Dune: Part Two - Budget of $190 million - 2 hours and 47 minutes
Power over spice is power over all
Paul and his pregnant mother, Lady Jessica, hide among the Freman people in the desert as word of their death travels through the houses. The Fremans bring Jamis's body back to their cavern and drain his moisture. They pour the water into an underground river to honor the dead. Stilgar pulls Jessica aside because he and other southern Freman believe Paul is there to fulfill the prophecy. They believe a Messiah will bring prosperity to Arrakis and free them from the Harkonnen. A Reverand Mother is dying, and they want Jessica to take her place. Jessica says yes and goes through the deadly ritual but doesn't tell them she's pregnant. With her new status, Jessica will convince non-believing Freman that Paul is the Messiah.
Paul desires to learn the ways of the Freman. Although Paul wears his father's ring, he doesn't want to be a prophet or ruler. Stilgar gladly teaches Paul, and southern Freman delights in Paul's triumphs. However, a northern Freman, Chani, isn't impressed. She doesn't subscribe to the prophecy because she thinks it's an enslavement tool. Chani can't ignore her attraction to the outsider. She helps Paul sandwalk and teaches him to use the machines to extract moisture from the sandstorms. Paul confides in Chani about his apocalyptic dreams as the two become inseparable. Paul's dreams warn that traveling to Southern Arrakis will bring death to billions.
Glossu Rabban Harkonnen sends spice harvesters and soldiers to the northern part of the Arrakis. Since the death of Duke Leto, Baron Vladimir Harroken wants his nephew, Glossu, to regain control of spice production. Glossu inability to control the Freman brings shame to the Harroken, and Vladimir won't stand for it. He vows to kill Glossu if he doesn't gain control and produce results. Vladimir thinks Glossu is a doting foot soldier but doesn't believe Glossu is ready to lead. Vladimir wants his other nephew, Feyd-Rautha, to take the throne. Emperor Shaddam IV's Truthsayer, Gaius Helen Mohiam, agrees. She put spies in place to find Feyd-Rautha's weaknesses and start the next generation of his bloodline. Shaddam's daughter, Princess Irulan, disagrees because Feyd-Rautha is a psychopath. Irulan keeps a secret. She suspects that Paul and Jessica are alive but unsure of their location. Can Paul and the Fremans stop the Harroken with the Emperor and his people secretly working for them?
Based on the novel Dune by Frank Herbert and the sequel to Dune, this film deserves the most vivid screen and best sound an audience can find (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). The graphics are extraordinary and clean. The sound gives the script a proper build for its iconic moments. The story is captivating and dramatic. However, the backing track does drown out the dialogue in a few scenes, like in the first film. The script doesn't force its high-level wit on you and profoundly uses silence. On this surface, this movie is about empires fighting over a resource. However, this plot gently discusses religion and looting. Stilgar believes in the prophecy, but Chani thinks it's a story meant to control the masses for centuries. Paul doesn't want to believe he is the Messiah, but Jessica wants to use their beliefs to their advantage. Also, the Harroken take the spice without understanding what it means to the Freman and their culture. They want to strip Arrakis of a sacred tool used in rituals. This sequel is better than the first film and deserves your time and money. Its stunning fight scenes, jaw-dropping graphics, and compelling storyline are worth the running time.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
You chose the wrong side - Jessica
There are no sides - Gaius Helen Mohiam
Don't waste your water. Not even on the dead - Stilgar
For my Duke. For my friends - Gurney Halleck
Don't spoil my nephew's birthday - Vladimir Harroken
We've lost men. They're rats - Glossu
You tried to kill me - Feyd-Rautha
That's not hope - Paul
He's sincere - Chani
You underestimate the power of faith - Princess Irulan
