The Last Showgirl

Director: Gia Coppola

Starring:  Pamela Anderson, Kiernan Shipka, Brenda Song, Billie Lourd, Jason Schwartzman, Dave Bautista, Jamie Lee Curtis
Running Time: 89 min.
Rating: R

★★★ (out of ★★★★)   

Despite covering somewhat familiar thematic terrain, Gia Coppola's The Last Showgirl manages to stand out as the ideal acting vehicle for 90's pop culture icon Pamela Anderson. And while this casting provides a hook for viewers, it's really her surprisingly moving dramatic performance that leaves the biggest impression. In it, she plays a hopefully optimistic and carefree woman at a crossroads whose past mistakes resurface as she processes shattering news, prompting the reexamination of a life she always considered ideal.

While it's hard to avoid passing judgment on how misaligned this protagonist's priorities have been, she made those choices and begrudgingly defends them from the criticism of those closest to her. The film doesn't tap dance around that fact and neither does Anderson, subtly hinting the character's issues are  rooted in serious regret. Flawed but immensely likable, she pulls us in as we root for her to turn the corner and begin taking real steps toward making amends. 

57-year-old Vegas showgirl Shelly Gardner (Anderson) has been performing for thirty years in Le Razzle Dazzle, a French style revue co-starring younger co-stars Mary-Anne (Brenda Song) and Sue (Kiernan Shipka) and overseen by producer Eddie (Dave Bautista). But when he breaks the news the show's being permanently replaced in two weeks by a burlesque circus, Shelly's devastated. 

While Shelly's complaints about the circus's trashy content fails to land with Mary-Anne and Sue, she finds a sympathetic ear in best friend Annette (Jamie Lee Curtis), an ousted fellow showgirl now working as a cocktail waitress. Financially strapped and seeing few options for future employment, Shelly also struggles to connect with estranged adult daughter Hannah (Billie Lourd), a college senior and aspiring photographer resentful of her mom's absence growing up. Now as Shelly's world crumbles around her, she'll attempt a fresh start, as emotionally painful and challenging as that may be.

It's immediately clear that the women in the soon to be cancelled Le Razzle Dazzle form a small, tight knit family that's common for co-workers spending countless hours together. That's why describing their bond as dysfunctional isn't quite accurate, at least early on. You can tell from the first few scenes they personally and professionally support each other, with Shelly acting as kind of a surrogate mother to Mary-Anne and Sue, regardless of whether they want to admit it. 

With the curtain closing on this revue, we realize Shelly's orbiting a planet that's all her own, as none of her friends seem as heavily impacted by this as she. Much of this has to do with age, but there are other factors both within her control and beyond it that makes the upheaval so traumatizing. Mary-Anne and Sue will quickly land on their feet because they're young, a supposedly less replaceable Eddie already has a gig lined up and the blunt, gambling addicted Annette is done with it all, having been booted from the show years ago. 

Though each of these characters deeply care for Shelly, there is a certain rift that forms between them, especially when she's romanticizing Le Razzle Dazzle's importance. And never envisioning the need to do any other job, she unravels at the mere thought, a fear only compounded by her mistakes as an absent single parent. One of the film's more powerful moments comes when daughter Hannah finally gets to see the show but walks away disgusted her mom somehow chose this over her. 

The girls may look at the self rationalizing Shelly as a mentor, but a generational gap persists, particularly when Song's cynical Mary-Anne clashes with Shelly's rose colored idealism or when Shipka's Sue gets a taste of the aging performer's casual cruelty. Both actresses are really strong in smallish supporting roles, as is an unrecognizable Jamie Lee Curtis, who under garish orange spray tan and a hideous wig masks the pain beneath Annette's tough exterior. As Eddie, Bautista gives yet another quietly understated turn that finds his character delicately balancing the role of producer and ex-boyfriend, awkwardly attempting to help the only way he knows how. 

Any hesitation in framing this as Anderson's "comeback," probably stems from just how infrequently she's been tested before. A far cry from Baywatch or Barb Wire, you can easily draw parallels between this and Mickey Rourke's role in The Wrestler, with both containing elements that mirror the actors' own careers. The ending is ambiguously bittersweet since what follows remains entirely in the main character's hands.  But working from Kate Gersten's script, Coppola molds this into a hypnotizing character study anchored by Anderson's warmth and vulnerability. Like the title showgirl, she's been boxed in as a sex symbol for years, only to now see herself afforded an opportunity at changing that perception.                                         

Dune: Part Two

Director: Denis Villeneuve
Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Lea Seydoux, Souheila Yacoub, Stellan Skarsgård, Charlotte Rampling, Javier Bardem 
Running Time: 166 min.
Rating: PG-13

★★★ ½ (out of ★★★★)     

Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of Frank Herbert's seminal sci-fi novel Dune always seemed intended as a giant, visually impressive spectacle that doesn't primarily rely on its story to succeed. You could even argue it benefits the viewer not to think too hard about the details for risk of ruining the experience. That definitely holds true for its 2021 predecessor, where Velleneuve overcame the challenges of introducing a world populated by characters who needed to hold our interest through two or more sequels. 

Most of that first film felt like setup, abruptly ending before the main course arrived. Now, after what felt far longer than a two and a half year wait, the sequel arrives. Only this dark, heady, somewhat odd property isn't your usual franchise tentpole, carrying the risk that some fans may find themselves playing catch up with the story. But with its mind boggling vistas, astonishing effects and flawless sound and production design, it does qualify as "epic" in every sense of the word, noticeably bigger and more ambitious than what came before.

Picking up almost immediately where the last film left off, Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) aligns with the Fremen following the destruction of House Atreides by House Harkonnen. Against his pregnant mother Jessica's (Rebecca Ferguson) wishes, Paul is taken in by tribal leader Stilgar (Javier Bardem) as "the chosen one," forming a close bond with Fremen warrior Chani (Zendaya). Now with friend and mentor Gurney Halleck (Josh Brolin) back by his side, Paul aims to avenge his father's death while the Harkonnens escalate their attacks to gain control of Arrakis. 

Meanwhile, the incompetent hothead Rabban (Dave Bautista) proves himself a failed leader of the Harkonnens, prompting his Jabba-like uncle Baron (Stellan Skarsgård) to transfer the reigns to ruthless younger sibling Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler). And as Paul settles into his new role with the Fremen, Emperor Shaddam IV (Christopher Walken), daughter Irulan (Florence Pugh) and the Reverend Mother (Charlotte Rampling) brace themselves for retribution. With fighting between the two factions reaching its boiling point, only a showdown remains in determining Paul's final destiny.

Overflowing with plot and characters, you'd think this follow-up would lend credence to all the skeptics who still consider Dune one of those notoriously unfilmable novels. So it's to Villeneuve and co-writer Jordan Spaihts' credit that they manage to balance it all out and wrangle the themes into a straightforward, digestible package. If someone bypassed the 2021 entry and came into this cold they may not be completely lost, especially since the world itself is as much a draw as the actual narrative.

Paul's journey takes detours and excursions, but all roads leads to his gradual transformation. While we're given some voiceover from Pugh's Irulan, the opening hour mostly consists of his assimilation into the Freman, the burgeoning relationship with Chani and a handful of spectacular battle sequences. Originally, Chalamet was considered a divisive choice for the role, but everything about the character's arc in this sequel lends more credibility to his that casting, as the actor quietly builds on the groundwork laid out in the last film, paving Paul's path from insecure, reluctant outsider to burgeoning leader, despite Chani's legitimate reservations.

Zendaya further extends her 2024 on screen winning streak with her extended take on Chani, conveying just the right mix of stubborn skepticism and practicality opposite Chalamet. We detect her character's unease over what's to come and it won't be long before discovering just how right she is. And as the dangerous consequences of mixing politics and religion remain constant, Rebecca Ferguson's hooded, face tattooed Reverend Mother Jessica (who telepathically communicates with her unborn daughter) will come to represent the inflection point for that conflict.  

As everything converges in Empire Strikes Back style by its end, so too does the rise of the ruthless Feyd-Rautha, terrifyingly played by a pale, unrecognizably demonic Austin Butler. Tasked with stepping into the role originally filled by Sting in David Lynch's '84 attempt, he definitely makes it his own, especially during a black and white coliseum showdown stunningly shot by cinematographer Greig Fraser. 

The more our "hero" avoids fulfilling his prophecy the closer he gets, with that ongoing sense of inevitability hovering over every scene. By the time he eventually reaches his perceived goal, it won't come without major sacrifices he'll continue to weigh as this saga continues. Some of the metaphysical elements are a bit much, but at almost 3 hours, Joe Walker's masterful editing ensures there's no extra fat on the bone, as everything at least feels important and unmissable. Once pulled into this expansive, oddly hypnotizing universe, any uninitiated viewers' concerns should wash away, replaced with anticipation for where Villeneuve plans to go next.  

Knock at the Cabin

Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Starring: Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff, Ben Aldridge, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Rupert Grint, Abby Quinn, Kristen Cui
Running Time: 100 min.
Rating: R 

★★★ ½ (out of ★★★★)

The opening minutes of Knock at the Cabin are so tense and gripping you worry it can't possibly last, while we anxiously wait for the rug to be pulled out from under us with another M. Night Shyamalan twist. But then a weird thing happens as the story escalates and becomes absorbing enough to wash away any lingering fears of disappointment. In its place comes the realization that the polarizing director could actually nail this, potentially delivering his best work since Unbreakable. And then he does.

In recent years Shyamalan's shown flickering sparks of former glory with stronger efforts like Split, but has remained an unfortunate punchline, most recently bumbling a promising premise with 2021's Old. If there's a flaw with this film it's that we know in advance who directed it, making it difficult not to carry in some of that baggage. But whatever you may think of his output, he's still here plugging away, ignoring the criticisms and attempting to tell fresh stories in a moviegoing landscape where good ideas aren't always celebrated. That has to count for something. 

On description alone, it's easy to see why The Twilight Zone-inspired filmmaker was drawn to Paul Tremblay's 2018 novel "The Cabin at the End of the World," and maybe even less surprising that it's the quickest script he's ever hammered out. Working with a terrific concept that plays on Shyamalan's strengths while suppressing what many believe are his worst impulses, he's back at his most precise and restrained, efficiently letting this play out in the most suspenseful manner possible. It also features an unexpectedly rich performance from a promising actor who really turns it up a notch here, further establishing himself as a talent worth taking very seriously. Reminding us just how skilled he can be at handling this type of material, Shyamalan's again firing on all cylinders for the first time in a while.

While vacationing with her two fathers Eric (Jonathan Groff) and Andrew (Ben Aldridge) at a remote cabin in rural Pennsylvania, 7-year-old Wen (Kristen Cui) is approached by a hulking, soft spoken stranger named Leonard (Dave Bautista). After engaging in some friendly if slightly unsettling banter, he explains to Wen that he needs desperately needs her family's help to save the world. After three other mysterious companions named Sabrina (Nikki Amuka- Bird), Adriane (Abby Quinn) and Redmond (Rupert Grint) show up alongside Leonard, she frantically runs inside to warn her dads. But armed with makeshift weapons, they force their way into the cabin and tie up Eric and Andrew.

The intruders warn of an oncoming apocalypse that can only be stopped if one family member is sacrificed. If they refuse to make a choice, they'll survive, but as the last remaining people on Earth. Believing themselves to be targeted by a gang of delusional psychopaths fueled by fear and hatred, Eric and Andrew understandably push back, refusing to buy any of this. But as news reports of natural disasters and pandemics quickly intensify, Leonard's warnings of impending doom become frighteningly prescient. Assuming any of this is true, their continuous denials could have dire consequences, unleashing a series of plagues that threaten humankind. Whether they were specifically targeted or not, their survival may depend entirely on the decision they make, as the intruders' doomsday clock continues to tick.

Introducing itself as a home invasion thriller, there's a clever conceit around which the film revolves. And yet there's still a strong possibility the crime is exactly what it looks to be on the surface, despite many inexplicable occurrences and coincidences. That no character would reasonably believe any of these warnings is Shyamalan's biggest challenge, as he has to create enough doubt for this abducted family to let their guard down enough to start questioning themselves. With a timely script that openly acknowledges the absurdity of its own premise, the invaders are fully aware that not a word they speak will be taken at face value. At points they're even downright apologetic toward their hostages, as if they've been called to duty by visions and reasons still unfamiliar to them. 

That all this screams "suicide cult" only makes it easier for Eric and Andrew to categorize this as a gay hate crime. And we find out they have good reasons to assume it is, as vital flashbacks of their lives before and on the day they arrive at this cabin help establish who they are and where things could be headed. As for the antagonists, their histories and intentions are understandably left murkier, since fleshing that out would compromise the pervasive sense of existential dread and mystery the plot calls for. Their stated purpose needs to be just as crazy as it seems, with holes big enough to drive a truck through, but containing just enough evidence to invite questions. Shyamalan opens the door for audiences to contemplate how much it takes to believe the impossible, before taking it a little further, digging into how easy it is to deny anything, with or without irrefutable proof. 

Eric is the more even headed husband, but far from ready or willing for this confrontation, as an injury early on has us questioning his judgment. Andrew assumes the worst in people, even as his refusal to budge on the simplest, most logical explanation initially seems justified. Groff and Aldridge bring different tools to the table while both conveying the primary objective of these men to protect their little girl. As the predicament wears on, each undergo a transformation, discovering some painful truths about themselves they wouldn't have otherwise known or admitted. 

Kristen Cui is a real discovery, precociously playing Wen, while remaining smart and observant about the horror unfolding around her. This child is understandably scared to death and shows it, but there isn't a false moment in the performance or a sense she's not completely aware of the stakes. Amuka-Bird, Quinn and Grint are all impressive in depicting the intruders' own fears and uncertainties about this mission, but it's Dave Bautista who sets the tone, showing us what he's capable of in the hands of a major director. 

Carrying the whole film from the moment he comes out of the woods with a quiet, remorseful presence, Bautista portrays Leonard as a calm, outwardly kind man unwilling to deviate from a plan we're not sure he wants to go through with, or even can. The performance doesn't give any hints, leaving equal room for theories that this giant could be a complete sociopath, a prophetic truth teller or gullible mark sucked into a dark web of conspiracy theories. It's a fairly complex role, but he completely owns it, fully immersing himself in this compelling character.  

Shyamalan endings are often fodder for ridicule, but he sticks this one by not trying to be overly clever, opting instead to provide a definitive answer. There are only two real ways this can go, and while variations exist within those possibilities, everything still comes down to the single question of whether these people are telling the truth. Without any unnecessary fakeouts, he lands in the right place, with a chilling finale as focused as anything he's ever done. Knock at the Cabin doesn't cheat, giving audiences craving an intelligent thriller the satisfaction of knowing they got what was promised.                                       

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Director: Rian Johnson
Starring: Daniel Craig, Edward Norton, Jannelle Monáe, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Kate Hudson, Dave Bautista, Jessica Henwick, Madelyn Cline, Noah Segan, Jackie Hoffman, Dallas Roberts
Running Time: 139 min.
Rating: PG-13

★★★ (out of ★★★★) 

What's immediately obvious about Rian Johnson's much anticipated Knives Out sequel, Glass Onion, is just how wildly different it is from its predecessor. Whereas the 2019 original boasted a carefully constructed but relatively straightforward mystery plot, there are few more extra layers to peel back here, making good on its title. It's bigger, messier and more bitingly satirical, with a very recognizable all-star cast throwing themselves into their wildly eccentric characters. More elaborate and convoluted than the first film, an inordinate amount of time is spent establishing the suspects, and we're so caught up in their crazily flawed personalities that when the actual murder comes, it almost seems like an intrusion. And that's not even the real crime, but instead a gateway leading down another rabbit hole.

It's only when Johnson pulls the proverbial trigger that you realize all of this was less set-up than actual story, brimming with substantial clues you wouldn't think to notice the first time around. Flashing back to fill in the gaps, we realize the killing in question is just a small piece of a much larger puzzle, though certainly not an unsolvable one for Daniel Craig's super sleuth Benoit Blanc. There's probably little reason to rewatch the film knowing how everything plays out, but it earns points for timeliness, incorporating some really hot button issues ripe for parody. More broadly comedic and far from flawless, it still does what's necessary really well, resulting in a worthy, entertaining follow-up.

When Miles Bron (Edward Norton), billionaire co-founder of the Alpha technology company decides to host a murder mystery weekend getaway at his mansion, the Glass Onion, in Greece, he sends an elaborate wooden puzzle box invites to five friends. Among the recipients are Alpha's head scientist Lionel Toussaint (Leslie Odom Jr.), Connecticut governor Claire Debella (Kathryn Hahn), famous fashion designer Birdie Jay (Kate Hudson), men's rights influencer Duke Cody (Dave Bautista) and ousted Alpha co-founder Cassandra "Andi" Brand (Jannelle Monáe). Birdie's handler and assistant Peg (Jessica Henwick) and Duke's girlfriend Whiskey (Madelyn Cline) also come along, but the true outlier is famed private investigator Benoit Blanc (Craig), whose presence Miles immediately questions despite brandishing an invitation. 

Each of the guests (or "disruptors" as Miles endearingly calls them) seem to share a unique history or parasitic relationship with their host, whose intentions to stage a mystery game revolving around his own murder are quickly derailed when more serious issues concerning his company and the attendees' intentions surface. All isn't what it seems, especially when it comes to his future plans for Alpha and ex-CEO Andi's inexplicable invite. Someone will be murdered on Miles' private island before the weekend ends, and it'll be up to Blanc to not only uncover the killer, but their motivation. Then he'll have to prove it. 

Johnson's taking shots at the easiest possible targets in wealthy, elite weirdos, but that still doesn't make it any less funny or true. Norton's Miles is clearly an Elon Musk stand-in, with maybe just a pinch of other narcissistic billionaires like Jeff Bezos thrown in for good measure. But mostly, it's Musk. Norton hasn't played a role even vaguely resembling this so it's fun to see him tear into it, as Miles pretentiously talks in pointless platitudes, reiterating to anyone willing to listen how this technology will change the world and they should be grateful for his existence. These "friends" are all in, largely because they're hanger-ons whose entire lives, careers and financial endeavors depend on him. 

No one exactly likes Miles, but he's their meal ticket, so the gang doesn't see much choice in the matter, bending over backwards to make him happy. Of course, Blanc sniffs that out right away, recognizing the pompous billionaire as a potential target whose mystery game could soon turn very real. But there's still a lot we don't know, and most of the fun comes in that info slowly slipping out. And set against a spectacular visual backdrop from production designer Rick Heinrichs that encapsulates Miles' opulent oddball sensibilities, the Glass Onion compound could be considered as memorable a character as the selfish people inhabiting it for the weekend.

The loaded cast have their moments to shine, with some leaving larger impressions than others. As ditzy, airheaded fashion magnate Birdie, Hudson probably has the meatiest supporting role, and one that comes closest to approximating the kind of part her mom would have played decades earlier. She does well with it, as does a quietly scene-stealing Jessica Henwick as her exasperated assistant, seemingly always a minute away from quitting. She also gives the single best line delivery in the film upon discovering the true extent of her boss's stupidity. 

As a chauvinistic social media streamer, Bautista plays somewhat of an entitled jerk for a change, but finds a lot more in the character as his arc progresses, earning a certain degree of empathy for Duke, who's yet another pawn in Miles' game. Madelyne Cline brings more to the table than expected as Duke's girlfriend Whiskey, adding some needed dimension to what could have been a throwaway role. And the always great Kathryn Hahn is dependably sarcastic and hilarious as the image-conscious politician, leaving Leslie Odom Jr. with probably the least to do as Miles' loyal scientist, even as he still makes the most of it. There are also some clever cameos, two in particular marking final screen appearances for a pair of legends.

In a breakout comparable to Ana de Armas' in the original, Jannelle Monáe outright hijacks the movie as Andi, the ex-CEO with a grudge to settle with Miles and maybe a few others. It's established early that the question is less why she's been invited, but her motivation in accepting. Their history is at the core of the case and it gradually becomes apparent just how tricky a role Monáe has, sort of a performance within a performance, calling on her to constantly balance comedy and drama while also carrying a large load of intense action scenes. She basically does it all as the most intriguing and mysterious character of the group, driven by intentions that differ from anyone else. Craig's dry humor is probably the most noticeable carry over from the previous film, and seems to gain even more mileage this time. Blanc's kind of a suaver Columbo in that the crazier things get, the more nonchalant he appears to be, even as we know the wheels are always turning in his head and the true culprit rarely stands a chance of outwitting the master. 

Despite a bloated length and some early rough patches, enough is done at the midway point to justify much of what came earlier. The plot of the first may have been tighter, but Glass Onion makes up for it with ambition, sticking a landing that's less dependent on evidence and clues than pure unbridled revenge and emotion. It's a sequel with a point to make, with Johnson unafraid of foregoing more conventional, predictable routes in getting there. He knows the most interesting part of a whodunnit isn't the crime, but all the little details surrounding it.           

Dune (2021)

Director: Denis Villeneuve
Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Zendaya, David Dastmalchian, Chang Chen, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Charlotte Rampling, Jason Momoa, Javier Bardem
Running Time: 156 min.
Rating: PG-13 

★★★ (out of ★★★★)

Better the longer it sits with you, Denis Villeneuve's Dune has the unenviable task of once again bringing to life the world in Frank Herbert's groundbreaking 1965 novel, while also picking up the pieces from one already perceived failure of an adaptation. There are few major, commercially viable cinematic properties left carrying as much baggage, due mostly to its inaccessibility and heady themes. Despite a story predating Star Wars by over a decade, on paper the plot contains elements justifiably earning those comparisons, albeit with more abstract material at its core, previously resulting in a rough big screen transition. Even if appreciation for his vision has grown slightly since, David Lynch learned found out the hard way in 1984, ensuring it wouldn't be revisted on a similar scale or scope until now. 

Arrival and Blade Runner 2049's Villeneuve seemed as good a choice as any to tackle this, possibly bringing the visual grandeur necessary to distract from, or maybe even enhance, some of the colder, navel-gazing excursions long thought to make it a better read than watch. And he does, giving us the best possible adaptation under the circumstances, even if a feeling of dread may overcome viewers when they see a title card reading "Dune: Part One" at the start of this 265-minute epic. Given the density of its source, that was inevitable, but you have to wonder whether this has the creative momentum necessary to become the franchise it's being positioned as. But it's a success, carefully guided by a director who, to his credit, doesn't try to fit a square peg into a round hole or dumb down a story that takes its time to marinate.

It's 1091 and the ruler of the ocean planet Caladan, Duke Leto (Oscar Isaac) of House Atreides has just been assigned to replace Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgard) of House Harkonnen as the fief ruler of desert planet Arrakis. It's a rough, harsh terrain, but provides the only source of "spice," an invaluable resource critical to human viality and interstellar travel. Unbeknownst to Leto and House Atreides' weapons master Gurney Halleck (Josh Brolin), the Emperor is having Harkonnen stage a coup wit his troops to retake the planet, eradicating them before they can control the spice or form an advantageous alliance with the Freman, Arrakis' native inhabitants, represented by tribe leader Stilgar (Javier Bardem).

Leto's concubine, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), an acolyte of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood, possesses advanced physical and mental capabilities that have been passed on to son Paul (Timothée Chamalet), who is trained by her, Halleck and  swordsmaster, Duncan Idaho (Jason Momoa). While they all sense greatness in young Paul, he has impulse control issues and problems harnessing his powers, distracted by visions of a turbulent future and dreams of a mysterious young Freman woman (Zendaya). A war looms as Harkonnen's fleet of troops and hulking nephew Glossu Rabban (Dave Bautista) prepare to attack. With the fate of House Atreides, as well as the planet of Arrakis hanging in the balance, their futures may depend on Paul answering the call to fulfill his true destiny.      

As involved as this all seems, it's even more convoluted than that, so Villeneuve deserves credit for distilling the script he co-wrote with Joe Spaihts and Eric Roth into a palpable cinematic experience that reaches a certain level of comprehensibility. They didn't exactly hit the jackpot in terms of the breeziest sci-fi tomes to adapt so it's actually amazing how well this holds together, especially in its strongest middle section. For anyone not already familar with Herbert's novel or Lynch's '84 take, what will initially be most noticeable are how many basic mythological tenets it shares in common with the Star Wars trilogy, including a young hero struggling with his lineage who's now suddenly thrust into a leadership role in the wake of family tragedy. 

The use of a Bene Gissert Force-like technique known as the "Voice" that's ultilized to control others actions are where the closest similarities between Paul and young Skywalker end. If the latter was an eager go-getter almost too energetic for his own good, Paul's the most reluctant and introverted of heroes, with Chamalet subtly conveying a quiet confidence, while still registering his character's inner anguish and growing dread in nearly every scene. He's asked to do a lot while at times sustaining an almost absent stillness, putting a lot of pressure on the audience to embrace an entirely different kind of protagonist who must adhere to a philosophy built almost entirely on restraint and passivity, at least until it isn't. 

Since the character of Paul is such a departure, for some it may not be the most compelling thing to watch, but Chamalet completely makes it work, especially in his many scenes opposite a tremendous Rebecca Ferguson as his mother, Lady Jessica, who's simultaneously disappointed in and encouraging of her son. This, and his futuristic visions of Zendaya's Chani might be the film's most successful element, with even cinematographer Greig Fraser's impressive vistas and Hans Zimmmer's score managing to take a backseat (though not too much of one) when those actors are on screen. And while his time is more limited, Jason Momoa finds a way to make maybe the biggest impression as the spectacularly named Duncan Idaho, perfectly filling the cocky, anti-hero warrior role that's been so frequently miscast of late in these big blockbusters. 

That such strong acting assets as Oscar Isaac, Javier Bardem and a slimy, Jabba-like Stellan Skarsgård (buried in prosthetics) are far from an afterthought in an already stuffed A-list cast is a testament to how well Villeneuve utlilizes what he has. Whatever the story's perceived problems or occasional lapses in focus are made up for by them and the sheer spectacle of the fight sequences and effects, especially those ferocious sandstorms. Striking just the right balance of keeping your eyes glued to the screen without going overboard, the ratio of meditative scenes to slam bang action is well proportioned, with visuals that make one of the better recent cases for theatergoing.

A seemingly uncompromised Dune that's free from the pandering you'd expect from a movie this size might the best thing about it, staying true to its vision while avoiding the temptation to self-indulge. Culminating in more of a stoppage than an end, it feels so much like a first part, they may as well just slap a "to be continued" on the screen. How many will want to follow this story into the next chapter is the bigger question, even as it stands as one of the year's bigger technical achievements, awash in imagery and scenes that stay with you long after the final credits. No one expected this new Dune film to achieve perfection, but it's impressive nonetheless, reigniting a spirited debate as to why that lofty goal seems unattainable, both for better and worse.