Close Menu
NERDBOT
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
    Subscribe
    NERDBOT
    • News
      • Reviews
    • Movies & TV
    • Comics
    • Gaming
    • Collectibles
    • Science & Tech
    • Culture
    • Nerd Voices
    • About Us
      • Join the Team at Nerdbot
    NERDBOT
    Home»News»“Dune” is (Mostly) Everything I Wanted [Spoiler-Free Review]
    News

    “Dune” is (Mostly) Everything I Wanted [Spoiler-Free Review]

    Mary Anne ButlerBy Mary Anne ButlerOctober 20, 20214 Mins Read
    Share
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

    If God created Arrakis to train the faithful, so too did Denis Villeneuve with his film “Dune.” We can say that with complete certainty after finally witnessing the visual blessing. For me personally, Frank Herbert‘s “Dune” has been my “Star Wars.” Obsessed with, haunted by, impassioned. This is a story that spoke to me, like it did everyone who loves it, on a certain level that has continued to evolve and change.

    In early 2017, Villeneuve was confirmed to be tackling this massive tome for Legendary Pictures. We hadn’t seen his “Blade Runner” sequel yet (it released in October of 2017), but we knew how amazing “Arrival” was. He seemed like an interesting (albeit strange) choice, until his absolute love of the material became apparent with the coming years. I’m someone who still maintains (even now) that David Lynch‘s 1984 film is the more accurate to the book. But, Villeneuve’s version has the most accurate soul and heart.

    Even if you are familiar with the source material and subsequent adaptations, there are surprises. These are choices and changes which completely fit this version. But, could count as spoilers, so I won’t get into too much detail til a later review.

    Yes, we see The Baron, on Geidi Prime. Yes, we see the Sardukar, the Fremen, Jamis, the Bene Gesserit, some of the Imperium, and even a Guild Navigator or two. But, as we already know from this being officially titled “Dune Part One,” certain key characters do NOT appear.

    On the whole, this film is exactly what I’d hoped for. Stunning and sweeping cinematography under the masterful eye of Greig Fraser, the perfect location to serve as the desert planet (Wadi Rum in Jordan), the aural dreamscapes of Hans Zimmer‘s score. The majority of the costumes (minus the stillsuit and vacuformed armor which I personally didn’t care for), are almost exactly what I’d pictured when I first read the book.

    The only maybe not-perfect thing for me personally is the choice of Timothée Chalamet as the possible Messiah. This is mainly because the actor himself is too old for the character as written. But this is nitpicking at best, and I’ll be the first to admit he did suit THIS VERSION of Paul Atreides. There is an arrogance there rather than curiosity, but here it works. Of course, there is a journey at play. One that’ll see Paul confront, adapt, and accept his future. Perhaps the reason why Chalamet does work is the balance of the Lady Jessica, Rebecca Ferguson.


    While she doesn’t get the most screentime, Zendaya as Chani becomes a more important and central figure in this first half of Paul’s story. She is the eyes we see Arrakis through, she is meant to be our guide here. (More on that another time, as it ties into a question I was able to personally ask Villeneuve at my screening.) This gives me such hope that the upcoming “Dune: Sisterhood” HBO Max series about the Bene Gesserit order really will put the focus on them, rather than the men they serve, manipulate, and empower.

    Be warned, this is a lengthy film. You are strapping in for a true cinema experience- lush, long, and loud. One that I absolutely loved, no matter my personal complaints. Villeneuve was the right person to direct this film, absolutely, and I’m here for his continuation.

    If you can, see it in a theater. See it in the biggest with the best sound, it will dramatically influence your enjoyment.

    Score: 8 out of 10

    “Dune” hits theaters in the US on October 21st, with a same-day drop on HBO Max.

    Shai Hulud.

    Do You Want to Know More?

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
    Previous ArticleFroot Loops Milk, Rice Krispies Treats Creamer Coming in 2022
    Next Article Falls at CA Phish Concert Result in 1 Death, 2 Injuries
    Mary Anne Butler
    • Facebook
    • Instagram

    Mary Anne Butler (Mab) has been part of the fast-paced world of journalism since she was 15, getting her start in album reviews and live concert coverage for a nationally published (print) music magazine. She eventually transitioned to online media, writing for such sites as UGO/IGN, ComicsOnline, Geek Magazine, Ace of Geeks, Aggressive Comix (where she is still Editor-in-Chief), Bleeding Cool (where she was News Editor), and now Nerdbot as Editor-In-Chief. Over the past 10 years, she’s built a reputation at conventions across the globe as a cosplayer (occasionally), photographer (constantly), panelist and moderator (mostly), and reporter (always). Interviews, reviews, observations, breaking news, and objective reporting are the name of the game for the founder of Harkonnen Knife Fight, a Dune-themed band with an international presence. Though she be but little, she is fierce.

    Related Posts

    The F11PRO 2 Drone – Pro-Level Performance Meets Sleek Design

    July 3, 2025

    President Trump Will “Look” at Deporting Elon Musk

    July 2, 2025

    Revitalize Your Mind and Body: How New Image Wellness Transforms Mental Well-being

    July 2, 2025

    Netflix to Stream NASA Launches, Missions, and More

    June 30, 2025

    Is the BYDFi App Worth Downloading? A Practical User Review

    June 30, 2025
    "M3GAN," 2025

    “M3GAN 2.0” A Sequel That Forgets to Have Fun [Review]

    June 29, 2025
    • Latest
    • News
    • Movies
    • TV
    • Reviews

    The Complete Guide to Tree Stump Removal: Methods, Tools, and Tips

    July 5, 2025

    Transforming Outdoor Spaces: The Power of Professional Landscaping

    July 5, 2025

    Safeguarding the Future: How Proactive Measures Reduce Wildfire Risk

    July 5, 2025

    Safeguarding Information Integrity in the Digital Age

    July 5, 2025

    The F11PRO 2 Drone – Pro-Level Performance Meets Sleek Design

    July 3, 2025

    President Trump Will “Look” at Deporting Elon Musk

    July 2, 2025

    Revitalize Your Mind and Body: How New Image Wellness Transforms Mental Well-being

    July 2, 2025

    Netflix to Stream NASA Launches, Missions, and More

    June 30, 2025
    "I Know What You Did Last Summer"

    “I Know What You Did Last Summer” Villain Seen at Huntington Beach

    July 5, 2025

    James Gunn Reveals Official “Superman” Spotify Playlist

    July 5, 2025
    "Crimson Tide," 1995

    Jerry Bruckheimer Developing “Crimson Tide” Sequel

    July 4, 2025

    Keith David Moved To Tears By Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

    July 4, 2025

    CD Projekt Red Confirm “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2” with Teaser

    July 5, 2025

    “South Park” Creators Call Paramount-Skydance Merger ‘S***show’

    July 4, 2025

    “Trainwreck: Storm Area 51” Gets Teaser for Netflix Docu

    July 2, 2025

    Neil Druckmann Leaves HBO’s “Last of Us” Ahead of Season 3

    July 2, 2025

    The F11PRO 2 Drone – Pro-Level Performance Meets Sleek Design

    July 3, 2025
    "M3GAN," 2025

    “M3GAN 2.0” A Sequel That Forgets to Have Fun [Review]

    June 29, 2025

    “F1: The Movie” Thrilling Cars, Crash and Burn Story [Review]

    June 28, 2025

    “28 Years Later” We Live, We Die, Life Goes On [Review]

    June 21, 2025
    Check Out Our Latest
      • Product Reviews
      • Reviews
      • SDCC 2021
      • SDCC 2022
    Related Posts
    • Did You Know Timothée Chalamet Auditioned for Spider-Man?
    • Is Barry Keoghan Teasing Possible Role in "Dune Part Two?!"
    • Spoiling "Dune": The One Thing Gurney Halleck DOESN'T Do
    • I Watched "Dune" Without Knowing Anything About It [Review]
    • "Dune" Does for Sci-Fi What "Lord of the Rings" Did for Fantasy [Review]
    • Daily "Dune": Stellan Skarsgård as Baron Harkonnen Featurette
    • Daily Dune: Denis Villeneuve Clarifies "Part One," "Part Two" Titles
    • Daily Dune: Meet House Atreides in New Character Videos
    • Bene Gesserit "Dune: The Sisterhood" Series Names New Showrunner
    NERDBOT
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
    Nerdbot is owned and operated by Nerds! If you have an idea for a story or a cool project send us a holler on [email protected]

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.