Cinematic Sommelier
5.8
I still can’t tell you exactly what the point of all this was. There’s gun running, body building, she hulk, and… Dave Franco. That’s all I got. It was a strange one, which I knew going in since it’s from A24, but I expected a little bit more by the time the credits rolled.
7.5
If you enjoyed the first one, you’ll enjoy this one. In the spirit of that consistency, here’s my review for “Dune 1” again, with a few numerical changes for it being part 2…
The prodigal son is cast out into the desert. Let me guess, for 40 days?
Yes, the Jesus metaphor is that on the nose for all 3 hours of the runtime.
I went into this film expecting spectacle, and spectacle I got. All three stories of the IMAX screen were bathed in the cinematic beauty of this film. The score crafted by the masterful Hans Zimmer thundering through my chest… all for me to leave the theater underwhelmed and confused. Similar to the “Hobbit” series, “Dune” attempted to be too careful not to overwhelm the audience with lore and instead errors on the side of feeling ultimately empty. The disbelief and shock on my face when I was greeted with “Part 2” immediately after the title flashed across the screen must have been a sight to see.
This cake is all frosting. Somewhere between “Star Wars” and “Mad Max,” the world they build is breathtaking. Then there’s nothing really behind the curtain. I felt like they were trying to avoid the cramped confusion of the cult-classic original film adaptation and overcorrected.
If you don’t care about the story, have at it. Just don’t disrespect it by watching on a TV or, God forbid, a mobile device. Highly recommend the most massive screen possible for the spectacle factor. Here’s to, I guess, hoping there’s enough box office success for them to fill in the gaps in part 3.
7.4
Hey! It’s the girl from “The Breakfast Club!” (Ally Sheedy)
Anywho… as we embark on Ferris Bueller’s Day at DEFCON 1… this was such a surprisingly fun flick! We can only hope that the new AI is this easy to topple when it desires to get a little big for its britches. Essentially “Ender’s Game,” but with a happy ending instead of a horrifying one. Broderick’s charm on full display, and a fun geek flick/red scare flick the likes of “Real Genius” or “Red Dawn.”
Bonus – I better understood the references included in “Ready Player One,” which I’m currently listening to on Audible as my 100th audiobook.
6.9
Spoiler Alert – There is no Glen Powell.
Now, on to the film… I’ll be damned, they turned the old pregnant nun jokes into a well crafted, tight hour and a half religious horror-thriller. Having heard some of the behind the scenes history on this one, a huge kudos to Sweeney for sticking with a story she believed in and playing the long game to get this project made on onto the big screen… just in time to play against the Christian fare for Easter.
The tension and jump scares were really well executed. The scenery was surprisingly well done. The acting was far better than expected for a movie of this genre at in this current day and age. Aside from the ending, which felt a little abrupt and stomach churning (which could have been a matter of taste on my part) I really enjoyed the film! Sydney Sweeney has more range than I think most give her credit for.
7.4
So… it’s not as bad as everyone keeps whining about. Thank God. I couldn’t handle another “Madame Web” this soon after.
My biggest gripes were the pacing in some spots and Phoebe Spangler being a complete dumbass for 5 minutes. It went against everything else her character is supposed to be and had strongly established. It just felt forced. But other than those two things, it’s a solid modern blockbuster. Complete with the triumphant return of the third act sky beam!
The villain was pretty cool, and the nostalgia was laid on as thick as humanly possible – a perfect combination for a self-aware franchise that knows not to take itself too seriously. Was it absolutely necessary? No. But it was an enjoyable popcorn flick, and that’s what we all need from time to time. Not everything has to contend for an Oscar.
Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare 