The hype for Dune has been through the roof. I’ve seen countless comparisons of this being the next Fellowship of the Ring and people are just buzzing because this is a new franchise to get excited about.

With a hefty 156 minute runtime, the LOTR comparisons make sense. But that’s about it.

I was not familiar with the Dune source material beforehand. 

So, I was bit surprised with how slow and moody the film is.

That is absolutely not a knock against it, it serves a purpose. Indeed, the best way of describing this film is that it is an intergalactic political drama with a bit violence here and there (aka Game of Thrones in space).

The plot centres around the harvesting of a valuable spice on a desert planet – with competing houses trying to one up another.

It’s a lot of set up and exposition. Which is fine, because the sequel has ridiculous potential.

I’m genuinely happy people are loving this film. I think the Best Picture win (I repeat WIN) is a little much, but I always support nerds and passionate fans.

This is a really outstanding ensemble cast, with Timothee Chalamet carrying the film very well. But, Josh Brolin and Jason Momoa as Josh Brolin and Jason Momoa respectively were my favourites. Stellan Skarsgard as the main bad guy was terrifying and will be having nightmares about him for the foreseeable future.

What everyone is going to agree on, however, is that this film must be seen on the big screen. It’s a pretty immersive experience, with some stunning cinematography from Greig Fraser coupled with pretty stellar special effects. Not once did I feel critical of the CGI and this is genuinely a major achievement.

Dune has such vast spectacle and scope; spanning across different climates and backgrounds. Denis Villeneuve continues to impress and, in doing so, climbs the ladder of best directors working today.

But it’s not just the visuals, it was the sensation on the ears that really got me. People forget, the cinemas have the best sound systems in the world!

So when a massive sandworm is coming to devour everything in its wake, you feel those vibrations of it approaching and start to get a little worried. That is the true cinematic experience.

But, of course, we must tip our hats. To the one, the only – Hans Zimmer.

He was on absolute crack this film. What a unique and different score; it felt like an extra character within the film and enhanced the experience.

Zimmer has only won one Oscar, which is a travesty. A second is surely on the way.

Whilst my score may seem low compared to others, I still wholeheartedly encourage you all to go out to the cinemas and see this, and enjoy it.

It didn’t change my life, but was still very solid.