DUNE (2021) Review: A Well Done Rehash But…

DUNE is a predictable and enjoyable remake with nothing original to speak of.

Dune, stars Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, Stellan Skarsgård, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Chang Chen, Dave Bautista, and it was directed by Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049, Arrival).

The synopsis is as follows:

A noble family becomes embroiled in a war for control over the galaxy's most valuable asset while it's heir becomes troubled by visions of a dark future.

I think many of us have seen the film from 1984 and possibly read the books.

First up, the film is a nice redo to the original with new actors in old roles, new movie tech to replace the old effects from 1984, and the story is pretty much on point with the 1984 film. But it was just that, nearly an identical redo with not too much new or original spin on the story.

It felt like it was an exact rewrite, with a compressed version of the political family dynamics during act one and act two while following Paul's internal development, right up until he meets the Fremen, who believe him to be the next coming of their god or savior.

I was a bit agitated to find out they've split the story up into multiple films but I suspect the sequel/2nd film will also by pretty much a a near exact copy of the 1984 film. I am not sure how Villenueuve can say he "developed" these films, but it is what it is.

Will I watch the Dune ?  Yes... when it comes to HBO, but I'm not paying for any unoriginal remake in theaters, no matter how good it feels.

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