Harkonnen.

Director Denis Villeneuve outdoes himself with Dune: Part Two. His collaboration of brilliant storytelling with world creation and surreal cinematography makes it a movie that audiences will remember long after watching. This movie gave me a new appreciation for the desert, primarily due to how cinematographer Greig Fraser shoots the landscapes. The beginning of the film, with the shots of the sand and the visuals of the red sun setting with the dunes in the background, is breathtaking to watch on the big screen. But the visuals don't stop with the sequences of the sand, as the visual effects are absolutely incredible. Although there are some moments where I could tell that CGI plays a part in creating the setting, most of the CGI is outstanding. The fight sequences are some of the best I've ever seen and definitely kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The movie is very long, at two hours and 46 minutes, and I admit that it feels a bit long near the end. Some characters and plot lines seem to be extraneous to the overall story. For example, Feyd-Rautha Hakkunnen (Austin Butler), although visually very compelling and greatly acted, seems to be somewhat unnecessary. My favorite character is Stilgar (Javier Bardem), as he brings a much-needed amount of humor to an otherwise dark story. Every actor in this film delivers amazing performances, but Chalamet and Ferguson really blew me away. Their acting is phenomenal and makes you empathize with their characters while also fearing them. The background score, by Hans Zimmer, helps transport audiences to the world of Dune and embellishes the beauty of cinematography, making the movie more jaw-dropping.

Dune: Part Two promotes respect and trust, but most importantly, the value of staying true to yourself. A large part of the story is Paul Atredes's difficulty understanding who he is and the Freemen's perception of his role in their society, causing internal conflicts in Paul's head. Once he becomes vulnerable and accepts his destiny everything becomes more clear, not only for him but for the audience as well. Be aware that the movie is very violent at times and involves many fight scenes involving weapons and blood and other disturbing visuals.

I give Dune: Part Two 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters March 1, 2024.

By Emma D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Dune: Part Two is one of the best produced films I have ever seen. The cinematography, casting, direction and special effects are all phenomenal. The filmmakers have paid intricate attention to detail and it shows throughout the movie.

The film follows two strong-willed lovers who are among the many fighters on the planet Arrakis. Paul wants to destroy the people who killed his family, but foresees a dangerous future. That same force is messing with his mind and may ruin his plan to save their people.

Some of your favorite actors are in Dune: Part Two! The main characters are Paul or Uzul (Timothée Chalamet), Chani (Zendaya), Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), Stilgar (Javier Bardem), Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler), Beast Rabban (Dave Bautista) and Emperor (Christopher Walken). The casting is fantastic; each actor compliments their characters beautifully and believably. I felt many emotions while watching it because of the great acting. When Chani is hurt by Uzul's sudden change of mind, the air feels tense and her anger is shown. Also, Uzul's mom, Jessica, is mysterious and changes her personality when she drinks the poison. This film is so well-produced. I am beyond amazed by the quality of the production. The camerawork captures the scenes so well, especially when they are in the desert. The special effects are mind-blowing, like when Uzul and Chani blow up multiple helicopters. The machine they are running from looks incredibly realistic and threatening. When Uzul has visions, the special effects are well-displayed. We learn that, by consuming Spice, the people on Arrakis can see the future. You know when they are seeing the future because their eyes turn blue. This film exceeds all my expectations and explores science fiction beautifully. The pacing is perhaps a bit off, but you might expect some slow parts since it is nearly three hours long! A lot of hard work went into creating this film. I highly recommend watching Dune: Part One to understand the concepts, the characters and their backstories. Dune: Part 2 picks up right where Dune: Part One left off. These two films really bring the Dune books to life. I applaud the director, Denis Villeneuve, for creating such admirable work. My favorite part of the film is when Paul (or Uzul) learns to ride a huge sandworm. The special effects are remarkable because you feel as if you are on the sandworm with him - the wind rushes, the sand flies everywhere, and the motion of the sandworm is smooth. It looks incredibly realistic and it shows how far CGI has come.

The film's message is to have hope and to always believe it can happen. Paul's hope carries him throughout his fights and he constantly encourages the others to believe that they can do it. He also tells his mother to not give them false hope over a prophecy. Be aware that this film has mature concepts, a lot of violence, profanity, and bloody scenes.

I give Dune: Part Two 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Dune: Part Two releases in theaters March 1, 2024.

By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

The story of Dune is back with a sequel to the 2021 film, Dune: Part One. Dune: Part Two is action-packed, visually stunning, and matches the dynamic energy and format as the first film. It also has breathtaking scenery, amazing performances, and an engaging storyline.

Continuing the storyline of Frank Herbert's science fiction novels, Dune: Part Two follows Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) after the happenings in the first film where the Atreides family was defeated. In this film, Paul works hard to protect the Arrakis people. We learn more about Paul's visions and the prophecy that is said to revolve around Paul.

There are many focal points of this film so there are a few main characters besides Paul. The acting in this film is terrific. Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya make for an amazing acting duo throughout the film, and the rest of the cast's performance, including Austin Butler as Feyd-Ratha Harrakum helps move the story along. The visuals are stunning, with the desert landscape, incredible set designs, and mind-blowing special effects. The cinematography, storyline, sets, and overall design come together perfectly to create a truly well-made film. The story is very adventurous -- sci-fi film lovers will be fascinated and interested. The costumes perfectly match the setting and, in a way, tell their own story. Dune: Part Two takes you on an emotional rollercoaster which is expected based on the content in Part One. As much as I enjoyed this film, it is almost three hours long and it seems to lack a lot of context and dialogue. I definitely recommend seeing the first movie before this one.

Dune: Part Two is all about trust, bravery and hope. Paul is challenged with keeping his family's legacy, leading Arrakis, and facing the future he sees in his visions. To protect those who he cares about most, he must be brave. He must have hope for the future despite its dangers and risks. And he must trust others as well as himself to do what he has to do. Parents should be aware that there is a lot of graphic violence and suggestive scenes.

I give Dune: Part Two 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Dune: Part Two opens in theaters March 1, 2024.

By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

The film Dune: Part Two is an action film set in the year 10191. This film is faster paced and creepier than Dune: Part One. I was a little confused during parts of it and found the story hard to follow.

The storyline follows Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) as he attempts to learn the ways of the Fremen after the House of Atreides has fallen. Paul receives visions and knows that if he travels south a Holy War will begin. He also knows that the only way to bring people together to overpower the Emperor and the other eight houses is to allow people to believe he is "The One."

While this film is set in the future, the sword fights and battles scenes remind me of war scenes from the past. Don't worry; there is plenty of sci-fi throughout the film as well, with the costume design, eerie music and floating characters, such as Baron (Stellan Skarsgard). My favorite part of the film is the developing love story between Paul Atreides and Chani (Zendaya). I am so happy that Chani is a more prominent character in Dune: Part Two than her minimal part in Paul's visions during Part One. The way Paul Atreides asks for the emperor's daughter's hand in marriage has me thinking there is a Dune: Part Three in store for us.

The film's message is that sometimes you have to sacrifice your wants and needs for the wants and needs of the group. Paul doesn't want to abandon Chani but he knows that if he travels south toward the fundamentalists, he will have to lead and that will bring trouble between them. He knows he must do it anyway. Note that this film has violent content, gore and is a bit creepy and scary.

I give Dune: Part Two 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This film releases in theaters March 1, 2024.

By Avalynn G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 10

Wow! Just saw this in IMAX, which really delivers the visuals in a breathtaking way, especially the desert scenes. I loved Part One and this is twice as good, perhaps because the storyline is more developed or so it seems.

The story revolves around Paul Atreides' mythical journey as he reunites with Chani (Zendaya) and the Freman seeking revenge for the insurgents who murdered his family. Paul has to prove himself to the Freman by undertaking several tasks, including riding a sandworm - and he calls the largest one ever seen. After a two-year conflict, Paul eventually emerges victorious and successfully deposes the Emperor. The Emperor picks Feyd Rautha (Austin Butler) as his champion to duel Paul for the universe's fate. In the end, Paul abandons the love of his life and claims Princess Irulan as his bride, while sending the Freman out into the universe to start a war against the great houses.

This second installment, based on Frank Herbert's books brings with it lots of questions about Paul and the Arrakis. It adds some key characters to the already splendid cast such as Austin Butler playing the evil Feyd Rautha and Florence Pugh playing Irulan. Emperor Shaddam IV is played by Christopher Walken. Lady Margot, the Bene Gesserit wife of Count Hasimir Fenring, is played by Lea Seydoux. Of course, returning cast members include Timothee Chalamet as Paul Atreides, Javier Gardem as Stilgar (leader of the Fremen tribe), Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica, Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck and Stellan Skarsgard as Baron Harkonnen. Chani, played by Zendaya, delivers a stunning performance and shows how she is caught between the man she loves and her dedication to her people, exemplified by her fury at Paul when he breaks his promises to her and colonizes the Fremen through religious propaganda. Having Paul declare war on the great houses at the end of the film shows his drive for ultimate power and sets the scene on world-building. I can't say enough about how impressive the visuals are in this film, created by Patrice Vermette, who goes old-school Hollywood in creating the most immersive sets and environments for the film. That meant filming on location. The grand desert landscapes of Arrakis - the futuristic planet - were filmed in Jordan and Abu Dhabi and are perfectly captured by widescreen cinematography. The vast desert seas are shot from above showing how they stretch for miles in every direction. New worlds are introduced - Caladan and Giedi Prime -- each with its own unique visual characterization. The sandworms appear frequently in Part Two and are massive! Particularly inspiring is Paul's initial ride on the sandworms and, at the end, Chani prepares for her own turn. The most complicated sets were constructed on giant soundstages in Budapest, including the ornithopters. The visual aspect is further enhanced by the incredible flowing, futuristic costume designs by Jacqueline West whose work reaches far and wide as the characters move from planet to planet. Composer Hans Zimmer completes the creative team with an evocative score that absolutely is mind bending, complementing the visuals and enhancing the story's emotional impact.

The film's message is about the importance of family and culture, but it reminds us to beware of heroes. Paul Atreides unites the Fremen people of the desert planet Arrakis to wage war against House Harkonnen who murdered his family. The question is, does Paul take it too far?

I give Dune: Part Two 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It is available in theaters on March 1, 2024. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!

Dune: Part Two will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.