Rating: 
Summary: Dune Messiah and Children done RIGHT!
Review: When I rented and watched the first Dune miniseries, I was shocked at how poor a job had been done. True, the story was kept pretty much intact, but the costumes were horrible, the acting wasn't credible, and the sets were even less credible. Most of the time, you could easily tell that the backdrop was a wall painted to look like dunes and mountains. This time, however, the makers got it right. First, everybody who returns for this second mini-series must have gotten acting lesson in between the two. I was shocked at how good some of the performances were (Paul and Irulan for example). Second, some of the special effects are truly impressive. Throughout most of the miniseries, I could believe that this was a very respectable theatrical release- I love Alia's "fight" scene. Also, the music this time around is unbelievable. I don't think it would be an exaggeration at all to say that this is the score that should have won best soundtrack at the most recent Academy awards.Many people display disappointment over how some plot points were changed or ommitted. However, in my eyes, the miniseries accomplished the highest note that I think it possibly could have reached: it REALLY made me want to read the books again. I also think that the miniseries accomplished something that the books did not. I think it added more emotion to the characters and made it easier for viewers to empathize with them. I can return to the books, perhaps, with a better idea of what the characters are going through. Overall, a very commendable effort- not to be missed by any Dune fans (unlike the miserable first mini-series) The saga of Dune is far from over.....well, let's hope so- on to God Emperor!
Rating: 
Summary: Read the book
Review: I bought this DVD recently, after a 20-year lapse since I last read the Dune books. With only a vague memory of what was supposed to be going on, the movie was pretty much incomprehensible. What was the reason for Leto II transforming himself into a sandworm? I don't remember, and the movie didn't explain. Somehow, this was supposed to be the next evolutionary step, or some such thing, but why? And why did Leto seem so confident and at peace with his decision, when later we find out that he sobbed in his sister's lap and asked her to help him die? A lot of the acting is truly dreadful, and seems more appropriate to a stage play than a movie. Many of the costumes look like they came from old the original Star Trek series. And many of the sets were obviously just that ... sets with painted backgrounds. As with the other adaptations of Dune books, too much had to be left out in the interest of time, and if you aren't very familiar with the story, you can easily be left scratching your head.
Rating:
Summary: An emotionally resonant, visually spectacular epic
Review: "Children of Dune," directed by Greg Yaitanes, is an epic miniseries based on Frank Herbert's "Dune" novels. This miniseries, which was scripted by John Harrison, is a direct sequel to the miniseries "Dune." Many of the cast members from that miniseries return for "Children" (Alec Newman as Paul, Julie Cox as Irulan, etc.) although some roles have been recast (Alice Krige, for example, takes over the role of Jessica Atreides). There are also a number of new characters played by new cast members. "Children" continues the epic science fiction saga begun in the first miniseries. It focuses on the imperial house of Atreides and the planet Arrakis, home to giant sandworms and source of the substance which makes interstellar travel possible. This epic interplanetary canvas is full of intrigue, politics, family strife, religious controversy, fights, and marvelous creatures. "Children" is one of the most visually sumptuous films I have ever seen; the awe-inspiring sights are superbly complemented by Brian Tyler's gloriously rich score. There are some truly magical scenes; particularly effective are the sequences featuring the majestic sandworms. The performances are solid. Julie Cox is particularly appealing as Irulan; she brings a regal grace to her multifaceted role. Ian McNeice is a villainous delight as the spectral form of Baron Harkonnen. Among the new cast members I was particularly impressed by James McAvoy in the pivotal role of young Leto; he brings a feline physicality to his mesmerizing performance. "Children" has as much in common with biblical film epics like "The Ten Commandments" as it does with other sci-fi sagas. Unlike some other sci-fi films, "Children" never feels like it's been "dumbed down" for the audience; it never feels like a commercial for toys or video games. Rather, it is a stately (but exciting!) and emotionally satisfying journey, full of wonder and rich in mythic qualities. At the end, it left me eager to see the next chapter in the "Dune" saga.
Rating:
Summary: out of my mind
Review: I loved this. I never much liked the second or third books when I first read them. I only liked the first and fourth. However, after watching this miniseries, I like them much better. The acting was great, they got the characterization spot on, and the more confusing aspects of the books were explained very well. They made one understand Irulan a lot better. I really liked her in the movies. One could also feel more for Alia.
Rating: 
Summary: Good Adaptation
Review: Though this is not a word for word adaptation, I believe that it captures the essence of the novels. In some ways more than the glitzy first series of movies. The fanatics of the novels might be disappointed by the lack of adhearance to the books, but should be happy with the way they preset the information.
part I
The House of Artredis is now in control over the known universe. The House of Corino exists, but more of a figurehead than a house with any real power. Irulan is married to Paul, but it is a political arrangement, and he won't even grant her a child. The government has turned into a dictatorship, and the Artredis are quickly becoming more and more hated as people die in their wars or by their rules. It is getting to the point where assasins and terroists attack the royal family themselves. There is a league forming against them, made up of former allies, angry houses, the navogators, and the Bene Gesserit Paul is increasingly detached and weary looking. The position he never really wanted is weighing down on him, and it looks as though he can feel every burden and every hateful thought against him. His sister has become reckless, his mother left for Calidan with Gurney, and former allies now questioning their alliance. To make matters worse, he is given a gift, a ghola from the tilaxians. One of his former friend and mentor Duncan Idaho, who has no memory of his past and is now a mentat.
Part II
Artredis is dead, and his sister Alia rules until his heirs are old enough as a regent. The problem is that she is growing increasingly mad and losing control, hearing voices of her ancestors, including the vile Baron Harkonen. The head of House Corino, Princess Wensicia Corrino, is still plotting the demise of house Artredis, and has an heir to put forth as the next Emperor. But needs the children of Artredis dead. Alia also sees them a threat to her control, as it will end when the children are old enough to lead. Creating multiple plots and unrest that are tearing the House of Artredis to pieces.
This series seems to fit the story better than the last series. The costumes are toned down, but still regal and showy. The dialogue is more wordy and thick. Which makes many fans happy since that was a big part of the books. The actor playing Paul Artredis fills in the role of the unhappy dictator better and really seems to feel the role. Though some of the original actors from the first movie are missed, Duncan Idaho, Stilgar, etc.....
They writing was good, though they are hard books to adapt. Especially since a lot of fans like to stop at Dune, which was last conceptually in the series. Though it was released first, it was the latter books that Herbert really put the focus into. He was more interested in the politics, but neeeded a place to start it out. The messages it displays are intersting, but often depressing.
This is a quality film, called sci fi shakespere by some.
Rating:
Summary: Memorable, thoughtful, & a delight to watch over and over
Review: If I were to choose the best film adaptation of Dune, this miniseries would win, hands down. Not because it's true to the book, not because of special effects, but it would win because entire series is endearing and the performances of the cast are memorable. This production took characters that were hard to relate to because of their super-human abilities and turned them into people we could care about. What sets this treatment of Dune apart from all others is the dynamic performances of the cast.
Alec Newman, Julie Cox, Barbara Kodetova, P.H. Moriarty, Zuzana Geislerova, and Ian MacNeice reprise their roles as Paul, Irulan, Chani, Gurney, Rev. Mother Mohiam, and the Baron. Even the Newcomers to the cast are: James McAvoy as Leto II, Jessica Brooks as Ghanima, Daniela Amavia as Alia,
Alec Newman *owns* the role of Paul in CoD. While his performance seemed shakey at times in Dune, he embodies the majesty of Muad'Dib and convincingly portrays the part of a tormented monarch in this sequel.
Julie Cox steals the show away everytime she appears. Some complained that the script took (major) liberties concerning Irulan--mainly by giving her more appearances and lines than the book ever afforded her, and making her more likable--but I say anything that gives Julie Cox a chance to appear on screen to flex her acting muscles is a good decision. She plays a very convincing imperial princess with her body language (she has probably the best posture I've ever seen, but she absolutely shines portraying a fiery personality trapped by her station in life.
As with Alec Newman, Barbara Kodetova reprises her role with much more maturity than in the first series. In CoD, Alec and Barbara both come back with stronger performances and better chemistry.
Speaking of chemistry, however, there was so much of it between the actors playing the twins it was unbelievable to me that they weren't dating in real life. James McAvoy, in particular, brings so much spirit and warmth to his role that he brought much-needed levity to the role of Leto by adding humor and warmth to his performance. Jessica Brooks brings thoughtful, pensive Ghanima to life respectably well. It should be noted that the twins are portrayed as teenagers in the miniseries, which I consider a wise decision to make them more relatable and easier to watch for first-time viewers.
Though I had loved Saskia Reeves' Jessica, Alice Krige takes a turn in Lady Jessica's shoes very well. She fleshes out the part of the Atreides matriarch and delivers a very reserved performance, which is befitting the cautious Jessica in the book. Edward Atterton (who played Arthur in TNT's 'The Mists of Avalon' and has appeared on shows like 'Firefly' and 'Alias') plays a wonderfully convincingly warrior-mentat. Daniela Amavia's gut-wrenching, explosive performance as Alia was highly entertaining to watch, and her last scene brought so much more emotion to the events than the book afforded it. Daniela, Alice, and James came together so well in Alia's last scene that many people who saw it were teary-eyed after watching it--it had me in tears. The book, however, didn't come anywhere near that level of emotional impact.
I thought Susan Sarandon's performance was tolerable--nothing great--but I think it is unfair to blame her. She was horribly miscast. In a show where almost everybody had an accent of some sort, Susan's thoroughly American accent was completely out of place. Add that on top of the fact that her performance wasn't as strong as some of the others, and no wonder she's being singled out as the weak link. She's just not at home playing a science-fiction villain.
As far as costumes, special effects, and props go, I enjoyed each of them immensely. The costumes are still a bit quirky, but they are much more subdued and realistic than what they were in CoD's predecessor. Where as the costumes in Dune were downright 'kooky,' the clothes in CoD could be considered 'fasion.' The special effects were very well done for a television feature. 'The Voice' was much cooler in CoD, with soft growls and whispers overlapping over each other on top of the warped speaking to provide a richer, more majestic 'Voice' better capturing what it was in the book. The glow-in-the-dark blue eyes are traded in for more subdued blue eyes that are brilliant without looking radioactive. Everything comes together and molds comfortably with the set design, which boasts soft, warm colors and lighting that make the places look like they exist in a perpetual sunset. Indeed, the overall look is a very pretty one.
The real star of the show, however, was the score. Brian Tyler offers compositions so energetic, elegant, and lovely to hear that he gives Arrakis the heart it sometimes lacked in the book. As with Tolkien and his Lord of the Rings, the plot and the characters sometimes were a little dry when it came to good ol' fashioned emotion. This production would not have been what it was without its music. Brian Tyler does for CoD what James Horner did for Titanic and what Howard Shore did for the Lord of the Rings. Towards the end of the first installment of CoD, a montage of events play out to a song Tyler created called 'Inama Nushif,' and my husband heard the television and wandered from his room to come watch what I was watching because he said the music was, in his words, "so cool."
What this adaptation does with its casts' tour de force performances and Brian Tyler's soaring score is make Children of Dune and its characters relatable, memorable, and human, and that is why it was such a resounding success.
Rating:
Summary: Great!
Review: Must have for any sci-fi or fantasy buff (The complete 2 volume collection). Once again, beautifully acted with a perfect cast. The second installment in the Dune series' stage-like format adds to the drama. I very highly suggest this film and it's original book series. It's an adventure for your mind.
Rating:
Summary: Daring to say it's better than the books
Review: Unlike most fans of Dune, I read the books after watching both miniseries and the 1984 film. Without trying to make a review of every one of these, I will say that the books are an excellent study in philosophy, politics and ecology, with many ingenuous ideas presented, and a very unique feel to them in a world of clunky science fiction full of ray guns and blue-skinned aliens. With this in mind I highly reccommend them, but as far as the story goes, the presentation falls flat. Oh, there's an excellent story unfolding, but many of the key dramatic moments are written almost as an afterthought (remember when Paul's first son died? Or how about when the conspirators of Dune Messiah were killed? These things seem kind of important, and yet in the books they get about a paragraph of mention each). The David Lynch film failed because it took its cue from this aspect of the books, but was unable to truly deliver the philosophical deepness of the books. As such, the Lynch film is better watched with the mute button on--visually impressive for its time, but hollow both thematically and emotionally.
The one thing I will say that both of the miniseries lacked (the first more than the second) was the intellectual depth of the books, but it would have been incredibly difficult to bring this out on the medium of film anyways. Where the miniseries succeed is in the fact that while the books read like a textbook with a story wrapped around it to keep it interesting (which Herbert does very well), the series have just plain excellent story presentation.
No matter what purists say, Children of Dune makes the story and characters infinitely more accessible with the changes that it made, and there were many changes. Leto and Ghanima being teenagers was a good choice--they are still young enough to be remarkable with the wisdom they have, and old enough to be able to empathise with their characters and conflicts better. The change in the nature of Leto's transformation, while admittedly not suitably explained, was a good choice, again because he still looks mostly human, and thus we may empathise more. Irulan was a character that I enjoyed in both of the miniseries, and I am very glad she was given greater treatment, because in the books she is so insignificant that I wonder why Herbert even gave her dialogue. Her unrequited love for Paul was painfully felt almost from the first appearance of her character in Children. Alia's final scene, as well, was ever so much more powerful than in the book--with an amazing added touch by referencing a poingnant moment from the first miniseries (watch them back to back, and pay attention).
There are certain things that the miniseries could never have portrayed faithfully from the books, and these happen to be the things that I find most enjoyable about the books, even though I was frustrated with the conclusion Leto came to at the end of the text--it seemed like such a monumental mistake to me, and I hope that it is cleared up in God-Emperor, which I haven't yet read. That being said, instead of trying in vain to be faithful to books that are lacking in story presentation where they are amazing in every other respect, the miniseries changed and added the right elements to actually make the story enjoyable on screen. I am glad I read the books, but I look forward more to enjoying the miniseries over and over again.
Rating:
Summary: Dune Messiah and Children done RIGHT!
Review: When I rented and watched the first Dune miniseries, I was shocked at how poor a job had been done. True, the story was kept pretty much intact, but the costumes were horrible, the acting wasn't credible, and the sets were even less credible. Most of the time, you could easily tell that the backdrop was a wall painted to look like dunes and mountains. This time, however, the makers got it right. First, everybody who returns for this second mini-series must have gotten acting lesson in between the two. I was shocked at how good some of the performances were (Paul and Irulan for example). Second, some of the special effects are truly impressive. Throughout most of the miniseries, I could believe that this was a very respectable theatrical release- I love Alia's "fight" scene. Also, the music this time around is unbelievable. I don't think it would be an exaggeration at all to say that this is the score that should have won best soundtrack at the most recent Academy awards. Many people display disappointment over how some plot points were changed or ommitted. However, in my eyes, the miniseries accomplished the highest note that I think it possibly could have reached: it REALLY made me want to read the books again. I also think that the miniseries accomplished something that the books did not. I think it added more emotion to the characters and made it easier for viewers to empathize with them. I can return to the books, perhaps, with a better idea of what the characters are going through. Overall, a very commendable effort- not to be missed by any Dune fans (unlike the miserable first mini-series) The saga of Dune is far from over.....well, let's hope so- on to God Emperor!
Rating:
Summary: Amazing story / soundtrack
Review: Much better than the updated Dune (this is the 2nd and 3rd books in the original series). The first half is a bit slow - but the second more than makes up for it.
|
