'Dune: Part Two' review: Powerful, impressive movie is better than Denis Villeneuve's first 'Dune' film

A sci-fi adventure of mass proportions, Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Two, starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, truly shows what it means for a film to be a cinematic epic.

Dune: Part Two release date: March 1
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Austin Butler, Josh Brolin, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Stellan Skarsgård, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Anya Taylor-Joy
Runtime: 166

Based on the novel by Frank Herbert, in Dune: Part Two Paul Atreides (Chalamet) and his pregnant mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), have been taken in by the Fremen, including Chani (Zendaya) and Stilgar (Javier Bardem).

Established in the first film, Arrakis is a planet known for its abundance of "spice," a key resource. But the Harkonnen, led by Baron Vladimir (Stellan Skarsgård), are now in control of the spice production, alongside his nephew, Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler).

While the story is very much still centred around Paul, who is believed to be the messiah, there are a number of new characters in Dune: Part Two, including Christopher Walken as Emperor Shaddam IV, and his daughter, Princess Irulan (played by Florence Pugh), involved in the fall of House Atreides.

Why 'Dune: Part Two' exceeded our expectations

While Villeneuve's first Dune film was visually spectacular, tasked with setting the groundwork for this dense story, Dune: Part Two adds strength to the narrative direction, but with even more impressive visuals as well.

Particularly in recent years, some films have leaned on eye candy, so to speak, to keep audience interest, but Dune: Part Two exceeded our expectations for captivating, shocking and exciting cinematography, while diving deeper into who these characters are, and their motivations.

Chalamet's Paul is far more nuanced than in the first film, driven by this desire for revenge and to take down the Harkonnen, paired with his fate as a powerful messiah. There's a build up of strength for Paul throughout the film, while still leaving room for some gentleness for the character.

Rebecca Ferguson continues to be an absolute highlight in Villeneuve's Dune universe. Dune: Part Two leans into the Bene Gesserit lore, and the prophecy of Paul being the saviour, with a mix of bizarre, but incredibly intriguing sci-fi elements. For example, the "water of life" that allows Lady Jessica to speak to her unborn child.

Speaking of character highlights, Austin Butler's Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen is absolutely terrifying right from the start. He has this sinister look that's just captivating and there's one particular fight scene, which takes place in a massive stadium full of Harkonnen, shown in black and white, that is breath-takingly spectacular.

It does take some time to get to Butler's character, but you won't be disappointed when he arrives on the screen, looking completely menacing. It's a far cry from Elvis.

But not all characters in Dune: Part Two are as well developed as others. Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh) and Emperor Shaddam IV (Christopher Walken), for example, aren't explored as thoroughly, and there are times where the story feels a bit more stalled than others, but it does make you want to see what else Villeneuve has up his sleeve.

If you thought the scale of the first Dune film was impressive, Dune: Part Two takes that to a whole new level. The landscapes are even more specific, feel more immersive, and that is very much a testament to both Villeneuve and cinematographer Greig Fraser, matched with the enthralling score from Hans Zimmer.

That all goes to say that it would be best to see this in a movie theatre, we wouldn't wait for this film to be available to watch at home.

Whether you're a sci-fan fan or not, Dune: Part Two is really a spectacle that everyone should, and likely will enjoy.