Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Dune (2021)
"This is 'Dune'."
This is part one of a two-part series.
This movie gets everything right that Stanley Kubrick got wrong.
The sets are immense, with huge sweeping vistas.
The ships are colossal.
The homes are gigantic. They are huge, cavernous structures.
The set decoration is reminiscent of ancient earthly cultures.
The technology is so advanced, you almost don't even see it. It is simply integrated into people's ears, eyes, and fingertips.
The worms are titanic monsters. They are viscerally real. Their approach is heralded by huge dust storms and sand that becomes like quicksand just before they devour their victims.
"This is only the beginning."
- You are not a fan of science fiction or epic movies.
- You do not enjoy movies with intricate plot lines and world-building.
- You are looking for a movie with a lot of comedic elements. This film is more serious and dramatic.
- You prefer character-driven storylines. While the characters are strong, the emphasis is on the universe in which they exist.
- You are under the age of 13. Dune has a PG-13 rating for sequences of strong violence, some frightening images and suggestive material.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "Dune"? I mean, are we in the future or the past? They've got spaceships and lasers, yet they're still using swords and riding giant worms. I guess in space, nobody can hear you scream, but they sure can hear you ride a worm.
And what's up with the Spice? It's the most valuable substance in the universe, it can extend life, expand consciousness, and even allow for interstellar travel. But it's just sitting around in the desert, like some sort of cosmic sandpit. One minute you're digging for buried treasure, the next you're hallucinating and predicting the future. It's like a sci-fi version of a mushroom picking trip gone wrong.
And let's talk about these giant sandworms. They're basically the landlords of the desert, charging exorbitant rent in the form of people's lives. But don't worry, if you learn their secret handshake or in this case, secret rhythm, they're suddenly your best buds. Who knew interspecies friendships could be built on a shared love of drum solos?
And the stillsuits, they're supposed to recycle all the body's waste into drinkable water? No thank you! I'd rather die of thirst than drink my own sweat. Even Bear Grylls would say "That's a bit too much."
And what about the clothing in this film? It's like the costume department raided a post-apocalyptic fashion show. Everyone's wearing these heavy robes and masks. I mean, it's a desert, people! Ever heard of a sunhat and shorts?
Also, the film is so long, it is trying to out do the length of the utterly huge worms. It's like they took the concept of 'epic' a little too seriously. And there is a second part to this as well? Because one long movie wasn't long enough?
Then there's the dialogue. You've got people talking about prophecies, destiny, and power like they're at a high school philosophy class. "I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer." I mean, come on! The only thing I'm fearing is another long monologue about the mysteries of the universe.
And the names! Muad'Dib, Bene Gesserit, Harkonnens... It's like they tossed a Scrabble set into a blender and picked out letters at random. I spent half the movie just trying to remember who's who.
But hey, despite all that, there's something oddly captivating about it. Maybe it's the epic story, the stunning visuals, or just the sheer amount of sand. I mean, who knew watching people navigate politics and sand dunes could be so entertaining?
Interstellar (2014)
A Christopher Nolan masterpiece, "Interstellar" is an enthralling science fiction epic that captures the vastness and mystery of space in a manner similar to "Dune." Innovation, exploration, and humanity's survival are central themes in this film, making it a suitable recommendation if you liked the scale and depth of "Dune."
The Martian (2015)"The Martian" is another compelling movie set on Mars, focusing on an astronaut's desperate fight for survival after being left behind by his crew. The film's blend of hard science, thrilling plot, and dark humor can be relatable to the multidimensional narrative experience you had with "Dune."
Blade Runner 2049 (2017):If you enjoyed the captivating visual world of "Dune," you might also appreciate "Blade Runner 2049." Directed by Denis Villeneuve, who also helmed "Dune," this film expands upon the universe established in the original Blade Runner. Dealing with themes of artificial intelligence, existentialism, and identity, this is a must-watch for any "Dune" aficionado.
Arrival (2016):Another film by "Dune'"s director Denis Villeneuve, "Arrival" is a thought-provoking science fiction film that revolves around linguistics and communication with extra-terrestrial life. Its approach to the alien invasion narrative is unconventional and full of twists, much like the non-linear storytelling you enjoyed in "Dune."
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015):If the visual aesthetics and atmospheric quality of "Dune" intrigued you, "Mad Max: Fury Road" might be your next favorite. This action-packed film delivers a dystopian world that, much like "Dune", shows the struggle for resources in a haunting, barren landscape.
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