“Dune” is more of an experience than just a regular “turn off your brain” movie watch. The large-scale and epic soundtrack sucks you into this dystopian world, filled with massive worms and complex infrastructure. 

The film is a wonderful piece of cinema that should only be viewed on the biggest screen possible at the closest theatre to yourself. Please do not watch this movie from home as it will ruin the entire experience that director Denis Villeneuve is going for.

“Dune: Part One” really feels like its title suggests: a part one, a setup for the rest of the saga. For some, that means they could leave unsatisfied with the ending. 

It could be too early to compare, but this saga could potentially be the next “Lord of the Rings.” For a guy like me who grew up on those movies and absolutely loves them, that’s a really big thing to say. “Dune: Part One” feels similar to “The Fellowship of the Ring” but in such an interesting new way, so I’m excited to see what part two brings us in a few years.

The only thing that this film fails at is the underlying story itself. It focuses heavily on the visuals, subtext and worldbuilding, but less on the characters, drama and story. You don’t grow attached to any of the characters, except for Timothee Chalamet’s character Paul Atreides, because it assumes you know the story of Dune already. When there are intense combat scenes with the stake of death or life, the intensity can sometimes feel underwhelming.

It’s possible the main point wasn’t to dive deep into the drama of the characters, but rather to create an atmosphere that sucks the viewer in, leaving you with this dark gloomy presence that all Villeneuve films do.

I give this film a solid 9/10 and I am extremely hopeful for what Villeneuve has in store for us next. If you are considering whether or not to spend $12 to go see this in theatres, just do it, it’s worth the money. I highly doubt you’ll leave feeling cheated. 

Commentary writer Ethan Petrie can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @empeachtree.