Dune, which hit theaters on October 22, 2021, intrigues viewers by taking old, familiar tropes such as finding your family and creating your own meaning and presenting them in raw and captivating ways. Critics have praised Denis Villeneuve heavily for his creativity and skill in directing the movie; its camera work, large set, and skillful CGI make it an immersive and deeply entertaining film to watch. David Lynch’s interpretation of the story, released in 1984, left fans of the book feeling unsatisfied and shortchanged, so many were skeptical about the new movie. However, it blew critics’ expectations out of the water, quickly becoming a fan favorite.
The scene begins with the Atreides family moving to the desert planet of Arrakis to rule it. They must find creative ways to protect themselves from their enemies, the Harkonnens. Paul (Timothee Chalamet), the main character, struggles to find himself in the midst of a chaotic new environment. He must discover what his mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), is hiding from him while his father, Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac), fights to keep them all alive.
Overall the movie is very well done, featuring top-tier acting and visual effects. Viewers are swept into the world of Dune by the excellent imagery and music, and they are kept there by the fascinating story. With a rating of PG-13, it’s entertaining for kids, teens, and adults alike. Its only weaknesses are that it is fast-paced and sometimes hard to follow and that it’s long – two hours and 35 minutes of intense action and adventure. However, the well-done parts of the film far outweigh its flaws.
With its six Oscars and many more nominations, few people would deny that Dune deserves a high rating. IMDb rated it 8/10 stars, and rotten tomatoes gave it an 83% rating. Its fresh take on old tropes, new interpretations of characters and excellent cast make it a great movie to watch with friends and family, or by yourself. It’s worth watching more than once, even though it’s lengthy. These things, along with its incredible world-building, earn it a 4.5/5 star rating.