Dune Part Two Recommended!

Dune Part Two finally got me to go to the movies. Part of the reason is that it also has good reviews. 83% on Rotten Tomatoes. I've read the book and have seen the first Dune movie as well. So I know the story. For me, that's a bit of a draw back because I know what's going to happen. However, I didn't know how they would go about it in this movie. The acting, special effects, etc are all better in this movie. Probably over a year ago, I watched Part 1 on MAX. I didn't feel the need to go back and watch Part 1 again, but some people might find it useful. 

Anyway, I found this to be the best version of Dune as a movie. I liked the balance between action and dialogue. I like the way they did the character arc of Paul. It stood out more in this version. He changes a lot, step by step, through the tragedy of losing his father and so much more. 

Another thing that stood out more to me is the influence of the Bene Gesserit. These women have weaved their way into all the Houses. They are behind the scenes controlling everything. Every House has their own Bene Gesserit as a kind of counselor because they have some ability to see the future, and they can also tell when someone is lying. Their focus is mainly on House Atreides and the terrible House Harkonnen. Each House competes for control over the desert planet with the valuable spice. Meanwhile, the Bene Gesserit's main goal is to breed a man who can be one of them and become the ruler of the universe. They will do whatever it takes. This includes wiping out the Atredies who they feel are too weak. I should also mention that one of their powers is the ability to control men sexually. So in general, they're highly controversially as to whether they are bad or good.

It also stood out to me how Dune has elements of fantasy. The leader of each house is like a king with a prince or princess. They are looked up to as royalty. "Yes, my Lord! Yes, my Duke, Sire, etc." Like other fantasies, the Houses compete with each other for power. They also fight with long knives, even though they have advanced technology. 

Dune as a movie, still struggles getting across this huge world and story, but it's an improvement over previous versions. At the end, some things were left resolved. I wanted more, and I can only think they left it this way because more is coming. If so, this will go into the story beyond what I remember from reading Dune Messiah years ago. Below is the best trailer I could find.