Hey Cougars! It’s nice to be back at the movies in some capacity compared to last year. Even us cats are happy to be back in a dark room with a bunch of strangers and overpriced popcorn. Thanks to vaccine rates and cases slowing, there have been some great theater releases in the past year.
Dune (2021)
Dune is a sci-fi epic in every sense of the word. It follows Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) finding his destiny as his family takes control of the planet Arrakis, a major source of “the spice,” a vital resource for this futuristic society.
Now, I went into this as most viewers likely did, knowing nothing about the book by Frank Herbert or the 1984 David Lynch film but knowing its basic premise. This meant it took me a minute to get into the groove of the story. However, leaving the theater I felt like I knew everything and more about the world of this film, and I was probably more immersed in this film than in any other one I have seen. Knowing this film only adapts the first half of the original book, I was captivated by every aspect and couldn’t wait to see more. Everything is done with purpose and intention. The director, Denis Villeneuve, shines here and having seen some of his other work I can tell you he hasn’t missed yet.
A massive spotlight of the film is the performances. Every actor in this movie gives their all, especially Chalamet. He acts with poise and gracefulness that couldn’t have been achieved by another actor. Paul’s mother, played by Rebecca Ferguson, also shines, her performance completely captivating.
Villeneuve crafted a world unlike any other, and to attempt to compare it to anything else is unfair. The world of Dune is elegant and grand, consisting of an empire and several houses in an aristocratic society. The production design only adds to it, from a high-class palace on the Atreides’ homeworld to the desolate home of the villainous Harkonnen. There’s a set-piece on Arrakis that stands out to me specifically.
Overall Dune is something viewers have to experience for themselves. It’s a thrilling story that feels truly timeless and knows exactly what kind of impact it will have. Its performances are spectacular, and the world of the film cements itself as sophisticated and clever. It is a true spectacle and with the recent announcement of a part two, you can bet there will be lines outside the theater to see it on opening night.
9.5 paws out of 10
Eternals (2021)
Before her best picture win for Nomadland, Chloé Zhao was booked for Marvel Studios’ latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Eternals. The film is a centuries-spanning story of near-immortal beings on a mission to eliminate the fearsome Deviants from earth and help humanity achieve their potential. Being a Marvel fan myself, I was excited to see how Zhao would make this movie her own and bring something different to the table.
The film begins with the Eternals fighting a Deviant in 5000 B.C. in Mesopotamia, and right away it’s clear these characters are extremely significant to the future of the MCU. They’ve been on earth for thousands of years, and the chemistry among the actors is believable for the most part. Each one contributes to the family dynamic at the center of the story. The standouts for me were Gemma Chan (Crazy Rich Asians), Barry Keoghan (The Green Knight), and Lauren Ridloff (AMC’s The Walking Dead). With Ridloff being the MCU’s first deaf superhero, as well as another being the MCU’s first major LGBT+ representation in the film, it’s important to note the impact this diverse cast will have in the future of mainstream superhero movies.
The set pieces were another great point of interest in the movie. Zhao chose to move more toward shooting on-location rather than mostly with a green screen for the outdoor sequences, and the film feels more authentic and natural. It also enhances the action sequences, making the viewing experience feel more entrancing than in most other MCU films (notably the most recent Avengers movie, which had its final act shot completely on a green-screen laden soundstage).
While these positives helped me enjoy the film, it suffers from a muddled and slightly convoluted story. It feels as if Zhao was constrained in the script, which was co-written by herself, Patrick Burleigh, and Ryan, and Kaz Firpo. There are character moments and elements I wish were explored a bit more; however, the film feels as if it needs to steer itself to the next big action scene instead. The comedy doesn’t always land either, feeling out of place at times in a film with such a serious tone otherwise.
Overall, Eternals is a worthy entry to the MCU, and I enjoyed watching it, but it feels like there may have been more to explore.
7 paws out of 10
The preceding reviews were dictated to Collin College student Nadia Arain. Collin College News appreciates her assistance.