Liked but didn't love Dune 1. Thought Dune 2 was amazing! It had everything: incredible cinematography, thorough plot lines, a love story that was so believable (real life chemistry), spectacular special effects, great sub-plots, most of the acting was superb, even enough closure to make me happy but open ended enough to make me want another. It was over 2.5 hrs but it didn't seem long - so much so I hoped it wouldn't end.
Bring on the 3rd - definitely recommend!