Lloyd Wood

It’s a great compliment to the first film, (bearing in mind it had to be) because the book had been split in two. The continuity of the main characters works and importantly the introduction of the new characters works well (mostly). This is important as no sci-fi movie can stand the test of time without contrasting the spirit of the species with the spectacle of how they operate in a period of the fantastical. DV delivers the visuals with aplomb, smashing it out of the park on many occasions, but it’s his ability to maintain the flow of the story and characters that is where he is increasingly improving. Herbert wrote his book in a different time projecting forward 10000 years, yet the human analogy is as prescient today as it was when he wrote the books. You only have to look at Bethlehem, Gaza, Israel, Persia, Yemen, Zion, to see the parallels of tribalism operating spiritually within a global macroeconomic and socioeconomic construct. In some ways this is the disturbing part of the story as for all its futurism the portents are those one cannot escape today. Spoiler alert: the ending of the film sees ships leaving Arrakis and the rise of a form of Jihad and death of 62 billion people over 12 years across the stars. Not something to marvel at! Be interesting to see if the story could continue and if it does I’d hope Villeneuve continues as Director.

Cruise as a bad guy works. Foxx is so genuine and it’s a shame he hasn’t had more roles like this as it shows his versatility.

An interesting exposition in many ways made more powerful through the episodic approach to revisiting history through a variety of the protagonists lenses.

A great film about the creative writing process and the cost that seeking brilliance has on that person and upon EVEYONE around that person. If you want to understand about the impact of AIDS on a generation then this isn’t the place to specifically look. Don’t expect it and don’t patronise or cancel those who produced this movie for touching on the subject as part of the protagonists own emotional journey. First and foremost it’s a musical and entertainment. It creates a smile and a tear. It’s not a representation of real life but a safe place to escape and explore certain themes. Some great performances that relate to those who recall this era and for those young enough to know nothing about it but for whom it might relate in a modern or different way.

What a cast, what a script, what a story

A film that plays like a stylish novella