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First Reactions to ‘Dune: Part Two’ Hail the Film as a Sci-Fi Masterpiece, Praise Director Denis Villeneuve

Originally posted on Murphy's Multiverse
By Charles Murphy | Last updated 2/16/24

Supermega-visionary-auteur Denis Villeneuve went all in on Dune: Part Two and if the early reactions from critics who screened the film at its world premiere in London are anything to go by, his gamble paid off. While full reviews are still embargoed, critics took to social media to share their impressions of the sci-fi sequel and the praise was universally effusive.

A Cinematic Masterpiece

Screen Rant’s Joe Deckelmeier heaped praise on the film calling it a “cinematic masterpiece” and “an epic cinematic journey.” He also echoed other critics sentiments by calling the film “an experience” that he felt like he was a part of.

#DunePartTwo is a cinematic masterpiece! This is a MUST-SEE on the biggest IMAX screen you can find. Parts of this movie made Me feel like I was in the film. This isn’t a movie; it’s an experience. Denis Villeneuve is a master storyteller. Get ready for an epic cinematic journey! pic.twitter.com/vTmsHSMk5A
— Joseph Deckelmeier (@joedeckelmeier) February 15, 2024

A Magical Experience

Like Deckelmeier, CinemaBlend’s Eric Eisenberg felt the “experience” of the film, proclaiming he left feeling as though he had “ridden a sandworm.” As is the case with great literature, Eisenberg noted that this adaptation of Frank Herbert’s beloved novel also tapped into the political zeitgeist of modern times.

Having watched #DunePartTwo, I can say I have ridden a sandworm. 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. pic.twitter.com/pCWqBCbtNb
— Eric Eisenberg (@eeisenberg) February 15, 2024

Mr. Villeneuve’s Opus

Already revered in sci-fi circles, Dune: Part Two looks as though it’ll elevate Denis Villeneuve’s status to god tier. Griffin Schiller called the film Villeneuve’s “magnum opus” and “the definitive sci-fi epic of a generation.”

The only thing I could think of leaving the theater is that some kid will watch #DunePartTwo & feel EXACTLY what I felt watching Revenge of the Sith in theaters In 05. A sweeping 00's style epic blockbuster that takes your breath away, makes you believe in what movies CAN be. pic.twitter.com/Iy0VUKfMYt
— Griffin Schiller (@griffschiller) February 15, 2024

I'm still processing the experience & its been two days. The world, the ideas, the INSTANTLY iconic shots & setpieces, AN ALL TIME GREAT Hans Zimmer score haven't left me, nor will they for a long while. It's simply an overwhelming sensation. What a picture, man. #DunePartTwo pic.twitter.com/9a1G6xmeiZ
— Griffin Schiller (@griffschiller) February 15, 2024

Games Radar’s Emily Murray doubled up on the opus (which is fascinating because I have no idea what that means) and added that the “immersive” action was a highlight along with performances by starts Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya.

Arguably Denis Villeneuve’s magnum opus, #DunePartTwo is a masterpiece.

Throwing you right into the action, it is totally immersive, gripping, and ultimately devastating. Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya have never been better.

Just truly remarkable filmmaking – I’m in awe pic.twitter.com/r6DcSdXgQ8
— Emily Murray (@EmilyVMurray) February 15, 2024

As great as this all sounds, social media will remind you that every single person who saw the film is a WB shill who was paid a massive sum of money to share kind words about the film on X.

Dune: Part Two hits theaters across the globe on March 1, 2024.

About Dune: Part Two

The saga continues as award-winning filmmaker Denis Villeneuve embarks on Dune: Part Two, the next chapter of Frank Herbert’s celebrated novel Dune, with an expanded all-star international ensemble cast. The film, from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures, is the highly anticipated follow-up to 2021’s six-time Academy Award-winning Dune.

The big-screen epic continues the adaptation of Frank Herbert’s acclaimed bestseller Dune with returning and new stars, including Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet (Wonka, Call Me by Your Name), Zendaya (Spider-Man: No Way Home, Malcolm & Marie, Euphoria), Rebecca Ferguson (Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning), Oscar nominee Josh Brolin (Avengers: End Game, Milk), Oscar nominee Austin Butler (Elvis, Once Upon A Time…In Hollywood), Oscar nominee Florence Pugh (Black Widow, Little Women), Dave Bautista (the Guardians of the Galaxy films, Thor: Love and Thunder), Oscar winner Christopher Walken (The Deer Hunter, Hairspray), Léa Seydoux (the James Bond franchise and Crimes of the Future), Souheila Yacoub (The Braves, Climax), with Stellan Skarsgård (the Mamma Mia! films, Avengers: Age of Ultron), with Oscar nominee Charlotte Rampling (45 Years, Assassin’s Creed), and Oscar winner Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men, Being the Ricardos).