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The first reactions to Denis Villeneuve’s sequel say the film is even better than the first: “One of the best sci-fi films for generations.”
By James Hibberd
Writer-at-Large
The first reactions are in for the first hugely anticipated movie of 2024: Dune 2.
The long-delayed sequel from director Denis Villeneuve continues the story of author Frank Herbert’s space epic and the initial reactions are extremely enthusiastic, with many calling the film a masterpiece of cinema that is even better than Dune.
Dune: Part Two picks up right after the first installment, as Timothée Chalament’s Paul Atreides joins forces with the Fremen and seeks revenge against the enemies who murdered his family, possibly saving the universe along the way.
The film was originally set to release in November 2023, but because of the actors strike, Warner Bros. and Legendary chose to push it to March 2024, so that its star-studded cast, which also includes Zendaya, Austin Butler and Florence Pugh, would be able to promote it.
Dune 2 is being eyed as a box office savior after an alarmingly slow winter at the movie theaters. The sequel’s release is the first of many anticipated films being released in March, including Kung Fu Panda 4, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.
Read on for the first reactions to Dune: Part Two. (And head here for a secret role confirmed.)
Blown away by #DunePartTwo. Found it even more immersive, tactile and emotional than Part One. The clarity, heft and scale of the action is staggering. For me, the whole occupies a rarified place alongside The Lord of the Rings as the definitive version of a seminal text.
#DunePartTwo is an audio/visual triumph on par with (relatively speaking) 'John Wick 4' or 'Avatar 2'. Strong performances, some clever action beats but, like DUNE 1, it's a 2.5-hour film that mostly runs out of story at the 90-minute mark and jogs in place til the climax. pic.twitter.com/lNBjHDL0l1
Arguably Denis Villeneuve’s magnum opus, #DunePartTwo is a masterpiece.
Throwing you right into the action, it is totally immersive, gripping, and ultimately devastating. Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya have never been better.
Just truly remarkable filmmaking – I’m in awe 👏 pic.twitter.com/r6DcSdXgQ8
#DunePartTwo is a giant epic, a masterclass of crafts from Greig Fraser’s exceptional photography to Patrice Vermette’s magnificent world building. Denis Villeneuve has delivered his magnus opus directing one of the best sci-fi films for generations to come. pic.twitter.com/Vvfs8YeFIi
#DUNEPartTwo is a monumental cinematic achievement. Greater than Part I on a narrative, technical, & thematic level, Villeneuve delivers with grander ambition aided by an extraordinary, morally complex performance from Timothee Chalamet
The first MUST SEE blockbuster of the year pic.twitter.com/jVEkDQsS74
#DunePartTwo/ #Dune2 is jaw-dropping, breathtaking & wildly exhilarating. It’s an adrenaline rush to the head & heart, soaring in its spectacle-driven action sequences as much as it sings in its refined, evocative stillness.Timothée Chalamet & Zendaya turn in singular work. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/I2TWLL39fg
#DunePartTwo is not only Denis's magnum opus; it's the definitive sci-fi epic of a generation. A tragic tale of blind fanaticism & corruption. A spectacular, soulful, awe-inspiring masterclass of aesthetics & mood beautifully echoing Paul's turbulent journey. Left me speechless! pic.twitter.com/Vw61IKIGWr
Having watched #DunePartTwo, I can say I have ridden a sandworm. It's a magical experience, and the faithful adaptation fans have been waiting for (albeit w/ some smart changes). A fascinating examination of zealotry & postcolonial politics wrapped in a breathtaking blockbuster. pic.twitter.com/pCWqBCbtNb
The Dune: Part Two cast includes Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica Atreides, Javier Bardem as Stilgar, Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck, Stellan Skarsgard as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, Dave Bautista as Glossu Rabban Harkonnen, Charlotte Rampling as Reverend Mother Mohiam, and Stephen McKinley Henderson as Thufir Hawat.
Newcomers to the saga include Butler as Feyd Rautha, Pugh as Princess Irulan Corrino, Christopher Walken as Shaddam IV, Léa Seydoux as Lady Margot, and Souheila Yacoub as Shishakli.
Dune 2 hits theaters March 1.
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