Read Mixed User Reviews for Dune: Part One

6

flash246Oct 22, 2021

A beautiful, but underwhelming movie. The pacing just felt off. Some scenes seemed rushed, while others felt too long. Character development was lacking as the main focus was on Paul. This made it hard to connect with really any otherA beautiful, but underwhelming movie. The pacing just felt off. Some scenes seemed rushed, while others felt too long. Character development was lacking as the main focus was on Paul. This made it hard to connect with really any other character. The ending was…very disappointing and anticlimactic. Everyone knows this was a setup for part 2, but until that movie comes out, it is not fair to score this any higher than a 6/10.… Expand

25 of 44 users found this helpful2519

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6

cainezenOct 22, 2021

I'm as conflicted on this film as the Harkonnen and Atreides are with each other. While I understand the Director is trying to initiate world building and plan for a multiple-film franchise, the golden rule is that each film has to stand onI'm as conflicted on this film as the Harkonnen and Atreides are with each other. While I understand the Director is trying to initiate world building and plan for a multiple-film franchise, the golden rule is that each film has to stand on it's own. The pace of the film could have been a bit faster in some parts and a bit slower in others. For instance, we get a lot of time with Paul in that tent but the entire setup of the Atreides and the Spice Production was over in about 15 minutes. A few scenes cut to show the passage of some time and Leto getting reports of sabotage, broken equipment, and so forth could have been done in a way that covered that time more appropriately so it didn't feel rushed. A few cuts of Paul interacting with locals a bit more to establish this believe in Mahdi. Otherwise the first and second act feel a bit laborious and honestly leave the finale in the third act feeling rushed and instead leaving me with a fizzle. The fight at the end with the Fremen warrior was slow, and without tension whatsoever. In today's film landscape with high impact action films, if you're going to have a knife fight, it needs to be at or better than the best fight sequence out there, particularly for a budget of 165 million. Buatista and Zendaya's talents were wasted only serving as minor build-up to the next film. There were ways to include them to show the importance of both characters. So while I love the visuals and the modern digital impact on the cinematography, the story telling and character development (the best part of the Dune books) is still lacking somewhat. I mean Paul and his mother got quality time, but Leto felt empty and with a talent like Oscar Isaacs, that has to be a Direction issue. Overall I say a bit above mediocre. I'm hoping the next film is better, if it gets greenlit. This series will likely be evaluated as a whole rather than individual parts because thus far, the start is not what I'd hoped as an avid Dune fan.… Expand

27 of 51 users found this helpful2724

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5

Miles_LongOct 25, 2021

Art driven, cinematic, boring. I did not read the book. From that perspective I was not enthralled with the story beats. I didn't feel the tension, build up, or payoff. This movie was more of a waltz than a techno song with a big bass drop. IArt driven, cinematic, boring. I did not read the book. From that perspective I was not enthralled with the story beats. I didn't feel the tension, build up, or payoff. This movie was more of a waltz than a techno song with a big bass drop. I wanted more. I loved Blade Runner 2049 and this did have characters as compelling. By the end I was uninterested. Still, it was pretty. Worth a watch for the artistry.… Expand

17 of 33 users found this helpful1716

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6

doozer667Oct 22, 2021

Despite great cinematography it is far from perfect. Pacing is flawed, acting feels mostly by the numbers, the truly emotionally evoking moments are few and far between because you often feel almost too distanced from the character(s) inDespite great cinematography it is far from perfect. Pacing is flawed, acting feels mostly by the numbers, the truly emotionally evoking moments are few and far between because you often feel almost too distanced from the character(s) in question to empathize with them or you haven't been given the time to soak in what they feel before the movie is forced to move to the next step in the plot. The pacing somehow feels both rushed when it comes to getting from one plot point to the next and yet feels too slow when it comes to the establishment of characters' relationships with each other or giving them the time to express important inner monologues. For many characters it was very hard to care about them without having previously read the books.… Expand

17 of 33 users found this helpful1716

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5

euuOct 23, 2021

Decent movie, but nothing special. It mostly stands on the strengh of its source material and Villeneuve's ability to not destroy it. But even so, it's a very long movie for the story it tries to tell and the pacing is quite a mess. Now, IDecent movie, but nothing special. It mostly stands on the strengh of its source material and Villeneuve's ability to not destroy it. But even so, it's a very long movie for the story it tries to tell and the pacing is quite a mess. Now, I haven't read the books but I did watch both the Lynch movie and the 2000 miniseries, so I am a bit familiar with the setting and story. And thank God for that, because otherwise I couldn't understand some of the politics of this world. This movie is 2 and a half hours long but going blind into it, you will know less about this universe then you would after watching the first 90 minutes episode of the miniseries, even though they cover mostly the same part of the story. Where is the Emperor? Where is the Navigator Guild? Sure, they are mentioned, but only pasingly and you can tell they are following the Farce Awakens formula of sequel bait questions. Instead of worldbuilding, we get pretentious visions of Zendaya in the desert. We get it, Paul has premonitions, no need for 5 long dream sequences to get that accross. On the acting side, it's quite solid, no surprise given the amount of talent involved. But the problem is the main lead, the entire movie depends on him and he doesn't do that great of a job. Part of the problem is the writting, as we don't get what character Paul really is. Sure, they show him as being naive, but mostly he comes off as edgy or emo and his big character moment at the end, where he has to take a man's life, just comes out of nowhere.

Now, visualy is probably where the movie is the strongest. The exterior shots look fantastic and Villeneuve really makes this seem like a distant planet. I can't say the same about the interiors, but it's mostly personal prefernce, as I think the set design in a movie about space aristocrats should look a bit more extravagant instead of the large empty rooms we keep seeing. Same goes for the costumes. Nothing too bad but they look more like something in a generic scifi video game.

Lastly, I would have probably give this a higher score if it wasn't for the horrible shoundtrack. Zimmer's score is an assault on your eardrums. And it doesn't matter if it's an action scene or a dramatic scene, his idea of music is to have a woman yelling very loudly in the background. And I don't know if it was just the theatre I watched this, but the sound is very loud.

All in all, Dunc is not a bad movie, just a bit of a dissapointment, as they really had a budget this time and could have been something special.… Expand

18 of 38 users found this helpful1820

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5

ThoughtfulScoreOct 24, 2021

Dune was a boring, unsatisfying experience. The characters just aren't likeable & while there is too little backstory, there also somehow manages to be too much uninteresting lore building and exposition, thanks to terrible pacing. It doesDune was a boring, unsatisfying experience. The characters just aren't likeable & while there is too little backstory, there also somehow manages to be too much uninteresting lore building and exposition, thanks to terrible pacing. It does nothing to hook you for the first hour, and the film never seems to properly establish the stakes. A giant worm eats a whole loader full of valuable space drugs/fuel, but who cares? Who does that effect? Why is everyone sword fighting when we have lasers and space ships? Are there actually any "good guys", or is everyone an a--hole?

The cast features many great actors, like Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, etc., but the film has so many disparate, esoteric elements it has to force in that none of these performers gets the screen time they deserve. There are no amazing moments like the disco dancing and tense dialog of Oscar Isaac from Ex Machina. Josh Brolin & Javier Bardem don't provide the intimate, deep, dark performances of No Country for Old Men. Dune is the opposite of those types of films: cold, distant & inhuman. It's technically sound, but it's got no heart, and no theme. It's empty.… Expand

16 of 35 users found this helpful1619

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5

Donttalk2Oct 22, 2021

This is less an adaptation of the book but of the David Lynch - Film from 1984. It contains the same setting-before-people - approach, the same kinky design for the Bene Gesserit, the same key scenes, the same foreshadowing in Paul`s dreams,This is less an adaptation of the book but of the David Lynch - Film from 1984. It contains the same setting-before-people - approach, the same kinky design for the Bene Gesserit, the same key scenes, the same foreshadowing in Paul`s dreams, the same fixation on sandworms etc.. But while Lynch made a Horror film out of Dune, adding gruesome and disturbing details, Villeneuve made a War Movie. All these intrigues and backstories just lead to some chaotic bloodbaths and annoying dialogues that sound as deep as in Conan The Barbarian. There are truly beautiful scenes, there is an unbelievable cast, everything is much more clearer than in Lynch`s film (doesn`t say much). The film really is an intense experience. But it is slow and joyless, it doesn`t do justice to Herbert`s utterly strange book, and Zimmer`s ethno-pomp makes my ears ring. A disappointment, especially after BLADE RUNNER 2049.… Expand

18 of 41 users found this helpful1823

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4

deckOct 23, 2021

I never read the books and wasn't a big fan of the David L. version. The "remake". has great sound and pictures. but villeneuve is even less successful than lynch in portraying both the universe and Paul Atreides. the disappointment of the year.

17 of 40 users found this helpful1723

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4

KlebartOct 23, 2021

It's not as visually stunning as many have been saying. Others have said that it was long in some parts and sometimes the acting could have been better. I knew this going in and it still felt a little lacking. I'm not sure this is anIt's not as visually stunning as many have been saying. Others have said that it was long in some parts and sometimes the acting could have been better. I knew this going in and it still felt a little lacking. I'm not sure this is an improvement over the original movie although it's a little less annoying in parts than the original. Overall, this is not really a movie that anyone must see.… Expand

15 of 36 users found this helpful1521

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6

DukeJonJun 30, 2022

I'm a big fan of the books but this film left me cold. Too long and ponderous, too many flashback scenes, only half the book is covered. Half the time it feels rushed and the rest of the time it feels too slow. It feels like the Atreides areI'm a big fan of the books but this film left me cold. Too long and ponderous, too many flashback scenes, only half the book is covered. Half the time it feels rushed and the rest of the time it feels too slow. It feels like the Atreides are only in Arrakeen half an hour before the attack. We don't get to see anything of the emperor, third stage guild navigators, folding space, etc. We see little of the Baron and nothing of the emperor or Feyd Rautha. Wellington Yeuh and Thufir Hawat are barely in it, despite being important characters in the book. Instead we get endless premonitions of Chani and vistas of the desert. Jason Mamoa is great as Duncan Idaho, but all the other characters seem mis-cast, particularly Timothy Chalamet who is too wimpy to play a future ruler who will set the universe on fire with his war of Jihad. He is dour and sulky throughout, as though he's just been told to tidy up his bedroom. Much like Blade runner 2049, also directed by Denis Villeneuve, the sets and scale are great but the protagonist spends most of his time gazing into the middle distance, pondering his "destiny". Much prefer Lynch's 1984 version of Dune - far weirder with more memorable performances overall. Not only that, we got the whole book as well.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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6

Mauro_LanariJan 6, 2022

(Mauro Lanari)
"Mirrors and copulation are abominable, since they both multiply the numbers of men" (Borges, 1940). Paraphrasing, I would say that the sagas and, more generally, the epic and the foundation myths as hypertrophic narrative that(Mauro Lanari)
"Mirrors and copulation are abominable, since they both multiply the numbers of men" (Borges, 1940). Paraphrasing, I would say that the sagas and, more generally, the epic and the foundation myths as hypertrophic narrative that purports to minimize the gap between the map and the territory of existence, reduplicate its abomination, therefore they are invariably, inexorably, inderogably dystopian. I have not yet managed to grasp the usefulness of this compulsion to repeat, for sure it is one of my innumerable limitations. Herbert's text re-proposes the problem and Jodorowsky, Lynch, Villeneuve were unable to solve it: could they have? The sufficiency goes to the explicit tragicity of the beginning, with the annihilation of the House of Atreides. In a few minutes we see their noble ideals, intentions, projects fade, and the scene in which Oscar Isaac, the Duke Leto, is stripped of all this, is literally laid bare and, in agony, even fails to kill his own enemy, is something that I will carry with me and inside me for a long time. Concubine, son and fate of the survivors left me indifferent.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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6

SleazebaganoNov 4, 2021

How does it compare to Lynch's Dune? Each of these two adaptations succeeds in the areas where the other failed, and vice versa. In a same way, one is telling aspects of the story that the other left in a corner.

Let's start with the music.How does it compare to Lynch's Dune? Each of these two adaptations succeeds in the areas where the other failed, and vice versa. In a same way, one is telling aspects of the story that the other left in a corner.

Let's start with the music. The soundtrack by Zimmer was rather generic, and while it would perhaps please the yuppie yoga crowds, we're here in a totally different world, soundscape-wise, to the psychedelic, New Age soundtrack that made Lynch's Dune so great. The latter soundtrack was a standalone music gem in itself, adding stellar quality to a rather flawed movie.

The striking, dramatic visual poetry (I'm thinking of the repeating image of the hand opening while hearing about the "sleeper awakening") also isn't there much. A lot of witchy murmurs and visions Paul is having are there, but here they clearly lack originality as this stuff is taken directly from Lord of the Rings. A lot in this movie in fact makes it sound like it's trying to be a Lord of the Rings... something that is plaguing many modern blockbusters. While Villeneuve is a decent filmmaker with a vision, this is a Canadian director working with a Hollywood studio, not a Peter Jackson working with WETA studios outside of Hollywood's (and Harvey Weinstein's) grasp, with a plethora of original ideas, home-grown artists and visual magic-makers.

So production quality consideration first... this is an overall beautifully made film that doen't refrain from grandiose scope, yet it is rather sobre and extensive. It definitely isn't near the baroque insanity of Lynch's film that is, along with the soundtrack and photography, one of the greater sides of the movie.

Spaceships, buildings are huge, yet not the dope byzantine visual awe that only directors like Lynch, Jeunet or Wes Anderson would create. I didn't get especially awed with the Guild's Ship that is basically just a flattened giant concrete donut in space... All this grey stuff flying around -some looking like house appliances from posh ultramodern kitchens- ain't very appealing or surprising. So while Lynch had to struggle with many technical limitations, which made his more sci-fi stuff look silly, the gothic/art deco design behind it all was still vastly better inspired than what we got here.

On the other hand, it has the narrative maturity that Lynch's take didn't really have (you can't make me forget that ridiculous intro with De Laurentis' daughter). The movie is well-structured and methodical, being careful about the details that matter... but only up until the third act which becomes very confusing and bloated. A bunch of narrative developments happening in the end makes it feel like there's two or three open endings.

There's also in this third act a moment of a few seconds where Lady Jessica is having a clearly apparent desire for her son Paul, not long after Duke Leto's death. Okay... an Oedipal spin can be interesting to bring into such a space mythology, yet we're left asking: how was it needed? Why such a strange detail, or does the director really knows where he's going with this? As others said Jessica's character seems more involved with her son than her husband, so I don't see where this fits with the book, that contains no apparent incest subtext like this, where Jessica's struggle is more about dealing with the discipline of the Bene Gesserit cult and standing for her husband and her son.

I liked the idea of having Chani introduced as reluctant towards Paul, after being hinted as completely otherwise in Paul's dreams, as this sets a more interesting evolution between the two characters. I was positively surprised also by this singer Zhendaya as she did deliver a solid performance for a starter. Same for Javier Barbem powerful, raw, feral composition that makes him feel like taken straight out of Lawrence of Arabia.

It is possible that the combination of the two parts (or three?) will render this film greater than it is now. A lot still has to happen, and this one feels like more of an introduction to a universe. It succeeded at NOT making Lynch's film look badder than it was. It even made me want to watch it again.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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5

MindurbidnissSep 5, 2022

Boring, drawn out with tons of "visions" making up the majority of the storytelling. Tons of plot wholes and inconsistencies in character behavior. The special effects, CGI, and audio work are tremendous though. Very refreshing to see highBoring, drawn out with tons of "visions" making up the majority of the storytelling. Tons of plot wholes and inconsistencies in character behavior. The special effects, CGI, and audio work are tremendous though. Very refreshing to see high budget sci Fi for once. Too bad the rest is so hollow, and stunted. Another plus is it makes you want to read the book to see all the detail they missed.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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6

DMcleish1Nov 9, 2021

The visuals were well done and the world-building was interesting. It offers some political intrigue and religious allegory, but the character development was lacking for me. It was difficult to attach myself to anyone. However, the movie wasThe visuals were well done and the world-building was interesting. It offers some political intrigue and religious allegory, but the character development was lacking for me. It was difficult to attach myself to anyone. However, the movie was certainly not a waste of time.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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6

ohthemthingsOct 30, 2021

This movie is a strange contradiction. It's both epic and very boring as a whole. It's like everything that's shown on screen is great. The characters, the setting, the lore, the motivations etc. However, none of these things are expanded onThis movie is a strange contradiction. It's both epic and very boring as a whole. It's like everything that's shown on screen is great. The characters, the setting, the lore, the motivations etc. However, none of these things are expanded on enough to make me really care about them. I feel like this should've been a HBO series with 6 episodes instead of a movie.… Expand

5 of 8 users found this helpful53

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5

TbonePdxNov 7, 2021

I'm a big fan of Denis Villeneuve. But about 2/3 the way through this at the theater I was looking forward to the ending so I could go home. Not a snooze fest per se, but extremely emotionally uninvolving. I could have also used subtitlesI'm a big fan of Denis Villeneuve. But about 2/3 the way through this at the theater I was looking forward to the ending so I could go home. Not a snooze fest per se, but extremely emotionally uninvolving. I could have also used subtitles a few times because the actor's words were drowned out by sound effects. Nothing memorable here.… Expand

8 of 13 users found this helpful85

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6

muldjordOct 31, 2021

Definitely better than 1984 Dune - but still pretty bland overall. It feels too pretentious to me. There's unfortunately also a lack of character development. They rush through most of them, which makes them feel robotic, motionless. I didDefinitely better than 1984 Dune - but still pretty bland overall. It feels too pretentious to me. There's unfortunately also a lack of character development. They rush through most of them, which makes them feel robotic, motionless. I did like the scenes with Paul and his mom though. That worked well. Apart from that, I was quite bored throughout most of the movie.

But yeah, what bothered me most, was how so many characters got introduced, and if someone decided to turn on their houses in a scene, I just shrugged, because I had no connection with them. I didn't care. A lot of them felt like nothing but plot-carriers.… Expand

9 of 15 users found this helpful96

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6

LionheartedNov 4, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Where is Feyd Rautha, Paul's equal opposite? Where's the music? Where are the mentats of the spice mining guild? For that matter where's more than 2 lines of dialogue for Thufir Hawat and Piter De Vries? But really the most disappointing is the backstory and lack of character building and plot depth of Wellington Yueh who should have had the single-most pivotal role of the entire first chapter. what was the purpose of leaving all that essential narrative out? Minimalism? for 30 extra minutes of watching Jason Momoa fight?
Where's the thematic difference in the houses? No aristocratic depth, no totalitarian depth. Where is the weirding way? Perhaps worse is the 'Hey, dude' dialogue. Aside from that I counted 3 times they bring up the idea of 'desert power', which in David Lynch's 1984 adaptation had empathetic meaning, which in David Villeneuve's version comes off more like in-phrase. 'Like, it's all about the desert power dude.'

The sound is borked also, where you have to turn it way up to hear some of the crap dialogue only then to have it blow your speakers out when the 'Tha-wumps' happen. Was this done on purpose to stand -in because they weren't really interested in creating something with any actual depth?

why did Paul's mother have to coax him on his 'rite of passage'? Dumbed down for feminism? Why was the intro so poor, like kindergarten exposition?

Ok, now onto what they got right. While the dialogue is poor, they did emphasize a sense of seriousness. No Jokey smurfs on this run, kiddos. The scenic widescreen shots were very good, the computer generated tech was amazing. the engagement with the Fremen was decent as it demonstrated the brutal nature of their people and the cost to earn their trust. But probably the most empathetic thing I find with this 'B' action flick is a lack of 'woke' overtones.… Expand

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

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6

IcivindurOct 22, 2021

Villeneuve's adaptation of Dune unexpectedly impressed me, at least much more than Jackson's adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. Perhaps because I didn't expect much from Villeneuve's film. The fact is that, firstly, Herbert's book isVilleneuve's adaptation of Dune unexpectedly impressed me, at least much more than Jackson's adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. Perhaps because I didn't expect much from Villeneuve's film. The fact is that, firstly, Herbert's book is fundamentally impossible to film, since its "highlight" is focused on the thoughts and inner experiences of the characters, which often do not coincide at all with their behavior. Secondly, the political climate in Hollywood and the United States in general is now not free from the influence of one of the ideologies, which openly imposes certain taboos and prescribes certain conventions for filmmaking. The first could not but lead to a simplification of the plot by the director, inclined to visual narration. And the second factor inevitably destroys the balance built by the author between factions and sexes in the book, as well as the atmosphere in general and Herbert's religious and political hints. Both of these factors are present in Villeneuve's film, but, surprisingly, Denis still managed to "loop between the drops", creating not quite an adaptation of Herbert's Dune, but quite a fascinating version of his own "Dune". The audiovisual component, as always with Villeneuve, is luxurious, and even to some extent compensates for the simplification of the plot and the unrevealed thoughts and experiences of the characters. Modern political taboos and conventions are also present, manifesting themselves in cut out "politically incorrect" dialogues, shifted accents, altered scenes, races and even the sexes of the characters, but they are skillfully smoothed out without disturbing the atmosphere or mocking the common sense of the viewer, thus not destroying the wall between viewer and narration. Villeneuve has managed to make the viewer, at least me, to wait for the continuation of the narration, interrupted in mid-sentence. By the standards of modern Hollywood, Dune is a great movie.… Expand

14 of 26 users found this helpful1412

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6

CypherSeeker7Oct 25, 2021

In 1984 we got a film that failed miserably at the box office as well as critically, but left an undeniable cult-classic taste in our collective mouths and has been looked over fondly as the years have gone by. In 2001, we were given aIn 1984 we got a film that failed miserably at the box office as well as critically, but left an undeniable cult-classic taste in our collective mouths and has been looked over fondly as the years have gone by. In 2001, we were given a mini-series that, while had it's shortcomings in terms of production and budget, gave us the truest look into a decent adaptation of the beloved book series that we have ever gotten. Denis Villeneuve's Dune - Part I is a solid, well produced attempt at adapting Frank Herbert's epic work, yet much is still left to be desired as well as the continued quandary that has followed it. Is Dune, with all of it's narrative complexity, depth, and grandeur, able to be adapted at all? The strengths of Villeneuve's attempt come in his eye for cinematography, visual effects, sound design, music, and general casting. Standouts include Stellan Skarsgaard as the Baron Harkonnen, Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica, Jason Mamoa as Duncan Idaho, as well as Oscar Issacs passionate interpretation of Duke Leto. Timothee Chalamet's performance as Paul will undoubtedly polarize some as well as Zendaya's limited screen time as the love interest Chani. Hans Zimmer's score dazzles and accompanies the film beautifully. Greg Frasier's cinematography remains inspired work. Yet the strengths begin to fail as the massive weight of the narrative and key details, characters, and sequences are watered down from their source material or vanish entirely for the sake of the 2-1/2 hour runtime. To the uninitiated, this presents the film as hollow and lacking of context. Villains are nothing more than villainous for the sake of it. Sci-Fi action explodes and enthralls as it always does. For those who have been fans of Herbert's masterpiece and were hoping the film would deliver the ultimate incarnation of the book, those people will more than likely find it just as hollow as it's narrative. Following this is a subjective critique of the films visual style. In it's attempt to be futuristic, the film sticks to a modern, vogueish color palette of greys, beige, black, and browns. To put it bluntly, the film isn't nice to look at most of the time. Some will see this film as a firm first chapter in what is planned to be a trilogy, and Credit should be observed and given to Villeneuve for the decision to break the first novel into two parts. Yet even with good intentions, Dune: Part I stands on fragile foundational pillars, with audiences undoubtedly splitting their responses in many directions, but a bright future for it's intended next chapters could bring levity to the doubtful. Final Score: 6.5 out of 10.… Expand

8 of 16 users found this helpful88

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6

jlevNov 2, 2021

Beautiful but shallow interpretation of the book designed to make the source material more accessible. Also suffers from a weak leading character and a plethora of boring performances, all from otherwise competent and skilled actors. I haveBeautiful but shallow interpretation of the book designed to make the source material more accessible. Also suffers from a weak leading character and a plethora of boring performances, all from otherwise competent and skilled actors. I have no interest in watching this movie again. In fact, I’d rather see a movie about the Sardaukar than watch part two of Dune.… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

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6

ZingramOct 25, 2021

Story was confusing and hard to follow. Visuals and acting were great. But somehow felt long and rushed at the same time. Too much was left on the cutting room floor to make the story feel more flushed out.

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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5

GittoploDec 27, 2021

I am sorry but this is so bland and boring. The casting was terrible as all main characters were miscast. Compare them to Lynch's film or Jodorowsky's vision. Paul - no, Duke Leto - no way, Baron - not cutting the mustard, Jessica - bland,I am sorry but this is so bland and boring. The casting was terrible as all main characters were miscast. Compare them to Lynch's film or Jodorowsky's vision. Paul - no, Duke Leto - no way, Baron - not cutting the mustard, Jessica - bland, Reverend Mother - nothing. Some secondary characters were OK but this is just poor. The visuals are somewhat impressive but what do you expect in 2021? Everything just lacks soul and natural energy. Villeneuve is a mediocre director taking on big idea projects. One can admire his ambition but execution is average. He had the same problem with Blade Runner. Not quirky enough, not cool enough and not ambitious enough. But the cast is a real killer. Lynch's Dune all day long for me.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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6

DatacubeNov 7, 2021

A galaxy spanning book, a rich tapestry of characters. All based on a unique book and story series. Yet as a fan (even of most of the original film), the hope must be that the director learns from the feedback and does more than offer desertA galaxy spanning book, a rich tapestry of characters. All based on a unique book and story series. Yet as a fan (even of most of the original film), the hope must be that the director learns from the feedback and does more than offer desert vistas and unrealised characters. The actors have/has the potential talent but on this basis its much like the bladerunner 2049 - an arrow that hits the target but way way off the centre. Chalamet ends looking like an actor awaiting a directors vision. Too many vista shots and insufficient editing and pointless wordless scenes. Its only saving grace is a second chance of part 2/2 and the real part of the story. Setting the stage does not need 2++ hours, otherwise it will be much like the original Dune film - a wasted opportunity. Remember lord of the rings original film? Answer? Who cared… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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5

emirbudOct 22, 2021

I like the cast, the movie looks impressive, I'm a great fan of the story, they didn't stray away from the book in any significant detail (I didn't even mind that Liet Kynes is a woman)... but it feels a bit empty, lacking in information andI like the cast, the movie looks impressive, I'm a great fan of the story, they didn't stray away from the book in any significant detail (I didn't even mind that Liet Kynes is a woman)... but it feels a bit empty, lacking in information and population. Both Caladan and Arakis look uninhabited. I am not talking about the desert, that's fine, it should look uninhabited, but the city of Arrakeen looks like a model sitting on a desk, and then you become painfully aware of the fact that that's exactly what it is. It is difficult to cram all the important book information into a movie like this, so they took too much luxury in taking it slow and showing so many visions of Chani. The dialogue/voiceover should have been much richer and packed with information. As it is, if you haven't read the book, you'll have a difficult time figuring out what's going on. I enjoyed the movie to some degree, but I still feel that this could have been done much better. Worm scenes are great.… Expand

11 of 23 users found this helpful1112

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6

RevanJJOct 22, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It’s not bad. It’s just not great. It’s half a movie. The pacing is so slow and while it has some truly magnificent moments, it can’t make up for some poor casting decisions, some extremely slow, yet not very deep moments, and many other issues. I found myself having to pause it every 20 minutes to go do something or check my phone. I’m a scifi/Dune junkie. I’ve read them all and watched both versions of the 1984 film. I would still say I enjoy this as a generic scifi movie, but since they want this to be the definitive Dune, I have to say this is a MISS. Also, it’s half a movie. Again wanted to point out it drags along so slowly that Paul is still Paul at the end. 2 hours and 35 minutes for that. Probably 5+ hours for both movies at this rate to get the plot in. The slow, grinding plot that doesn’t even deeply go into the plots within plots. It almost assumes the viewer has seen then scifi shows, the movie, & read all of the books. Otherwise someone new would be liken”what the heck is going on?!” Can’t rate it higher. There are some great things about this movie, but it does not live up to the hype just like Blade Runner 2049. Oh and it’s extremely pretentious. Extremely.… Expand

10 of 21 users found this helpful1011

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6

BLOODRAINEMOct 23, 2021

The movie lacks some important moments from the book and gives impression that new planet owner was attacked after 2 days. Large gap in level of technology makes the whole movie style unrealistic

9 of 19 users found this helpful910

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5

Diar96Oct 22, 2021

Pros:

- Great visuals/CGI - Awesome camera work - Excellent score - The worlds are interesting/promising Cons: - Pacing is WAY too slow - Boring plot - Too much political talk - Not many interesting characters - Not enough action -Pros:

- Great visuals/CGI

- Awesome camera work

- Excellent score

- The worlds are interesting/promising

Cons:

- Pacing is WAY too slow

- Boring plot

- Too much political talk

- Not many interesting characters

- Not enough action

- Disappointing ending

At the end of the day, this movie shows me that Dennis Villeneuve’s style of directing is really a thing to get used to for many people. Sadly, I'm not one of them. In order for a movie, that’s supposed to be part of a trilogy of movies, to get me hooked in for its sequels, it has to convince me with its drama, action, characters & plot. Instead, Dune decides to sequelbait and to bore its audience with nothing but political talk, that is not even explained properly for newbies, who don’t know anything about Dune. It’s been overhyped for nothing and it does not even come close to what the first Lord of the Rings movie did for its sequels, not even by a long shot. Really disappointing!… Expand

14 of 30 users found this helpful1416

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5

tentongeekOct 28, 2021

Visually this movie is exactly what it should be - expansive, realistic, gritty, and intense! What it does for the cinematography it completely strips from the characters and plot. So many times there is no character, plot or backgroundVisually this movie is exactly what it should be - expansive, realistic, gritty, and intense! What it does for the cinematography it completely strips from the characters and plot. So many times there is no character, plot or background development that it results in a total absence of key information that a viewer needs to understand how the characters related to the events, locations or even other characters. This movie could have been so much better and I can only hope that there is a Complete or Director's Cut somewhere in the future because otherwise this is not worth the watch. 5/10 at best is all this is worth.… Expand

7 of 15 users found this helpful78

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5

emilytropicOct 25, 2021

This movie tries so hard. It 100% excels at it's gorgeous visuals/music but it falls flat in too many other ways to be a worthy epic. We get long, gorgeous sweeping vistas but very poor to no real character and story development. Even theThis movie tries so hard. It 100% excels at it's gorgeous visuals/music but it falls flat in too many other ways to be a worthy epic. We get long, gorgeous sweeping vistas but very poor to no real character and story development. Even the 1984 version even did a better job at storytelling and connecting with characters/motivations. The sometimes banal dialog doesn't give you the impression these are great houses with great leaders. There is a few poor casting picks and some gender/race swapping of characters that was politically motivated instead of story driven. I already worry this telling will stray even further away from source material to appease modern political sensibilities. Dune tells an unpalatable story about religious jihad and the ugly machinations of power. Why are you make a movie about source material you don't like it? While a remarkable effort that pushed music/visuals to new places, this is real sound and fury, but is far from communicating the story well.… Expand

5 of 11 users found this helpful56

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5

han73rOct 24, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I am writing on the facts, I will try without spoilers, decide for yourself - to watch or not.

Good:
1. Scenes look epic against the background of the desert and large objects (ships, planets, moons). You can put it on your desktop wallpaper.
2. Worms. The desert really kills. You understand that this is a merciless, unforgiving death.
3. Costumes. Yes, in 140 degrees heat they go without helmets, but this is rather a convention to show an acting game.
4. Some aircraft. The device of their work, animation, flights, their control, etc. have been thought over.

Bad:
1. CGI graphics. Disgusting low-poly monochrome city. Technique - squares, balls, cylinders, and other primitive geometric shapes. The same poor low-budget room décor. The highliner in the form of an empty eclair is already overkilled with minimalism. The eye has nothing to catch. It's just not interesting to watch the visuals.
2. The universe and characters are not revealed. It is not told why the resource is so valuable, how it appears, what it is used for, why travel is so expensive, why there are no computers, etc. Yes, all questions would be closed if you read the books. But that's a weird excuse for the movie. The film should be self-sufficient in itself. An excellent example of the disclosure of the universe from the latter: Demon Slayer: Train "Endless" - you don't have to watch the early anime or read the manga to figure out what's what. Even a small insert would be enough for the film. An example would be the start of any Star Wars. Those. solutions for disclosure have been around for a long time - why has not been applied is a mystery.
3. Bad combat. Firstly, it is completely incomprehensible why, when armed with firearms, people use ordinary swords? There is simply no excuse for this. And the sword fighting itself is poorly staged. They are pretentious, but the feeling is that it is more important for wars to wave epic at the camera than to fight. Hence the impression that this is training, rather than a real fight. Again there are good examples: Game of Thrones, Gladiator, 300 Spartans, Star Wars, Vikings. Each stroke is verified, logical, and looks good on the screen.
4. Music? Was she there? I would like to say that it is boring and not expressive. On the other hand, the music should complement the film through sounds, and here Hans Zimmer did his best to match the soundtrack with what was happening on the screen, creating white noise in the background. The music fits the picture 100%. In this regard, Mad Max: Fury Road is a great example, where the soundtrack also perfectly complements the film without "shouting over it."
5. Installation. The feeling that it was filmed for about 10 hours, and then the editor had to meet at least 2.5. The problem is that the elements important for understanding what is happening were shown crumpled, very quickly and without details, but at the same time there are whole chunks of timekeeping that can be cut out without loss. For example, the situation with the servant: why was it shown that she was giving a blade? How did it then reveal itself, where did the blade go? Why are we talking about palms? To show the value of water on this planet? To just burn them later? But the time to explain the reasons why the Great House left its planet and was completely transferred to another was laid in a few minutes.
Here are questions about timing. The feeling that 2 days have passed since the landing on the planet and the subsequent attack. Judge for yourself - we arrived and examined the principle of the harvester's operation. We went to bed - an attack. Moreover, the attack was expected, but no one was ready for it in the end.
6. Action. It simply does not exist. Almost not. Except for a couple of scenes of flying and fighting with swords. Can you make a movie without such scenes? Of course, there are many good straight films. Only for this it is necessary to switch the viewer's attention to other elements. But they are not here either: the picture is scanty, the scenery is poor, the music is pale, the characters are mostly not revealed, the plot is not clear to the uninitiated.

Verdict. The feeling that the director wanted to grab onto everything at once: epic, deep, wide, but in the end a lot of things failed. The film is as diligent as possible not to be Star Wars - we don't have lightsabers, we fight on regular ones. There is no strength - but there is a voice. We don't have robots yet, but we won't tell you why. And he even succeeds. At the same time, for the film to have a WOW effect, as many people say about it, it must at least show at a decent level what is already in the industry.… Expand

5 of 11 users found this helpful56

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5

ShavaunOct 27, 2021

Too many dreams of Chani. We get it .. he dreamed of Chani. Sheesh... Should have spent that wasted time in character development of all characters. No emotional connection to audience when Duncan died. Wasted opportunity. I am a HUGE fanToo many dreams of Chani. We get it .. he dreamed of Chani. Sheesh... Should have spent that wasted time in character development of all characters. No emotional connection to audience when Duncan died. Wasted opportunity. I am a HUGE fan of the book and there was SO MUCH to draw from that was ignored. Yes of COURSE it was cinematically beautiful to behold with gorgeous shots of gorgeous costumes but the story is so rich and powerful that more time and effort should have been devoted to the actual story. As it is the most stunning take away of the film is the way it looks. Give you a 10 for cinematography. Otherwise you gave the audience less depth with 2 parts than the 1984 version did in one film. And you make part 2 all about Chani and I will be spitting in the direction of Hollywood.… Expand

5 of 11 users found this helpful56

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5

Jonathan_M_2Oct 29, 2021

If you're patient then this is a solid foundation for the potential franchise. However this movie takes a very long time to go anywhere and it is confusing to follow if you didn't read the books. Also, an hour and a half in you realize allIf you're patient then this is a solid foundation for the potential franchise. However this movie takes a very long time to go anywhere and it is confusing to follow if you didn't read the books. Also, an hour and a half in you realize all anyone has done is talked...there's one training action scene for 30 seconds. I think the pacing, and clarity needs work. But there is so much here, for sure. Worth seeing. A visual treat.… Expand

5 of 11 users found this helpful56

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6

AcidCasualOct 23, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. With over 18 months of hype and promising roles by Timothee and Zendaya, who’ve not yet proven themselves, but rather a statement about the type of character in this universe. It was good at best.

The visuals are great, but I still wouldn’t say on par with say bladerunner, but more, man of steel. It didn’t seem to create atmosphere as good as it should have.

My problem was…with just a little bit more effort it could have been more convincing. I heard a review talk about how it’s a futuristic Lord if the rings… after watching it you can see why but unlike LOTR it doesn’t have any thrills and spills that build the characters along the way. In fact there’s little character development… it’s all quite obviously leading down one path. There is one ‘oh damn, I didn’t expect that to happen’ but give or take it had a constant trajectory.

Yes, there’s these ongoing visions which try and show you what will happen, but in a twisty turny way… but they’re not that exciting. zendaya features a lot in the film in these visions, but actually you see 5 minutes of her and when you do, there’s not a lot of acting from her.

The bad guy is this fat floating grease ball… that is like a new take on jabba the hut. The bloke playing him is the same guy out of mamma mia. He’s just not scary enough… He comes out of black ouze and at one point looks like a giant snake or worm, there’s plenty of opportunity to knock our socks off. But nothing.

All the cast to be honest are good except for the bad guy and Zendaya.

They can easily make all this work in the next part, that’s the only saving grace.… Expand

8 of 18 users found this helpful810

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6

saucyninja007Oct 25, 2021

A good first half of a movie that is unsatisfying mainly because its story is incomplete. That is the biggest criticism I have but it is a fairly big one.

4 of 9 users found this helpful45

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5

hesnotdrunkOct 24, 2021

As many others have pointed out, the film is indeed a bore. A beautiful bore. The pacing places a heavy preference of world-building over story. Aesthetics are well done, with solid performances from the cast, and Villeneuve does his bestAs many others have pointed out, the film is indeed a bore. A beautiful bore. The pacing places a heavy preference of world-building over story. Aesthetics are well done, with solid performances from the cast, and Villeneuve does his best considering the studio system, but the film simply seems like a starting point for a franchise rather than a film with its own legs. This is similar to the Mad Max franchise, where the first film slowly sets up the rest of the spectacular sequels that follow. Hopefully, the sequels will outperform this beautiful dud.… Expand

4 of 9 users found this helpful45

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4

arrivistOct 23, 2021

What is wrong with people. This is like the Dark Knight all over again, where reviewers have bought into the hype and put objectivity aside. Very poor. Flat, monochromatic cinematography. Badly acted and directed. Much of the the dialogue wasWhat is wrong with people. This is like the Dark Knight all over again, where reviewers have bought into the hype and put objectivity aside. Very poor. Flat, monochromatic cinematography. Badly acted and directed. Much of the the dialogue was incomprehensible. CGI garbage all over the screen. It looks cheap and lifeless compared to Lynch's version.… Expand

10 of 23 users found this helpful1013

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6

CalvinCrackOct 23, 2021

The main sin that Dune commits is being boring. A movie can be many things but it can’t be boring. I appreciate their detail in obviously keeping to the book, but the movie felt like watching a book and that’s not what I want. Another bigThe main sin that Dune commits is being boring. A movie can be many things but it can’t be boring. I appreciate their detail in obviously keeping to the book, but the movie felt like watching a book and that’s not what I want. Another big problem is the failure to have a worthy climax or self contained payoff within this movie.

They tried with (*****spoiler*****Paul defeating the freman who challenged them *****end spoiler*****). But Paul being a great fighter wasn’t exactly how I saw his core struggle. That seems like more of a side story to deal with his responsibilities as future leader. If that was going to be the movie’s pay off they could have built that up more earlier so that scene hit harder.

The movie just felt shapeless. I understand that it’s part one but they needed to find more of an arc to this individual tale to make it work as a movie. They went hard on the Paul’s interior dreams and visions angle, but that stuff didn’t really work for me. It’s hard to translate to film and in my opinion they actually overdid it with the same dream flash again and again. I could’ve done with less of that and more of advancing the plot further.

I also wasn’t a big fan of the music and found it quite distracting at times particularly when the loud chorus of female voices would suddenly ring out.

It may seem from my mostly negative review that I didn’t like the movie but I did enjoy a great deal of it, and I’m optimistic that a dynamite part two will improve this part in retrospect. For now though I must award this movie a 6/10.… Expand

13 of 30 users found this helpful1317

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6

georgiadrewOct 24, 2021

The movie dragged on and on with way too many fight and battle scenes. It lacked "heart and soul" to bring the plot together and was just a bunch of unrelated scenes.

13 of 30 users found this helpful1317

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5

Dsros96Oct 23, 2021

Dense, there's a lot going on at the same time & somehow nothing happens. Probably will get better with a sequel.

6 of 14 users found this helpful68

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5

RufusvegasOct 29, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The film is beautiful to look at and listen to, and the casting is surprisingly strong (I was initially sceptical of some of the choices). Unfortunately the treatment of the source material, whilst maintaining the main plot points, isn't great.

Spoilers from here:

Pivotal characters such as Use and Thuffir receive extremely little screen time, meaning that their relationship to Paul and the Atreides is inconsequential to the film. This is particularly glaring when use commits his betrayal, which simply doesn't carry the emotional weight that it should. Similarly, the machinations of the empire are barely given lip service, much of the motivations for the driving factors in the plot are reduced to single lines delivered casually by key characters in scenes that were probably quite heavily edited.

This film works as a visual accompaniment to the book, but is weak as a stand alone movie.

Watching this film made me yearn to see what could've been done if Dune were a trilogy, rather than a two part.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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4

SarrrNov 7, 2021

The concept of the film is completely incomprehensible. On the one hand, it shows just that beautiful overview footage to demonstrate the "epicness" of what is going on, while on the other hand it instantly cuts off sometimes very importantThe concept of the film is completely incomprehensible. On the one hand, it shows just that beautiful overview footage to demonstrate the "epicness" of what is going on, while on the other hand it instantly cuts off sometimes very important details for the narrative of the story, including some narrative lines and characters.

I enjoyed the first part of the film (before the flight to Arrakis), and frankly, I'm very saddened by everything after the middle of the film. It's just one mess. Where clarification is needed for people who haven't read the book at all, no voice-over narration is done, no main character talk. Just a picture: the one who needs it will understand. This is very bad!

Cast 50-50. Personally, I liked the cast, but the play of individual actors here is exactly the opposite. Personally, I thought Oscar Isaac was cast for nothing as Leto Atreides, but he played it perfectly. The wonderful Stellan Skarsgard (Vladimir Harkonnen), on the other hand, is simply awful. Instead of the strong (as a person), ruthless and cunning ruler of the House of Harkonnen, we are shown some butcher-burner with incomprehensible motivation from the principle of a harmful child.

Also some of the characters have had their gender and racial identity changed to please modern tolerance. It is not clear why. Apparently, just to make it happen.

Seems to me (looking specifically at the first half of the film) Villeneuve and Warner Bros. in general should have made not a two-part film, but an extended ten-part film without limiting themselves to the time frame. Use the expansion of Herbert's (canonical) universe, especially since there are more than enough books written. And certainly don't change the gender of the characters, cut out events important to the narrative, and explain what's going on to the audience. I don't think voice-over is a good move in modern filmmaking, but introduce new characters, and include additional dialogues of the main characters with them, or just their conversation in the background.… Expand

5 of 12 users found this helpful57

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6

LunaticInkOct 24, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This film is beautifully shot. Paul, Gurney, and Jessica are portrayed well. The portrayal of Leto, Duncan, Stilgar, Janis, and Liet fall well short of what should have been a high bar. The Baron, Huey, and Hawat are barely seen. The film moves fast. All of the tension and build up through the first act of the book has been heavily condensed where it was not simply cut out. My wife had no idea what was going on most of the time, and I had to repeatedly pause the movie to give exposition dumps of backstory and character motivations. If you aren’t a Dune fan you might sense something is missing, and you would be right.

The picture hits the brakes when they make it to the desert. Unfortunately, this is where the film ends. I am hopeful that Villanueve will throw in more backstory and Harkonnen plotting in the second half, as this is what makes the books most enjoyable. If not it will be just another generic space opera.

Overall I am torn. I have seen the Lynch film, the Syfy series, and have read the novels, and I enjoyed them all for what they were. I was super hyped and feel a little let down. This just really didn’t do it for me.… Expand

5 of 12 users found this helpful57

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6

shoulderoforionOct 22, 2021

You know, I liked it, but I didn't love it. It needed to be at least two hours longer so, I might change my rating when and if the second part comes out many years from now. It was first class SciFi, to be sure, and on such a higher levelYou know, I liked it, but I didn't love it. It needed to be at least two hours longer so, I might change my rating when and if the second part comes out many years from now. It was first class SciFi, to be sure, and on such a higher level than the 1984 version it's incomparable. But it left me wanting, and it felt rushed in the all the wrong places, and while watching I was constantly checking the time code knowing it was going to leave me wanting.… Expand

5 of 12 users found this helpful57

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5

YouMark_Oct 22, 2021

Over rated. Just because this has a million low tear celebs (that act so dramic it’s horrible) doesn’t mean the movie is good. Couldn’t get my self to watch the other half by myself with out sleeping.

7 of 17 users found this helpful710

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5

Brent_MarchantOct 22, 2021

In creating a film epic, there has to be something "epic" about it in order to qualify for that designation. Unfortunately, this latest remake of Frank Herbert's "Dune" fails on that point on so many fronts. While the special effects andIn creating a film epic, there has to be something "epic" about it in order to qualify for that designation. Unfortunately, this latest remake of Frank Herbert's "Dune" fails on that point on so many fronts. While the special effects and cinematography are indeed dazzling and the film can justifiably lay claim to yet another outstanding Hans Zimmer score, there's not much else here to grab viewer attention or evoke an emotional response. A big part of that has to do with the film's overlong, unengaging narrative, much of which is a long, cold, boring snooze and often tediously derivative in its vision, not to mention inherently and obviously incomplete. There are also casting issues aplenty, with some performers, like Timothee Chalamet and Rebecca Ferguson, being placed into roles for which they're wholly unsuited, and with others, such as Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem and Charlotte Rampling, being woefully underused. This is an uncharacteristically underwhelming effort from director Denis Villeneuve, a filmmaker best known for stellar work on pictures like "Arrival" (2016) and "Blade Runner 2049" (2017). Regrettably, this is yet another example of a much-anticipated offering that falls flat and comes nowhere close to living up to its potential.… Expand

6 of 15 users found this helpful69

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5

FortifierOct 31, 2021

This is a film that requires a very particular taste to fully enjoy and leave the theatre satisfied. For myself, while the film's cinematography, acting, costumes, special effects, and soundtrack were absolutely spectacular, what the filmThis is a film that requires a very particular taste to fully enjoy and leave the theatre satisfied. For myself, while the film's cinematography, acting, costumes, special effects, and soundtrack were absolutely spectacular, what the film lacked most was the most important part of any story; proper story-telling.

Let's compare "Dune: Part 1" with a film that also uses similar story-telling methods; "Mad Max: Fury Road".

"Mad Max: Fury Road" is a film that is mostly told through its visuals. Aside from its introduction of dramatic news-reel montages to transition us from our present to a future where most of the world has been destroyed due to global wars over limited resources, the rest of the film simply follows Max and the other main characters. Everything we learn about how the new world works and how its cultures operate is mostly through being observant of the world around the characters as they move through the scenes. There is never enough dialogue to fully piece everything together if we only heard the dialogue.

But as they say, "A picture is worth 1000 words". By being observant one would be able to quickly figure out and enjoy the world "Mad Max: Fury Road" brings us into.

"Dune" does the exact same thing with how they tell their story. They rely mostly on the visuals to tell the story and give the world of "Dune" its life. However, "Mad Max: Fury Road" works, but "Dune" does not. Why is this?

For one, the transition from our world to Max's world is easy to understand and see as realistic. Wars over limiting resources destroy most of the world and those still alive are the ones hoarding the limited resources left? Okay! Done!

"Dune", on the other hand, launches us immediately over 8000 years into the future without any other context as to how we got there or what the new world is like...

From the very first minute of the film, a lot of the audience remains separated from the world of the film and already become drowned in questions.

"Mad Max: Fury Road", on the other hand, presents us with a handful of questions, but give us quick and simple answers to each of them before presenting us with new ones.

- People are crazy and obsessed with cars? Its the apocalypse and cars are the only way to not only have fun but ensure that you can get the resources to survive! Done!

- Crazy people faking deity are in charge? They successfully use cult tactics and their primary access to vital resources to get power and stay in power! Done!

- We got a population of tumour-filled cult followers? They're dying with nothing else to loose because the world has been destroyed through nuking! Done!

Yet once again, "Dune" immediately launches us into a world that presents us with so many questions yet little-to-no answers that are fulfilled through visual story-telling alone;

- After 8000 years humans have travelled throughout the galaxy to different planets and have set up galactic-wide governments based on Imperial styles of government with different family houses...? Okay...

- We have people that have abilities to control others through speech and even see into the future that is overseen by a matriarchal sect where only females are allowed to have said abilities and said females work in the background to manipulate politics and bloodlines to fulfill a prophecy...? Okay...

- The most valuable resource in this time is a spice solely located on a desert planet that is not only a hallucinogen that can even help said telekinetic people see into the future yet is somehow incorporated into unspecified technology that allows people to travel throughout space through worm-holes...? Okay...

In short, "Mad Max: Fury Road" provides a visual form of story-telling that easily transitions audiences into the film and provides easy and quick questions for easy answers...

While "Dune" provides way too many questions even before the movie properly starts without giving proper answers for half of them...

It is possible to understand the basics of what's going on in "Dune" just by reading between most of the lines and jumping to quick conclusions based just on what's been shown. Yet ultimately, the film seems like one of those movies based off a long-running TV show that Hollywood tries to cram into a few hours. Its chosen method of story-telling fails to properly establish the world and any emotional investment from the audience; turning what could have been a great sci-fi story into nothing more than a fever dream.… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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5

TheGrackleOct 23, 2021

It's barely half the movie the original was. The only thing it did better than the original was the special effects.

5 of 15 users found this helpful510

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4

GLADIADOROct 23, 2021

Chato, cansativo, bonito e com um som fantastico, isso é um resumo sobre duna, que definitivamente não me conquistou

4 of 12 users found this helpful48

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5

reelsightNov 8, 2021

This new version of Dune has turned agreat work of imagination and adventure into a boring documentary. As a minimum I was hoping it would improve on the first Dune movie which had its own flaws, but that was not to be. The actors areThis new version of Dune has turned agreat work of imagination and adventure into a boring documentary. As a minimum I was hoping it would improve on the first Dune movie which had its own flaws, but that was not to be. The actors are deadpan, the visuals bleak and grey, the entire production is underwhelming and without sparking any wonder or awe at the amazing sand planet and its creatures and characters. I don't understand why this version has received any positive reviews. I don't think anyone who has read the novel and watched the first movie version could prefer this lumpen lifeless portrayal of the fabulous Dune story.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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5

evokingsNov 7, 2021

My review for the 2021 movie Dune part 1, so i watched the movie in theaters,full movie going experience, well not so much, the problem with the movie is it strays from the book to movie experience, if you like movies you might not like DuneMy review for the 2021 movie Dune part 1, so i watched the movie in theaters,full movie going experience, well not so much, the problem with the movie is it strays from the book to movie experience, if you like movies you might not like Dune if you like the book you will possibly dislike the movie for certain things, because it omits small useful tidbits of detail, that would have made the movie even better, an example being doctor Yueh had more dialog and moments in the book that would have helped the audience understand his betrayal better, these details matter, instead we have many panning shots which are cool. but dialog/scenes between other characters would have made the movie better, also paul is a bit over powered in this movie, and scenes make no sense when you think about it, like why is a Dukes son out in the sand in harm's way playing hero..no blame or anger goes to Duncan or Gurney nor do they apologize to the Duke for incompetence, yet a few scenes later Thufir Hawat tenders his resignation when the Dukes son faces a hunter seeker, and the Duke is like nope 2 other guys i know are just as incompetent, i enjoyed watching the movie but I was displeased by the lack of rich dialog, which the book had offered by comparison, and i understand that a movie has a 3 hour run time and you can't fit it all in, but key dialog and scenes could have been added, if there is an extended cut that details it better i would like to watch it, but for now my conclusion is the movie could get lost in a list of many movies of today, the intellectual characters of Dune were under utilized, So it's not a unique movie, nor is it a Peter Jackson accurate book to movie film. overall good movie but it could have been better detailed for the audience i did like the cinematography, but i just wish we got more story.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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6

movingpicturesNov 4, 2021

It's a slog, but def better than Dune (1984).

I wanted to like this. It has a lot of things going for it. The cinematography is beautiful. The sound design was good (but could have been better). The protagonists are likeable. This is a majorIt's a slog, but def better than Dune (1984).

I wanted to like this. It has a lot of things going for it. The cinematography is beautiful. The sound design was good (but could have been better). The protagonists are likeable. This is a major improvement. Chalamet has a better written and better performed Paul than MacLachlan had in Dune (1984). In fact, everyone from Atreides comes across better in this version with the exception of Lady Jessica who is uncharacteristically frightened for nearly the entire movie. Jason Momoa stole the show as Duncan. He was great!

Now, for the bad guys: Much Worse this time around. I was very disappointed here. Where the villains in Dune (1984) are larger than life and boisterous and colorful, the villains here comparatively boring - very one-dimensional. This film overall has a more somber and plodding tone while Dune (1984) managed to capture a manic kind of energy that's sorely missing here.

Thankfully, there is much less exposition here for which I am grateful. However, it's been replaced by a dozen dream sequences for which I am annoyed. 90% of Zendaya's appearance is in the form of dreams. It drags. It drags to the point that I was looking at my watch and wishing it would end. That's never a good feeling. Hopefully, part 2 can fix some of these issues.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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6

jimivanhalenNov 5, 2021

I have two major issues with this movie. 1) The last 1/3 of this movie is god awful boring. It is just a lot of wondering around before anything happens. And then it just ..ends... 2) I think that the actor playing Paul is terrible. He comesI have two major issues with this movie. 1) The last 1/3 of this movie is god awful boring. It is just a lot of wondering around before anything happens. And then it just ..ends... 2) I think that the actor playing Paul is terrible. He comes across as a complete wimp. Does anybody think this 90 lb weakling will be the messiah and win in battle? The first 2/3 of the movie are fantastic, but the last 1/3 almost completely ruined it for me.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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5

Prink34320May 23, 2022

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Boring but artistic.

Dune introduces the audience to an interesting futuristic world that feels akin to sci-fi films from the late 1900s and early 2000s. Hans Zimmer composes an ethereal soundtrack that elicits nostalgia of classic sci-fi, and the visuals throughout the film create a beautiful and realistic-looking atmosphere. Though part of what breaks immersion is the blandness and emptiness of this entire world. The story focuses on several factions that are offered up as advanced societies, yet seem to be in the brink of extinction with how few of them there are.

However, where Dune falls flat is both in its narrative and character development. In two and a half hours, the narrative barely progresses, and it makes a large chunk of the film feel like unnecessary filler - that may change with its sequels, but as a standalone film, its a slog to go through. Because of the way the characters are acted, they feel (I assume intentionally so) devoid of emotion, which feels alienating as an audience member attempting to relate to and understand a character's motivations.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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4

Aaryan16Dec 21, 2021

A big disappointment to be honest. Was expecting a start to finish banger of a movie but only got something that feels like 1/10th of a whole story which just ends abruptly.

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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4

Broker2022Mar 21, 2023

I read all the books in Frank Herbert's Dune Cycle several times when I was young and later as an adult, and I was already fascinated by the complexity of the material. There are even Dune encyclopedias to explain this huge epic. The booksI read all the books in Frank Herbert's Dune Cycle several times when I was young and later as an adult, and I was already fascinated by the complexity of the material. There are even Dune encyclopedias to explain this huge epic. The books are about the fictional planet Arrakis. Arrakis is a desert planet whose sun makes the scorching heat so unbearable that at certain times of the day, no one can survive outside without the stillsuit. Now to the movie. The movie is well made in terms of presentation and CGI, unfortunately almost everything went wrong here at the casting. First, the main protagonist, Paul Atreides, is played by a colorless and dispassionate actor. You just don't buy him the role. The quality of the acting is too weak compared to the book. Then the role of Duncan Idaho, a total disaster, here the serious character is ridiculed by Jason Momoa, almost embarrassing. Casting Zendaya for the role of Chani is just awful, has no acting quality at all, really bad. A total mistake. Now for the actual catastrophic miscasting. It's about the Imperial ecologist Liet Kynes. Liet Kynes was the Emperor's planetary ecologist on Arrakis and later a highly respected leader of the Fremen. He was Chani's father. Was cast by a black actress. What was that?! Why does one of the best science fiction novels of our modern times have to be used for the political nonsense of wokeism?! A real disgrace and defacing of the narrative. Also, the story can no longer be logical and coherent. The total mistake! Not only annoying but a shame! Another catastrophic misjudgment, or should I say forced political decision, the role of Thuwir Hawat, Master of Assassins and Mentat. Colourless, bloodless and very weak performance by Stephen Henderson. It just goes on, I don't want to list them all, but the only character in the novel that I liked and suited to in this work is Paul's mother, Lady Jessica, masterfully played by the beautiful and gorgeous Rebeca Fergusson. Next come the roles of Oscar Isaac, Stellan Skarsgard and Dave Bautista. Apart from these four good casts, everyone else was a hit in the toilet. In the second part, the great and highly talented Christopher Walken is supposed to play the Emperor, at least a small but small consolation. Film should convey an environment to the viewer as far as possible, using all artistic and technical means, draw him in and impress him visually. Unfortunately, this was not implemented here in the slightest. For a whopping $165 million production cost, this should be more than possible! Denis Villeneuve tries hard, but portraying a world in the year 10000 should be guided by more imagination and artistic sense, it should blow your mind and when you leave the cinema it should reverberate in your brain for weeks, unfortunately this film adaptation didn't succeed , although I actually really like the film. But only because I love the outstanding novels of Frank Herbert's Genius!… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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5

SergeantSozOct 30, 2021

If you know nothing of the book or the lore, you’ll be confused because all this movie is is about is mumbling about space politics. It’s like watching a trailer for the sequel. Hopefully that movie has some substance because I couldn’tIf you know nothing of the book or the lore, you’ll be confused because all this movie is is about is mumbling about space politics. It’s like watching a trailer for the sequel. Hopefully that movie has some substance because I couldn’t follow this movie or why everything was happening or why i should care about the characters.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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4

JonnyMackNov 12, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Take game of thrones, add in a dash of gritty star wars and you have Dune.
almost an hour and half of boring waffle, politics and house of blah blah. If you manage to stay awake the film does pick up. Some nice action pieces...but one query, why with all this amazing interstellar tech, lasers, rockets and bombs does all the boots on the ground have to fight with swords and knives?
Why are most worlds like ancient egypt, but with some advanced holographic tech? A strange mish mash, and to be fair, probably most like what Earths future will be one the climate changes really take control.
I wanted to like this, but i didnt. As a standalone piece it's not very good. It looks stunning. It truly feels epic, but by god it is boring until it does eventually get going....and then it just ends....
So this is a two parter, and i do think the second part will make this film complete and it has the potential to be a masterpiece when whole. But you have to review a movie as a standalone. And with that Dune certainly is lacking despite its intentions. That said, bring on the sequel.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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4

edutomazzoniNov 3, 2021

O filme consegue ser lento e apressado ao mesmo tempo. Tenta ser misterioso mas é extremamente expositivo. Nenhum personagem é aprofundado e nem as relações entre eles. O filme parece estranhamente vazio e sem emoção.

2 of 9 users found this helpful27

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4

SilverWolfLOct 27, 2021

Só beleza e pouco conteúdo...mais um do estilo adolescente que sonha em ter atenção e ser especial...

2 of 9 users found this helpful27

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4

IzaroCalNov 5, 2021

Que pelicula más aburrida.
No me he dormido al ver una película desde hace 6 años.

2 of 10 users found this helpful28

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5

burnthouseOct 24, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Actors that believe in the story and a visionary director have created a masterwork in sci-fi for the senses. Having recently completed the 5 books of Dune the level of anticipation for this adaptation of Dune has been huge... I'm a fan of the 1984 Dune and I'm not afraid to say it... If you've read the novels you know the best is yet to come and we have a calibre of actors that are capable of delivering part two and beyond... atleast until the end of book 3 and I would be a very happy desert mouse.
It is intriguing to see Paul's visions as it makes 0you ponder the thought of how much of the second part has been completed... hopefully audiences will thirst for Dunes continuation.... the best is yet to come… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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5

stratos_auOct 26, 2021

As much as I love Sci Fi, I tried watching the original Dune movie and it has aged terribly, almost unwatchable, however after watching this new movie, there were some elements which were missing and that gave the movie a "unique" universe.As much as I love Sci Fi, I tried watching the original Dune movie and it has aged terribly, almost unwatchable, however after watching this new movie, there were some elements which were missing and that gave the movie a "unique" universe. Also, there is really not main strong story, so much development without any significant climax . Acting is ok, but very odd at times, special effects are good but the design choices of the vehicles look so weird, the carryalls looks incredible nimble and useless vs the harvesters , and the dragonfly ships I mean they really look unpractical! specially on a dessert world! , but feels that there is something big missing. Honestly, might need to rewatch it but dont really get exited to do it. Overall very boring, there is really no tension, feels like a massive cliff hanger from start to finish… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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5

PaulystanApr 15, 2022

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. In general I think the film is okay, good in parts, odd in others. I'm a long standing lover of Dune, books, film, games. Mostly the books. This film could have been incredible but... it's too dark and cold. Why does Arrakis seem dark during the day? Every item of clothing is sombre. For the most part this post Gothic look works but not for everything. None of the characters, with the possible exception of Paul at times feel fake and bland, nothing makes you love the good guys or properly hate the bad guys. Everyone is almost monotone and it's all the time. The acting is also sometimes off, poorly done. All of this is forgivable. What is not are the changes and deviations to the books which, is somebody's life/critical work; new people who feel they can be a bit whoa, a bit wey, a bit too cool and liberal clever don't get to F up somebody else's work. They don't get to take a famous painting and add a wee boat in, rub out significant parts just because. They don't get to take the Mona Lisa and make it somebody called morning Dave. So... why the hell is Keynes a woman? Why are critical statements not made e.g. when Mohaim tests Paul with the gom jabbar, why does she not say (in shock at what she has done) "no girl child has ever withstood so much". This may seem a minor point but it's not, it is a massive indication that not only did she want Paul to fail but that by succeeding, Paul is likely more than just a normal person. Before anybody goes around calling me sextet, don't be stupid, we are talking about a world in which the truly powerful are almost ALL women. It could and should have been amazing, it isn't and it's a real shame.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

ANTtheKNEEEENov 19, 2021

I'm assuming it would be better if i read the books? It's just all over the place, it just feels like its fast forwarding thru things.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

Satanski666Mar 9, 2022

Not bad, but i still much prefer Lynch's adaptation. Also minus point for changing race and gender of Liet Kynes.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

bobbodu2873e1Feb 1, 2022

This should have been a TV series, if it's gonna continue with this pace. Not much really happened, some memorable scenes I guess, but I only learned that this is part 1 once I started actually watching it. This really should have been a highThis should have been a TV series, if it's gonna continue with this pace. Not much really happened, some memorable scenes I guess, but I only learned that this is part 1 once I started actually watching it. This really should have been a high budget series or something because this film by itself is unfulfilling and a waste of time by itself sadly..… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

TeslaBrownNov 14, 2022

majestic sideboards, but with too many green screen/close-up scenes with the actors:
gorgeous effects in landscapes and openings: good performances, but the script was not modified for advanced minds: telepathy, ships faster than NASA couldmajestic sideboards, but with too many green screen/close-up scenes with the actors:
gorgeous effects in landscapes and openings: good performances, but the script was not modified for advanced minds: telepathy, ships faster than NASA could ever build, hyper destructive laser cannons, airborne commandos by thousands in dragonfly helicopters but... is the movie defined by knife slashing and sprinting?… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

jonatafdmsNov 9, 2021

Pt-BR: É um filme interessante com um potencial distante de ser alcançado. Era um filme com muita expectativa para grande parte dos fãs de outras franquias, o que ocasionou um desespero interno para aqueles que assistiram e não gostaram tantoPt-BR: É um filme interessante com um potencial distante de ser alcançado. Era um filme com muita expectativa para grande parte dos fãs de outras franquias, o que ocasionou um desespero interno para aqueles que assistiram e não gostaram tanto (como eu, por exemplo). Com muito tempo de tela e uma história lenta para maior aproximação dos personagens ao decorrer do filme, a sensação é que a trilogia inteira poderia ser facilmente encaixada em apenas um filme. Isso não quer dizer que o filme seja ruim, principalmente para o primeiro filme de uma sequencia. É um filme decente com uma atuação enorme e um roteiro bom, mas nada além disso por enquanto. Esperarei a continuação com uma expectativa um pouco menor.

En-US: It is an interesting film with a potential far from being reached. It was a film with a lot of expectations for most fans of other franchises, which caused an internal despair for those who watched and didn't like it so much (like me, for example). With lots of screen time and a slow story to bring the characters closer together as the film progresses, the feeling is that the entire trilogy could easily be fitted into just one film. That's not to say the movie is bad, especially for the first movie in a sequel. It's a decent movie with a huge acting and a good script, but nothing more than that for now. I will wait for the continuation with a little lower expectation.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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4

johndoe43Feb 13, 2022

Dune 2021 is a decent film, but it is not a great one. It has high production values and great visuals at times, the film is seriously lacking when it comes to telling the story. The director has no feel for the source material and what makesDune 2021 is a decent film, but it is not a great one. It has high production values and great visuals at times, the film is seriously lacking when it comes to telling the story. The director has no feel for the source material and what makes the novel great. The pacing of film is way too slow. The film adds material not in the book to cover production mistakes. At the same time it omits key parts of the story. Had the pacing of the film been better and the extraneous material been removed, there would have been plenty of time to tell the actual story from the novel.

One of the major problems is that the film is woefully miscast. Timothy Chalamet is way too old to play Paul and physically is not up to the role. Due to this miscasting, the Paul of the novel gets transformed in to a wimp who isn't sure that he wants to become the duke. Several pointless scenes were added to the film to cover this miscasting.

Rebecca Fergusson as Jessica was a another bit of bad casting. Instead of the noble character of the novel (see, e.g., Francesca Annis in the 1984 Dune), she cowers all the time.

Gurney Halleck and Kynes were also horribly miscast to the detriment of the story.

Jason Mamoa is hardly the Duncan Idaho of the novel but this is the only "miscasting" that actually works in the film.

Because the story is so truncated (in material, but not in screen time) and this is virtually no character development, the film could easily have just eliminated Thurfir, Gurney, and Kynes from the film entirely with to no effect in the final product.

The sources material and budget were there to make a great epic film. This had the potential to be the Star Wars of the 2020's. Sadly, the result with Dune 2021 was just another Sci-Fi film The film is worth seeing but its only good and not great. The end result is much like Avatar where you just have to enjoy the visuals and put aside the plot.

As terrible as the 1984 Dune was, it did a better job of world building and has camp value. I suspect in five years it will be more watched than the 2021 version because it is more entertaining.

In conclusion, those saying the film is horrible are going overboard. Those calling it "a masterpiece" are deluded fanboys. Dune 2021 is in between, as its mediocre box office demonstrates.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

Kdog152Jan 4, 2023

I mean, it wasn't bad, but the story didn't really make any sense and apart from a small bit of action, it was very boring. It felt like a show-don't-tell kinda thing, but it failed in that aspect. Graphically, it's great, but that's to beI mean, it wasn't bad, but the story didn't really make any sense and apart from a small bit of action, it was very boring. It felt like a show-don't-tell kinda thing, but it failed in that aspect. Graphically, it's great, but that's to be expected these days, so that doesn't give extra points.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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6

Razrback16Jun 30, 2023

This was a very solid movie. I would have purchased a digital copy of it if they hadn't race and / or gender swapped multiple characters in it. Was happy to borrow a copy from a friend and check it out - will do the same with part 2 when it launches.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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6

crawftMar 17, 2022

I cannot help feeling something similar with this film as when I watched Bladerunner 2049. The beginning of the Dune series is HERE, but what did I really get from watching this iteration? The cast and the delivery of lines is underwhelming.I cannot help feeling something similar with this film as when I watched Bladerunner 2049. The beginning of the Dune series is HERE, but what did I really get from watching this iteration? The cast and the delivery of lines is underwhelming. I can't see watching this again; nothing drew me in. I completed the film only because I am a sci-fi fan and this story is huge in the world of sci-fi (and Gen X childhood).… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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6

Experiment626Nov 19, 2021

Good starting point into the movie. I enjoyed it enough for multiple viewings. I wasn't a fan of the Lynch movie but did enjoy the SciFi series. I read the first couple of books but don't remember enough of the fine details. LookingGood starting point into the movie. I enjoyed it enough for multiple viewings. I wasn't a fan of the Lynch movie but did enjoy the SciFi series. I read the first couple of books but don't remember enough of the fine details. Looking forward to see where they take part 2 of this story.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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