Dune Part Two was the last film I added to my watchlist that had not been released when I added it. This is a film I have been anticipated for over two years, ever since I walked out of the theatre of Dune Part One. I was extremely annoyed that this was delayed, but now I have finally seen it. So, the question is, was Dune Part Two, the sequel and direct continuation to my third favourite film of the decade, as good as I hoped and wanted it to be?

Yes. (Mostly)

All of the strengths of Part One are amplified here. The visual effects and immersion into this world are even better, and I'd say this is on par with, if not suring Blade Runner 2049 as Villeneuve's most beautiful film. So many shots and sequences that look immaculate, with Feyd-Rautha's introduction on Giedi Prime being a standout. The score is intense and helped to regularly give me chills while I was watching this. Performances are all incredible, but Chalamet in particular. The hints of him as a leader and a messiah that were shown in Part One are brought to the forefront in this film. He is able to command the scene and the Fremen and thus you truly believe that he is the Lisan Al-Gaieb. The action sequences are large in scale and very well shot, no quick cuts or close up shots to hide bad choreography. Having read the book, there are so many iconic sequences that are adapted wonderfully here. I won't spoil them, but you're in for a treat. I think it works out well that this got delayed, because now it doesn't have to compete with Oppenheimer at the Oscars, and it instead has a solid chance at sweeping the 97th academy awards.

So why isn't this a full five stars?

Simple.

There are a couple stretches that are pretty slow.

This is a silly criticism I know, and perhaps I would appreciate those sections more on a rewatch, but I cannot lie and give this a perfect rating when I did not have a perfect experience. In the same way I reserve the half star rating only for films I truly despise, I reserve the 5 star rating for films that I consider to be truly perfect. Now don't get me wrong, this film is pretty damn close to perfect, but I do think it could have been improved. Perhaps a few scenes could be tightened up, but as it is, this is a very strong 9.5/10, but not quite a 10/10. There are also a fair few omissions from the book, but, without spoiling this film or the novel, they make sense. What's kept exclusive to the book would be extremely difficult to adapt to film, and would also be a drastically dark shock that would put many off. It makes sense why not everything is included, but I am very curious to see what will happen should they decide to adapt Dune: Messiah, the second novel, as that is a very large departure from the style of this first story.

This is a very good film, and the best I've seen from Villeneuve. Even if this was not quite a perfect five star film in my eyes, it is still an extraordinarily impressive and enjoyable film. You will love this if you liked Part One, there is no doubt in my mind. Do not let my mild criticisms distract you from the fact that this is an incredible piece of cinema, and well worth the price of ission. Here's looking to see what comes next for these characters and this world.