Dune (part one) released

Dune Released: September 3, 2021 Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures Genre: sci-fi Box Office (numbers in millions): Domestic: 108.90 Worldwide: 410.67 Adjusted for Inflation: Domestic: -- Worldwide: --

Directing: Denis Villenueve Screenwriting: Denis Villenueve, Jon Spaihts, Eric Roth Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Oscar Isaac, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, Josh Brolin, Jason Momoa, Javier Bardem, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista Review: Frank Herbert’s 1965 epic sci-fi novel Dune was first adapted to the screen in “a fatally flawed 1984 version” GN from director David Lynch. It was adapted into a television mini-series in 2000. After Legendary Pictures acquired the rights to Dune in 2016, Denis Villenueve (Arrival, Blade Runner 2049) signed on to direct. The story focuses on the House Atreides, led by the Duke (Isaac), and their move to the desert planet of Arrakis which is the sole source of the universe’s valuable spice. The House Harkonnen, led by the Baron (Skarsgård), had previously been in control and plots to take down the House Atreides. After the Duke is assassinated, his son, Paul (Chalamet) and his mother (Ferguson) flee to the desert where they are taken in by the desert natives known as the Fremen. Villenueve offers an “astonishing visual sensibility” GN to a “novel that has become part of the fabric of popular science fiction.” GN There are “explosive action sequences and a booming Hans Zimmer score, but there are also low-key moments.” GN In a savvy casting move, multiple successful franchises are tapped for signature actors, including Issacs (Star Wars), Marvel movies (Brolin, Bautista), and DC Comics (Mamoa). Given the huge scope of the story, Denis Villenueve “sensibly tackles only manageable section of the story,” GN leaving the rise of Paul as a Messiah figure to a sequel released in 2024. See the review of Part Two here. Sources: GN The Guardian movie review by Mark Kermode WK Wikipedia

Awards/Honors/Lists: Eras: Oscars: Wins: 6. Best Original Score, Best Sound, Best Film Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Visual Effects. Nominations: 10, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling Lists: First posted 3/2/2025.

The Power of the Dog released

The Power of the Dog Released: September 2, 2021 Studio: Netflix Genre: Western Box Office (numbers in millions): Domestic: -- Worldwide: 0.27 Adjusted for Inflation: Domestic: -- Worldwide: --

Directing: Jane Campion Screenwriting: Jane Campion Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, Kodi Smit-McPhee Review: The Power of the Dog is a Western psychological drama based on Thomas Savage’s 1961 novel. Jane Campion adapted the screenplay and directed the movie. It was given a limited theatrical release before being streamed on Netflix. It “is a thought-provoking, deep study of (toxic) masculinity surrounded by exceptional performances and truly stunning cinematography.” MSB Brothers Phil (Cumberbatch) and George Burbank (Plemons) own a ranch in 1925 Montana. George “is a kind, decent, presentable man who treats women with the utmost respect,” MSB while Phil is “the epitome of a toxic male.” MSB They meet Rose Gordon (Dunst), an inn owner. George is taken with her and they marry but Phil dislikes her, certain she only wants his brother’s money. When her teenage son Peter (Smit-McPhee) “arrives at the ranch for the summer break that the story starts going through surprising developments with a clear, shocking outcome.” MSB Phil belittles him as effeminate in an effort to cover up his own homosexuality. “When their arcs cross paths, the movie offers some of the most captivating, tense moments of the entire runtime.” MSB “Campion takes the best out of her technical crew, using the award-worthy cinematography to pull the audience closer to the complex characters. The dark, cold interiors contrast with the broad, breathtaking landscapes in a remarkable fashion.” MSB Sources: MSB MSB Reviews WK Wikipedia

Awards/Honors/Lists: Dave’s Movie Database Lists: Eras: Awards: Oscars: Wins: 1. Best Director Nominations: 12. Best Picture, Best Actor (Cumberbatch), Best Supporting Actor (Plemons), Best Supporting Actor (Smit-McPhee), Best Supporting Actress (Dunst), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Production Design, Best Sound First posted 3/2/2025.