Tag Archives: movies

Dune: Part Two

Timothée Chalamet is the top-billed star of Dune: Part Two. But, make no mistake, this is director Denis Villeneuve’s movie. 

As with other Villeneuve films (notably Bladerunner 2049 and Arrival, plus the 2021 Dune Part One) stunning images are a given. The desert landscapes and gigantic structures offer opportunities for compelling scenes that may or may not be have computer-generated elements but they look awesome.

The battles, big and small, employing high tech and low tech, involving thousands of souls or just two, the menacing desert worms (who provide a cool mode of transportation), the military aircraft that resemble mosquitos, that goofy sandwalk. One epic battle is staged in black-and-white to great effect. And it all proceeds at a good pace because there’s so much story to tell within a run time of 2:46.

Hans Zimmer, whose soundtracks are rarely subtle, charges in with low-pitched signatures that accompany key moments and fuel anticipation. This may be the loudest movie since Oppenheimer.

Because this film’s predecessor was released during the pandemic in October 2021 AND was made available to streaming at the same time as its theatrical release, many folks (including me) saw Dune: Part One on a small screen. Seeing Dune: Part Two on a large screen is, by comparison, overwhelming. It’s often said of films “see this movie on the biggest screen possible.” That suggestion applies here.

Is it necessary to have seen Dune:Part One to appreciate Dune: Part Two? No, but watching the first one or at least reading a plot synopsis provides context. 

Does Timothée Chalamet have the heft to portray a valiant warrior leading a classic quest? He is a slim man with a youthful countenance and cute curly hair. In the first film he is shamed by Jason Mamoa’s character for not putting on muscles. But, yes, he does manage to fill the heroic role ably because he is a talented actor. 

How do the Dune movies compare to the Star Wars films? There are similarities but the Dune movies lack the light-hearted moments and characters that populate the Star Wars universe. Villeneuve takes his sci-fi a bit more seriously.

The main plot: Paul Atriedes (Chalamet) leads a mission to the planet Arrakis to avenge the death of his father and to secure control of “spice,” the crop that fuels this future universe. He has the support of the planet’s persecuted Fremen who include his love interest Chani (Zendaya) and tribal leader Stilgar (Javier Bardem). 

The saga from Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel includes mythic and religious hopes seen in modern Christianity and Islam. Is Paul the Chosen One? The Lisan al-Gaib? The Mahdi? Some of the Fremen believe him to be a messiah.

Returning from the first Dune film are Paul’s mother Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), Gurney (Josh Brolin), Baron Harkonnen (an enormous Stellan Skarsgård), Beast Rabban (Dave Bautista) and Reverend Mother (Charlotte Rampling). New characters in D2 include Feyd-Rautha (a menacing looking Austin Butler), the Emperor (Christopher Walken) and his daughter Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh).

Dune: Part Two is, on one hand, totally satisfying. A visual treat, a classic tale of good versus evil. On the other hand, there are a few elements of the story yet to be resolved. How soon will talk about a Part Three begin popping up? TBD.

But before that happens, don’t miss Dune: Part Two. It’s a must-see. As mentioned, strap in and see it in a theater. Rated PG-13.

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Argylle

Argylle is an action-packed thrill ride. It’s the kind of movie the world needs right now. There’s your pull quote. 

Bryce Dallas Howard is terrific as a spy tale novelist who quickly finds herself doing many of the wild and wooly things her books’ central character Argylle (Henry Cavill) does. 

Argylle is clever, funny, sometimes silly, colorful and, oh yes, violent. But much of that shooting and punching and kicking and exploding is of a comic nature—just as fantastical as the stuff in John Wick films but with a wink from the filmmaker. Argylle doesn’t move nearly as fast as the quick cut preview trailer does, but there are few slowdowns once it kicks off.

Director Matthew Vaughn, whose film Kingsman: The Secret Service (released here nine years ago) was filled with surprises and dekes and feints, brings similar turns and twists to Argylle. Vaughn also directed two Kingsman sequels, an X-men film and the 2007 fantasy Stardust, taken from a Neil Gaiman tale. 

When Elly Conway (Howard) finishes her fifth book, she sends her mom (Catherine O’Hara) the manuscript. When mom offers a critique, Elly takes a train to visit her mother in person. On the train she encounters Aidan (Sam Rockwell) who tells her his occupation is espionage. She notices he’s reading one of her Argylle spy novels. 

In short order, a fracas occurs on the train, starting Elly and Aidan on their adventure that takes them from somewhere in the western U.S. to London and on to the south of France where they visit a vineyard tended by Alfie (Samuel L. Jackson). Ah, but growing grapes is not Alfie’s real mission—he’s guiding spy missions from his man cave. 

Alfie is also the name of Elly’s cat who rides along in her backpack and looks out through the backpack’s round window. He’s not just along for the ride; he gets into the action at a couple of key moments.

Elly and Aidan’s travels take them to an oil tanker where a long battle occurs with a couple of ridiculously creative scenes that scriptwriter Jason Fuchs and Vaughn have crafted to provide some neat visuals.

Also in the film’s cast are Bryan Cranston, John Cena, Dua Lipa and Ariana DeBose. 

You’ve probably noticed a generally tense mood in the nation and the world in recent months. It’s not necessary to list the reasons why in this review. 

But it is necessary to tune out the world occasionally. Argylle provides a healthy dose of escapism with an engaging story, an array of memorable characters, an energetic soundtrack and one cool kitty. If you could benefit from a couple of hours of fun, you might like Argylle. It’s rated PG-13.

In theaters now, coming to Apple TV+ at a yet-to-be-announced date.

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2023 Movies… Favorites and others

It was great to get back into theaters this year and see movies on the big screen!

I’ve put the movies I saw this year into three groups:

MOVIES I LIKED A LOT…

John Wick Chapter 4. Not just an orgy of violence, it is ballet. The cast, the stunts, the locations, the story… wow! Keanu Reeves and company deliver one of the best action movies I’ve ever seen.

The Holdovers. Clever story and script, strong performances, some good laughs and a big dose of humanity make this a perfect movie for grown-ups. Paul Giamatti is excellent as usual.

American Fiction. A comedy about white guilt and those people who exploit it—both black and white. It’s also a family story with Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross and Sterling K. Brown as siblings and Leslie Uggams as their mom. Opens in St. Louis in January.

Oppenheimer. Big movie. Loud. The physicist’s life is divided into two parts: pre-bomb and post-bomb. Director/writer Christopher Nolan crams a lot of narrative into three hours. Robert Downey Jr.’s explosive performance likely to be among this film’s award winners. Not only was this film a critical success, it did huge box office numbers too.

Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3. More fun with this odd cast of characters, each of whom is developed more fully here. Loved the art direction and the song choices. 

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. With references to previous Indy movies and lots of entertaining chase scenes. The use of time travel as a plot device is weak but the movie checks most of the boxes we’ve known and loved in the Indiana Jones series. Welcome back, Dr. Jones!

The Burial. Jamie Foxx is excellent as a personal injury lawyer who takes funeral home owner Tommy Lee Jones as a client. 

MOVIES I LIKED SOMEWHAT…

Dumb Money. Better job of telling its story than expected. Paul Dano is great, as usual. 

Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret. Weird time of life for all kids, especially girls. Classic teen book finally gets the screen treatment it deserves.

Champions. Woody Harrelson in a movie with heart. He coaches a basketball team of developmentally challenged kids. 

Cocaine Bear. Silly, goofy, fun. And Ray Liotta!

The Last Voyage of the Demeter. A slow build horror film. Nicely executed.

Book Club: The Next Chapter. Basically a raunchier version of a Hallmark movie with bigger stars. Candace Bergen is the standout among the four senior actresses.

Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One. Effects and stunts triumph over story and characters. I was more impressed by the Rome chase than the dangling train bit.

Napoleon. Has its moments. Spectacular battle scenes. 

Priscilla. Her side of the story. The woman in the title role (Cailee Spaeny) did a nice job but that whole relationship was creepy. 

The Exorcist: Believer. Some good scary moments. And Ellyn Burstyn’s return.

No Hard Feelings. Jennifer Lawrence has charisma and range. Several good laughs.

The Flash. Highlight of the film is Michael Keaton’s return as Batman.

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. Chris Pine is good but what the heck is Hugh Grant doing in this movie?

MOVIES I DID NOT LIKE…

Asteroid City. Wes Anderson overload. Pointless.

Five Nights at Freddy’s. Not scary. Josh Hutcherson’s overacting gets tedious.

Strays. Cute idea, dumb execution.

The Boys in the Boat. Sports movie clichés aplenty. I was bored.

Renfield. Nic Cage is fun but this horror flick had little charm for me.

Can’t wait to see what 2024 has to offer!

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