Dune

Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Issac, Josh Brolin, Jason Momoa, Sharon Duncan- Brewster, Zendaya, Stellan Skarsgard, Dave Bautista, Javier Bardem, Charlotte Rampling, Chang Chen, David Dastmalchian, Stephen McKinley Henderson,

Director: Denis Villeneuve

Based on the novel "Dune" by Frank Herbert.

The planet Arrakis, home to the Fremen and the only place to harvest the coveted Spice, has been under harsh rule by the cruel House Harkonnen. In a sudden change of command, House Atreides has been chosen to replace them by the Emperor. Before arriving on the planet, Leto Atreides (Issac), sends his aide Duncan Idaho (Momoa) ahead to learn about the planet and the Fremen. Meanwhile, his son Paul (Chalamet) has troubling visions of the future that revolve around a mysterious girl (Zendaya). These visions are of particular interest to his mother, Lady Jessica (Ferguson), who has been training Paul in the arts of the Bene Gesserit to use his mind to control others. Upon arriving on the planet, it becomes apparent that House Harkonnen, led by the ruthless and evil Baron (Skarsgard), have planned a deadly coup against House Atreides and a brutal fight for survival rages.

This is the type of adaptation not only fans of the novel, but science fiction fans in general have been waiting for. Although David Lynch attempted to adapt the novel in the 80's, the film has become more known for its campiness than its quality. Auteur director Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049, Arrival, Sicario) attempts what many consider to be impossible: to successfully adapt the novel for the big screen.

For the most part, he succeeds. Labeled as "Part One" in the opening credits, you know right away that you are in for an extensive and faithful adaptation. Despite ending on a cliffhanger (which we thankfully will see the conclusion of thanks to Part Two being green-lit after this weekend), the film should delight sci fi fans across the globe.

Yes, the film deals a lot in "space politics," but that doesn't diminish the entertainment value. There is always something going on, from double crosses to action scenes, and despite running two and half hours long the pacing never drags. Even if the politics aren't your thing, this is an absolutely gorgeous film to look at. Villeneuve and Cinematographer Greig Fraser have put a richly detailed world on screen and it's hard to take your eyes off it. Ever since Villeneuve has dipped his toes into sci fi, he has proven that he can put some stunning visuals on screen and that continues here. Even watching on a TV won't diminish the stunning visuals on display.

I know I am going to be in the minority on this, but I think Timothée Chalamet is completely miscast in this film. I don't know if he was completely comfortable being in such a big budget film, but I feel like he never really tapped into Paul enough to give me a reason to care about him. Maybe that will change in part two. The rest of the cast is filled to the brim with talent, with some actors getting much more screen time than others. There are some characters that I am sad I won't get to spend more time with but others I can't wait to learn about in the future.

Sci Fi fans rejoice! Dune is action packed and visually stunning and the adaptation you've been waiting for! Desert Power.

Grade: B+

Dune is available in theaters as well as HBOMax