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.