DUNE (Theatrical Release USA 2021)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Dune—read a plotline before going—works at an exceptionally high level of complication and sophistication. This is an intellectual watch that may be completely appreciated by a limited audience with specialized knowledge. It is not as interesting, nor as good as the original movie, but the film does elaborate on Baron Vladimir Harkonnen’s character and about his position in moving the story forward. While the cast is star-studded, it surprisingly, at times, needs more realistic acting and consistency in acting skills. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A family has become powerful due to its control of ‘spice’. A ruler decides that a new family needs to control the ‘spice.’ 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Denis Villeneuve for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Mary Parent, Denis Villeneuve, and Eric Roth for making the film possible. Cast includes: Timothee Chalamet, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Zendaya, David Dastmalchian, Chang Chen, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Charlotte Rampling, Jason Momoa, and Javier Bardem. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It is interesting to see the differences between the original Dune and this story (which has been completely rewritten with bits of the original story sprinkled in at curtain junctures). There is little to recommend this movie to a general audience other than to see new actors coming into their professional maturity and to view some very good special effects, makeup artists' terrific abilities, and some fantastic architectural structures. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

DUNE (Theatrical Release USA 1984)

 Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Dune—intriguing, high fantasy, science fiction movie—has exceptionally high quality actors. Be prepared for an exceptionally well-written story. The desert scenes completely work. This is a classic that deserves its place in the home video library. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A power struggle results in a war that takes much courage to enter and to attempt to win. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director David Lynch for directing effort. Thank you to Raffaella De Laurentiis for making the film possible. Cast includes: Francesca Annis, Leonardo Cimino, Brad Dourif, Jose Ferrer, Linda Hunt, Freddie Jones, Richard Jordan, Kyle MacLachlan, Virginia Madsen, Silvana Mangano, Everett McGill, Kenneth McMillan, Jack Nance, Sian Phillips, Jurgen Prochnow, Paul Smith, Patrick Stewart, Sting, Dean Stockwell, Max von Sydow, Alicia Witt, and Sean Young. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Intriguing, inspirational, well-made entertainment piece. This is a keeper and earns its watch.                     

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers