Just rewatched it for the second time (both IMAX) and man… it's so damn enjoyable - visually stunning throughout.
That said - second viewing gave me more time to think through scenes. I really struggled first go round with the change to Chani and how Zendaya played the role. It was just too one dimensional for me but I will admit I also think she plays most roles the same way. She's this generation's Kristen Stewart. Lol. And yeah. I know. I'm probably an idiot in not appreciating both of their abilities. But …. shrug.
Second viewing - same feelings but now with a bit of resentment at her character for being so naive as to think there's some way the Fremen can take back Arrakis by themselves for themselves. There is no way in hell that planet is left alone given the importance of spice to interstellar travel. The only way to let Dune change and allow the Fremen to "govern" it is under protection of a benevolent emperor. Hence the need for Paul to do this. It's the ONLY way. I also really was able to enjoy more how Bardem played Stilgar's role - although I'll be damned if I couldn't stop seeing memes in my mind as he reacted to Paul's evolution. And oh man - that speech after Paul drinks the water of life hit just as hard the second time as the first. It's was "chef's kiss"
So with that said - the treatment of Chani's character does open up some nice territory to explore in part 3/Messiah. Maybe she begins to realize that dude did exactly what he had to do to let Dune be reborn into a paradise. But I have a sinking sensation that Hollywood won't be happy unless Chani somehow becomes a major character equal to Paul as opposed to just letting us see her grow as a person who eventually will support Paul.
But again, remember my disclaimer, I'm an idiot. lol.
That said - second viewing gave me more time to think through scenes. I really struggled first go round with the change to Chani and how Zendaya played the role. It was just too one dimensional for me but I will admit I also think she plays most roles the same way. She's this generation's Kristen Stewart. Lol. And yeah. I know. I'm probably an idiot in not appreciating both of their abilities. But …. shrug.
Second viewing - same feelings but now with a bit of resentment at her character for being so naive as to think there's some way the Fremen can take back Arrakis by themselves for themselves. There is no way in hell that planet is left alone given the importance of spice to interstellar travel. The only way to let Dune change and allow the Fremen to "govern" it is under protection of a benevolent emperor. Hence the need for Paul to do this. It's the ONLY way. I also really was able to enjoy more how Bardem played Stilgar's role - although I'll be damned if I couldn't stop seeing memes in my mind as he reacted to Paul's evolution. And oh man - that speech after Paul drinks the water of life hit just as hard the second time as the first. It's was "chef's kiss"
So with that said - the treatment of Chani's character does open up some nice territory to explore in part 3/Messiah. Maybe she begins to realize that dude did exactly what he had to do to let Dune be reborn into a paradise. But I have a sinking sensation that Hollywood won't be happy unless Chani somehow becomes a major character equal to Paul as opposed to just letting us see her grow as a person who eventually will support Paul.
But again, remember my disclaimer, I'm an idiot. lol.