A lot led up to Dune: Part Two being my most anticipated film of all time. I knew the story long before I read the book. When I heard it was going to be made into a movie (again) and by one of my favorite working directors, I immediately bought and eventually read the book. Doing so left me with the question:

Is Denis Villeneuve setting himself up for failure?

Many times before Dune premiered and then later in attempts to magnify its accomplishment, I saw the book referred to as unadaptable. That claim isn’t far from true, but, damn, did Villeneuve deliver! I rewatched Dune today and it delivers on an elite level just like I ed, but in my opinion, Dune: Part Two eclipses it. 

Dune: Part Two isn’t just one of the greatest sci-fi films ever made. Dune: Part Two will be ed as one of the greatest films of all time, regardless of genre. This is one of those rare films where someone could tell me this is their favorite film of all time tomorrow and it would still be a reasonable opinion. 

Timothée Chalamet delivers the best performance of his career (note: I'm not completely qualified to make the claim but I will do it shamelessly) and, with an all star cast beyond what recent blockbusters have been able to put together, the rest of the crew comes through as well! Many of the characters in the Duniverse are complex beyond reasonable portrayal, but these are some of the most talented and well-cast actors ever, so of course they pull it off. 

Another obvious acclaim - this is one of the most visually perfect films ever made. This, aside from the basic fact that Villeneuve nailed the adaptation with respect to the book and its themes, is the greatest accomplishment of both Dune films. Every shot of Dune: Part Two is essentially perfect and - if I can get a little ahead of myself - I think this film will be used as a visual landmark of what sci-fi can be in the right hands. Greig Fraser is quickly moving up lists of the best cinematographers. 

The soundtrack, similarly to the first film, is unsurprisingly well fitting and powerful. Hans Zimmer is just that dude. Maybe one day I’ll have a home theater with a great sound system and I can get the full effect without obnoxious people crinkling their snacks all around me. 

There’s much more to say on Dune: Part Two, but I’ve praised it the best I can for a first viewing. I intend to see this in theaters another time or two, so maybe I’ll have something to add then.

Note after posting: I forgot to mention that this is already my pick for Best Picture next year.