DUNE is based on a scifi novel and it tells the story of Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet), a brilliant young man who is born into a world that he doesn’t understand but he does know that he must travel to the most dangerous planet to save his family’s legacy and all of mankind.
The original novel DUNE came out in 1965 and it was a political tale for that era. The ’65 version was anti-corporate and pro-ecology. The 2021 version of the movie is more action and adventure than political statement.
The movie is filled with small roles by some big name actors like Jason Momoa, Josh Brolin and Dave Bautista and they all give fine performances in this action thriller.
The most dangerous planet in the universe is Arrakis, the planet where Melange, a drug that can extend life and give someone the ability to predict the future and unlock all of the potential of the mind, is produced.
The drug is controlled by the Fremen, warriors on the planet who fiercely protect the drug to keep others from using the power of the spice to take control of their planet. When Paul and his father arrive on the planet they find that it’s a trap and the Fremen are waiting for them. There are some great futuristic fight scenes where the Fremen can travel between dimensions. The movie is a mash-up between STAR WARS and MAD MAX and there are some amazing scenes where the desert opens up and swallows people on the planet.
You can see DUNE at theaters and it’s also available online on HBO/MAX. DUNE is rated PG-13 and runs 2 hours and 35 minutes. On my “Hollywood Popcorn Scale” I rate DUNE a LARGE.
