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I have never read the Dune novel, and haven’t seen the 1984 adaption since I was pretty young, so I don’t remember any details and went into this version with no expectations.
A gorgeous looking film that seems to go on forever, just to put to the pieces in position for a potential sequel. Everything looks amazing: the sets, the costumes and the futuristic technology. The cinematography perfectly captures the scope of the landscapes and spacecraft. Flawless effects bring to life everything from alien worlds to massive sandworms. The plot moves quickly at first, whipping us from one kingdom to the next, while introducing half-dozen or so characters from each location. There is a lot to take in, as political maneuverings, cryptic prophecies and Game of Thrones-style intrigue are briefly explained. Surprisingly, after setting up the heroes and villains with their story arcs, things quickly come to a head. The length of the film becomes apparent as the plot becomes vague, and there’s seems to be an eternity of wandering the desert, only to reach a mild conclusion that feels meaningless if the story ends here.
**1/2 out of *****