Tools for this page
Print

Dune

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version
    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    A dated and bizarre mess of an adaptation.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
  • Violence:

    Not graphic, but some scenes involve torture and bodily fluids.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Dune was written by Tony Nigro

Parents need to know that this movie contains disturbing imagery and violence. However, children might find most of it tame by today's standards, even a little hokey. A character is stabbed in the neck. Villains are grotesque. A man with oozing boils on his face enjoys a form of torture involving unplugging a valve leading to a person's heart. There are battle scenes and explosions.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about Paul's sense of duty and commitment, the story's notions of destiny, as well as mythology and the modern-day re-tellings of the hero story also found in films like Star Wars and The Matrix.
Did this review help you decide?

Are you going to see it?

Have you seen it? Review It!

More on Dune

What’s the Story?

Adaptation from Frank Herbert's seminal futuristic novel, DUNE follows Paul Atreides (Kyle MacLachlan) in his messianic journey toward leadership during an intergalactic battle over control of a mystic (and probably psychedelic) spice. The Atreides family is in a massive feud with the Harkonnens for control of the universe. When Paul's father is killed by the rival clan, he heads to the desert planted Dune. In a fantastical universe of the future, a now legendary cast including Patrick Stewart, Max von Sydow, Sting, Virginia Madsen, and Brad Dourif surround young Atreides in his ascent to leader of a people and his battle against the vile Baron Vladimir Harkonnen and his evil cronies.

Is It Any Good?

Dune is a myth set in a world worthy of J.R.R. Tolkien and George Lucas -- or even Homer and Virgil, but alas, it's no Lord of the Rings. Here, the pairing of a cult director and a cult novel produces not a masterpiece, but a doubly cult curio, something enjoyable only for its bad dialogue and corny effects. In terms of cult value, David Lynch's signature strangeness is lacking in both the film's direction and its special effects.

Those craving Herbert's epic storytelling will not find it here. Much was cut to make the film's two-plus hour running time. Ultimately, Dune's potential seems lost on Kyle MacLachan's jutting hero chin, a feature that unfortunately, does not make up for his acting, the movie's too-stately pace, nor its camp grandiosity.

Movie Details

Studio: Universal Pictures, Director: David Lynch
Run time: 137 minutes
Theatrical release: 12/14/1984, DVD release: 3/31/1998
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for Parents strongly cautioned

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

What did you think about Dune?

or

to post a review

See 1 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it 3.0

    The plot is a mess, but director David Lynch shows his genius here with the visuals, particularily the set designs, and there is a slight intelligence. I'd watch it over Star Wars any day.

More Great Stuff for Your Kids

  • Most Popular This Week

    foursquare

    foursquare

    Is this social network too risky for your child?

  • Advice for Parents

    Tips for a Healthy Media Diet

    Tips for a Healthy Media Diet

    New gadget gifts? Get help setting limits.

  • Book of the Week

    Beautiful Creatures

    Beautiful Creatures

    Dreamy, lyrical supernatural Southern romance.

  • Pick of the Week

    Bestselling Books

    Bestselling Books

    Popular new reads kids are buying today.

  • Game of the Week

    Simplz: Zoo

    Simplz: Zoo

    Family-friendly puzzler mixes in a bit of zoo simulation.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name