Dune 2021

Adapting one of the most influential and revered science-fiction novels of all time is no easy task, especially with how long and detailed it is, but Denis Villeneuve has proven to be the perfect person to handle such a challenge. Focusing on the first half of the original 1965 book by Frank Herbert, Dune 2021 can be difficult to get through due to its slow pace and highly detailed world building, but the payoff is worth it. Much like the novel and previous adaptations, the film is set in the far future wherein the entire universe is ruled by an empire and certain planets are looked after by a family. One of these families, House Atreides, is assigned to look over Arrakis, a desert planet from which the only source of fuel comes from and often called Dune. In reality, however, the emperor plans to kill the family out of political fear. At the same time, the heir to House Atreides, Paul, begins to develop abilities that he inherited from his mother, who is a part of a sisterhood with supernatural powers known as the Bene Gesserit. Some time after they establish themselves in Arrakis, the family and its followers are attacked by the House that previously stayed in the planet, the Harkonnens. Although Paul's father, Duke Leto, dies attempting to kill the attackers, he and his mother escape into the desert wherein they have to avoid attacks from the giant sandworms and find help from the Fremen, the planet's native population. One of the biggest praises that one can give to this movie even if one didn't like a lot of it is the bold ambition that Villeneuve and everyone involved in this production took, knowing how loved the novel is. Yes it has a rather slow pace and nearly three hours of very methodical scenes, while feeling at times like mostly setting up for the second half of the book, but a lot of it works due to how everyone involves takes it serious. A lot of the dialogue and exposition is written well and the performances from the actors never feels half assed. Having such acclaimed actors like Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Stellan Skarsgard, and Javier Bardem giving it their all, not a single one does a terrible or even mediocre job. Being less of a typical sci-fi action film and more of a political thriller, you often forget about the many typical tropes of the genre thanks to being engrossed by what's happening. Of course that doesn't mean that the effects, as well as the music and cinematography, aren't as strong or amazing for this kind of movie. Every aspect of this adaptation works even if you often feel bored, showing that not all big blockbusters need to be quick and done. Dune 2021 is a sight to behold all of the time but that doesn't mean it's easy to get through all of the time, but there's nothing wrong with that. Over all: 100%

2021 top list so far:

1. In the Heights

2. No Time to Die

3. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

4. The Green Knight

5. Candyman 2021

6. The Suicide Squad

7. Dune 2021

8. Free Guy

9. Nobody

10. Black Widow

11. A Quiet Place Part II

12. Respect

13. Raya and the Last Dragon

14. Malignant

15. Halloween Kills

16. Jungle Cruise

17. Cruella

18. Wrath of Man

19. F9

20. Venom: Let There Be Carnage

21. Snake Eyes

22. Old

23. Space Jam: A New Legacy