Denis Villeneuve’s grand 2021 film about a young duke who may or may not be an embattled world’s long-awaited messiah. Paul Atreides’ true role for the people of Arrakis — a k a Dune — becomes clearer in this more propulsive second chapter.
But, when the end credits roll, there is no question that “Dune” is the savior Hollywood needs. Villeneuve’s even better movie starts with a seamless transition from the last one.
Paul (Timothée Chalamet), whose father was murdered, joins up with the Fremen, Arrakis natives who have been ruthlessly culled by House Harkonnen.Their home is enormously valuable because it’s the only place in the universe to hold spice, a substance that powers spaceships, gives users unnaturally long life and — uh-oh — is terribly addictive.Some of the Fremen, like the funny Stilgar (Javier Bardem), believe that Paul is the prophesied hero who will lead them to victory against their tormentors.
Others, ehhhh, are not so sure. It’s that tricky debate, both between the characters and in our own mind, that grippingly drives “Part Two.” Another balancing addition is a touch of romance, in the form of Zendaya’s Chani, a skilled Fremen fighter who falls for Paul.
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