Oscar Gauntlet 2025

I am Paul Muad'dib Atreides! Duke of Arrakis!

It did not disappoint.

Denis Villeneuve is officially my favorite director. Every movie he makes is perfect. Dune: Part Two is no exception. It's a film that builds on everything set-up by its already flawless predecessor, and executes on a whole other level. What can you complain about? The final act was a little too quick? The film should've been longer? That's really just a compliment. Dune: Part Two better stay top 10; it deserves it.

Watching it in IMAX was pretty special. The sound design and music were incredible. The effects were equally amazing. I didn't know sand could look so beautiful, but it was. Some of the best CGI and practical effects ever. Greg Fraser's cinematography is just as good as those other two things. Some of the shots had me floored. Then there's the acting. Everyone's amazing. It's one of the greatest casts ever assembled, and they are all perfect in their roles. Timothée Chalamet was especially good in my eyes. He was able to reach a level of ion and emotion and fury and anger that I didn't think he could reach. But he did.

And of course, the story. Dune is one of the greatest sci-fi tales ever, and for good reason. The first two acts are slow and methodical, setting up everything that is to come. The characters are explored, jokes are cracked, the world is developed; it's a beautiful thing to watch. I found so much joy in those first two acts. At least on Arrakis, the stuff that happens off-world is fucking diabolical. And then with a snap of your fingers, the movie changes gear in one spectacular scene. You'll know when you see it. It gave me chills, more chills than I think I've ever felt in my life. Absolutely electric. And from then on, the story reaches its epic potential. War, revenge, duels, ascendancy. Dune: Part Two has it all. Thrilling to watch, and satisfying too. I'm going to have to see it all again. Soon.

May thy knife chip and shatter.