113. DUNE: PART 2 (2024) dir. Denis Villeneuve

In DUNE: PART 2, Paul (Timothee Chalamet) is advised to climb the tallest dune before every hunt to obtain the best possible vantage point. It reflects director Denis Villenueve's approach to the sequel: Expand the story's gaze; Throw Greig Fraser (director of photography) at some BREATHTAKING vistas; Fill said massive frame with an army-sized cast of Hollywood's best perfomers; Print money.Villeneuve, like Babe Ruth, called his shot (high fastball over the plate, meet the rafters behind left-center field) against whichever studio executive(s) have yet to greenlight DUNE: MESSIAH. Normally, I'm not so quick to demand sequels before their first parts have premiered, but...have you SEEN this thing? What, are you people allergic to success?DUNE: PART 2 has received comparisons to the like of THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK and THE TWO TOWERS, the latter being my push. At 10 years old, that film sucked me into the intricacies of a world with such enticement, such detail that I almost couldn't handle it. DUNE: PART 2 pushes beyond its prequel's "hero's journey" to deliver a thrilling parable on the dangers of fanaticism and the evils permitted through the seduction of different forms of power, including hopeful, inspirational narratives themselves.I joke to never underestimate the rizz of a fluffy-haired white boy, but given how my thoughts have progressed after the screening, I can't help but think Villeneuve's casting of Chalamet as Paul Atreides is eerily prescient. He'll charm the hell out of one's daughters and leaders, but to what end? At that end, will those daughters and leaders be better for following?Warner Bros., quit fucking around and greenlight this trilogy already.---Follow The Movies on ⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠& ⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠Financially support the podcast via the ⁠⁠tip jar!