Eid Umar (Spiffy)

We live in an age of confusion and strife, in the midst of unabating pandemic, it feels weird needing to wear your mask unless you're eating popcorn in the IMAX theatre with other viewers two seats away for social distancing reasons. Dune for the initial part suffers inexplicably to ill-perceived notions that it is a copy of Star Wars or the disdain of Marvel stans; the ignorance is strong in this one. However, the good news if anything it bears semblance to the colossal epic Lawrence of Arabia. Writer Frank Herbert said himself in an interview ages ago. Yes, it is still the golden benchmark as far desert films are concerned, nothing can come even close but Dune wore the mark well. Here's why: It needs to be said that the world-building in Dune is nothing short of extraordinary. You would feel the grand scale of every spectacle, infused with visceral alien soundscapes of Hans Zimmer's masterful sound design. I am very thankful his compositions lacked the John William's orchestral bombast--this is after all the future set in year 10,191. Speaking of the cast, they felt genuine, particularly Lady Jessica played by Rebecca Ferguson. Surprisingly Jason Momoa's character felt like Duncan Idaho, House Atreides loyal knight, and admittedly this time I feel he is not playing himself in every movie he's ever been. The mysterious Bene Gesserit Reverend Mother Giaus Helen Mohiam steals the scene each time she appears--Charlotte Rampling assumed that role perfectly. Then there is the main protagonist Paul Atreides, caught in the quagmire of the Noble Houses and the local inhabitants of the planet Arrakis. I read the book when I was 16 and needless to say it was a captivating experience--one reviewer chimed the 'white savior' trope but I think he hasn't read Dune series in its entirety to fully grasp the matter at hand. At a cursory glance Timothee Chalamet is a capable young actor, he is after all an Oscar nominee, and he fits the role like hand in glove. The same can be said with antagonist character the Baron Harkonnen. His dimension pun intended, is menacingly diabolical played to perfection by Stellan Skarsgård. My main issue with the film is the discernible cuts, obviously meant to cut for time. The film is long but it felt bearable because the pacing is good. I overheard remarks as people left the theatre that the initial part was slow--it had to because characters needed to be established and introduced. I hate going to films where characters are cardboard cut-outs. The only time I checked my watch was during the last few scenes to see if we were reaching the end. Dune is a cinematic experience we'd deserve in these troubled times. I cannot think of a movie I have seen that held me in awe with captivating power-- with the exception of David Lean's Lawrence of Arabia. Cinematographer Greg Fraser is no Roger Deakins but he is very capable and the film shows his art. There is no Instagram high colour filters to speak of here, usually manifesting in every comic book movies. Every scene is meticulously shot with minimal CGI; the colour palette purposeful and organic. Director Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of the book is Dune, and it strikes the bullseye.

This is an unrivalled masterpiece (played on PC with Alias mod to remove anti-aliasing issues). Staying true to the Alien franchise, the game sets the player front and centre as Amanda Ripley, the daughter of the original film protagonist. The game feature riveting premise, crisp graphics and an outstanding sound design. Tip: If you're easily spooked, play with the lights on. Otherwise, dim the lights, strap in with a good pair of headphones and enjoy your stay at Sevastopol Station.