‘Dune: Part Two’ Scores Stellar Reviews Ahead of March 1 Release: ‘The Definitive Sci-Fi Epic Of A Generation’
The blockbuster sequel is even better than 2021’s “Dune,” according to impressed critics.
Dune: Part Two doesn’t hit theaters until March 1, but it’s already racking up some seriously impressive reviews from movie critics. The Denis Villeneuve-directed sci-fi epic, which picks up where the 2021 movie left off, currently boasts a 98% “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it the highest-rated Dune adaptation yet by far.
The blockbuster sequel stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Charlotte Rampling, Javier Bardem, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken and Léa Seydoux. The official plot synopsis is here:
Dune: Part Two will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.
The sequel concludes the two-part saga based on Frank Herbert’s classic 1965 novel. Following the Dune: Part Two world premiere in London on February 15, the hotly-anticipated space opera received scores of gushing reviews, perhaps topped by one that called it “the definitive sci-fi epic of a generation.”
“Dune Part Two is not only Denis’s magnum opus; it’s the definitive sci-fi epic of a generation,” FilmSpeak host Griffin Schiller wrote. “A tragic tale of blind fanaticism & corruption. A spectacular, soulful, awe-inspiring masterclass of aesthetics & mood beautifully echoing Paul’s turbulent journey. Left me speechless!”
Inverse’s Hoai-Tran Bui called the film “a triumph,” adding: “Even more immense than the first, but much more intimate—Denis Villeneuve manages to streamline the more alienating second half of the book into a riveting, action-packed epic. TWO TOWERS-level mastery of battle sequences. Zendaya is the star.”
“Incredible filmmaking,” wrote Collider’s Steven Weintraub. “Brilliant score. Entire cast was excellent. My only complaint was I wish it was longer. Not joking around. The movie is 2hr and 40 min(?) and I would have been happy to watch another hour.”
“Having watched Dune Part Two, I can say I have ridden a sandworm,” CinemaBlend’s Eric Eisenberg wrote. “It’s a magical experience, and the faithful adaptation fans have been waiting for (albeit w/ some smart changes). A fascinating examination of zealotry & postcolonial politics wrapped in a breathtaking blockbuster.”
Uproxx’s Mike Ryan wrote that he was mixed on the first Dune, but opined that Part Two is “phenomenal” and “up there with the greatest sci-fi movies I’ve ever seen.”
The first Dune film adaptation was helmed by visionary cult director David Lynch back in 1984. However, it performed poorly at the box office and was savaged by most critics, according to its wretched Rotten Tomatoes score of 37% .
The Syfy Channel later adapted Herbert’s 1965 novel into a better-received—if little-seen— 2000 TV mini-series. But the 2021 Dune roared back into theaters with a respectable 83% on the movie review aggregation site.
Not only is Dune: Part Two the best-reviewed Dune adaptation yet, but it’s also the highest-rated Rotten Tomatoes score for Villeneuve , who previously directed Blade Runner 2049, Sicario and Arrival.
Check out the film’s official third trailer above before Dune: Part Two hits theaters on March 1.