Dune (2021)

Yay it’s another remake from the 80s and this time it’s an epic. Back in the 80s we had some big films and some weird ones and in my book this falls into the category of weird. The original movie had some big names from the time, Patrick Stewart, Sting to name but two so for some reason the studio has made the decision that its time to do a remake. But is this any good, the original has a bit of a cult following, it is dark, very weird and has some very good set pieces. On the whole its good enough but is open to new versions as with all things, myself, i was not a fan of the original, it was just a bit too dark for my tastes.. so des the remake fix this.

From the start we are thrown into a mystical world of the house attradies a house struggling to survive in a galactic empire ruled by an emperor with the aid of witches and knights from weird planets.

The official blurb reads

“A mythic and emotionally charged hero’s journey, “Dune” tells the story of Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet’s exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence-a commodity capable of unlocking humanity’s greatest potential-only those who can conquer their fear will survive.”

Unfortunarely the synopsis is the best part of this movie. A remake in the 21st century should have been a good thing, the effects have improved, but the actors should be better in as much as they can interact with the effects but alas no, it doesnt work. The action is sporadic to say the least with lots of big sweeping scenery seeming to make up most of the movie, rather than spend time on action or the story, it looks like the directors spent their money on the cinematography over story content, now this is fine, if it was part of the movie but the feel is that over half the movie is effect shots to set up the world, to set the scene, to show you the scale of this galactic empire, something that the word galactic should give to any self respecting sci-fi follower. There is no need for this many long shots, stick to action. The scenes you do get of action are short and intense, plus the aftermath is not played on as much as would seem better, and as for the shield tech for all the good it did them… why bother with it at all. The acting is fine, and that is all you can really say about it, no long monologues, no interesting back stories to speak of, nothing Oscar worthy in my humble opinion. The title role has gone to a smaller star, sorry but in this day and age Timothée Chalamet is not a big hollywood name you would associate with what we have to hope is a series of movies, as a one off then fine, the other actors have bigger clout than him. He pulls of the role of the supposedly weak prince who survives to lead his own army… but he does it very lack luster.

Rebecca Ferguson does a nice job as his mother but again this won’t win awards unless it’s for the longest part 1 around, she is a good actress and her skills are wasted on this. She is better at other more romantic roles, and since when does she play a mother figure.. wow im getting old.

Jason Mamoa of aquaman fame does throw his name in the ring for a while but dont get too attached (spoiler sorry) he plays a soldier in this one that simply doesnt do to well.

So to summerise, this is a remake yes, it is watchable yes, but it is way way way too long for what it is, this may end up cut into a three part movie for TV but that may be a good thing. As part 1 of a series, well lets just say part 2 better have something really grabbing going for it.. all in all if your not into dark and mysterious give it a miss.. 2/5