Round Two Viewing: my god. This film is amazing. I was in a packed theater and everyone, everyone was engaged during the serious scenes and gasping/laughing. This might have been one of my favorite film viewings ever. I need to update the rating to 10/10

First off, I think it’s important to state that I'd classify myself as a DUNE fan. Take that into consideration for the rest of what I say. 

DUNE Part Two wasn’t exactly what I expected, and I'd go as far as to say not what I wanted. However, I frickin' enjoyed the film. I realized that they missed a lot of the build-up plot for the original film that sets up the stakes and overall trauma that Paul goes through when deciding to pursue his visions or steer clear of it. So it’s noteworthy to say I feel as though a good chunk of this film is attempting to course-correct from its predecessor's shortcomings (I loved the first DUNE). That being said, the changes Denis and the team had to make in order to have the story hit the same beats and have the same overall arch as the book did make me scratch my head a few times, but by the climax, I was well on my way to agreeing with the changes (once I considered that the first film did little to set everything up). My god, did the changes really work in the film's favor. The acting felt more real and genuine this time around; Chani and even Jessica's character changes from book to screen in Part Two add a missing and needed dynamic to the film's pacing. I was blown away by how much I loved Chani (Zendaya) in this film. Another point I feel obligated to bring up is the humor; Part One was humorless (in my opinion), but Part Two is genuinely funny at times. Stilgar is the standout with his funny innate belief in the prophecy; my premiere screening was cracking up anytime he cried out Paul's name. Timothée is a standout in this film as well; he is very sad in the first film, but he brings life to this film. When you're roughly halfway through this epic, his acting is finally given its platform to shine. The best way I can describe the acting and overall vibe in this film versus the first is Part Two brings life and color to the perfectionistic depiction from the first film. I cannot wait to see how DUNE: Messiah plays out with seeing how many changes the team made from the book and left the characters in this film. Oh, and the shots are gorgeous (obviously, it's Greg Fraiser) and the score is masterful (Hans Zimmer always comes out swinging, but I would be lying if I didn’t say I preferred the score of the first film more). 

I wouldn’t say this is the greatest sci-fi film ever made, but it should definitely be in the conversation and have a seat at the table for the best sci-fi film of this generation. Denis's love and ion for the DUNE series bleed through on the screen. Those who disliked the first will find much more enjoyment in this second part due to the creative changes and action elements. 9/10