The highly anticipated sequel to Dune is here. Director Denis Villeneuve takes us back to the gray and brown wasteland of Arrakis where an uprising is brewing. Did this blend of sci-fi and fantasy intrigue Jim and A.Ron? Can Denis justify the THREE HOUR run time for half of one book?
Well, the verdict is in from the USofA (as it already has been from the rest of the world) and Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Dune appears to work, even on skeptics like Jim who have been resistant to it’s Lynch-tainted charms for decades. But it is any wonder? When a movie looks this good and displays such an overwhelming amount of creativity, you just can’t help but enjoy it. Check out our spoiler-free thoughts on the movie and then, if you’re a club member, stick around for our full spoiler review.
Special thanks to Hatorian, the commissioner of the various Bald Move FFL divisions, and two time BMFFL champ, once again shows up to claim his prize in the form of a movie commission. His choice is the 2013 crime thriller, Prisoners, directed by Denis Villeneuve, whom we admire a lot in these parts. Starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal, it’s as much a meditation on ethics and morality as it is a tightly plotted thriller with several twists and turns. It features confident direction and great performances by all of the leads, and leads to a lot of discussion on vigilantism, the importance of good process, self-reliance, and notions of good and evil.
Jim and A.Ron went to see Arrival, starring Amy Addams, Jeremy Renner, and directed by Denis Villeneuve tonight. This is a very hard science fiction story that is told in a very slow, deliberate, and quiet way that might be off putting or tiresome to some. However it contains surprising depth, fascinating ideas, and a powerful emotional payload to those with sufficient patience and interest. Enjoy the spoiler free review and discussion of upcoming movies, but if you want to hear the full cosmic spoiler-filled thoughts you’ll have to be a Club Bald Move Member.