dpsteel Reviews

Dune: Part Two (2024)

Stunning, but story could be tighter

[7/10 · 10 March 2024]

This is a truly amazing movie that showcases Villeneuve's artistry on multiple levels. Many storytelling choices that deviate from the book were actually smart, so a lot of thought definitely went into the script. But somehow the big picture got lost.

What I found very evocative in the first Dune film by Villeneuve was Paul's struggle with his mother's vision for his life. It formed a kind of emotional core in the movie which suited the format perfectly. When you spend 2-3 hours in the cinema, you expect a certain story arc.

This theme is obviously also a major red thread in the books and so continues in Part Two. But all the spectacular imagery, music and ethos does not make up for the rather wooden character development of Paul. Timothée Chamalet is a fantastic actor so you follow the story anyway. The film would have been so much stronger though if his evolution from troubled teen to messianic warlord were just a little more carefully crafted in the script.

This shortcoming is also visible in Paul's relationship with Chani. On many levels their romance is very plausible and compelling. Towards the end of the film, the mystery wrapped around Paul's destiny inevitably comes between them. But there is so much storytelling potential in this emotional timebomb that just seems to fall flat.

Besides these and other minor flaws, there are so many reasons to see this film. Some of my favorite moments are delivered by the actors Rebecca Ferguson (Lady Jessica), Zendaya (Chani), Stellan Skårsgard (Baron Harkonnen) and the chilling Austin Butler (Feyd-Rautha).

Argentina, 1985 (2022)

Gripping and uplifting

[9/10 · 15 January 2023]

While I would not recommend watching this movie if you're tired, there is not a single scene which drags on or seems superfluous. The acting is flawless. The script is tight. The cinematography solid. The production design coherent.

While certain nuances of the film seem dated, too much is still highly relevant today. Truth is manipulated. Privilege fiercly defended. Compromise leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

One thing that particularly impressed me was that even though these are historical events, nothing seemed predictable. The suspense did not rely on cheap gimmicks. In that sense, I think it was actually a rather modern film. On a few occasions, the music did get a tad suggestive, but I'll forgive that as a stylistic glitch.

A truly fulfilling, emotionally jarring film that might even leave you feeling a little less cynical afterwards.

Land of Dreams (2021)

Poetic, compelling, focused

[8/10 · 18 November 2022]

This is an arthouse movie that only gets bad reviews because people don't get the style. Being arthouse is not a saving grace and it doesn't excuse a badly made movie. This does not fall in this category.

The style is clear and consistent. The storytelling is unique but not random. Look forward to an intriguing journey into the quirkiness of a semi-dystopian but still charming and uplifting movie.

The acting appears wooden only as a stylistic choice. It is not. The characters are complex and immaculately portrayed.

While there is a level of political commentary, it does not dominate. This is a movie about identity, self-awareness and sticking to one's own reality, regardless of the "reality" the status quo tries to push on you.

Oh, and full of beautiful imagery in New Mexico.

The Book of Boba Fett (2021–2022)

Smart & well-rooted in canon

[8/10 · 10 February 2022]

After the huge disappointment of the films Episodes VII - XI, it is refreshing to find a series written and directed by people who really care about the legacy, scope and depth of the Star Wars universe. At the same time, the topics and struggles dovetail nicely with the realities of our times. Boba Fett's humanity and intelligence are what really won me over. It's not a weakness, but a strength that he's no longer a gun for hire.