Pam Stewart

I really wanted to like this more. The movie just feels slow. Example, they spent way too long showing how their helicopters started up and the working of the wings. It added nothing. Even the epic battle scenes seem tired. Following the storyline is easier than the 1984 version and the scope of the universe feels immense. But I was distracted by the look of Timothee Chalamet as Paul Artreides. I just kept thinking how much he resembled Johnny Depp’s Edward Scissorhands when he’s in the stillsuit. Also, (and I love him but) Jason Mamoa’s speech patterns conflicted with the regality of the House Attreides. It just seemed too modern and Californian surfer dude. And Javier Bardem’s accent didn’t seem to fit in with the Fremen—just another distraction to take you out of the story. This may have been better seeing in IMAX since the sets are impressive. The score IS beautiful and powerful.