Frank Herbert's Children of Dune
Just watched the 1st half, 2 more hours 2 go. I must say I'm very, very impressed so far. I've only seen about 4 scenes of Frank Herbert's Dune (the Sci-Fi channel miniseries) and liked them alot (even tho Baron Harkonnen wasn't fat or ugly enuf). Now I want 2 rush back 2 the video store and watch the entire miniseries. I have a feeling, however, that this is a better overall production. I like Arakeen, the much larger "scope" of the distances btween planets, the navigators and the Ornithopters much better than what was depicted the DeLaurentis movie. Paul and Alia are much more "spiritually" believable 2...The Sandworms are just as good, if not better. Yes it's long but it does incredible justice 2 the book, so far. The twins are very sophisticated, wild and spooky. The only things I liked better in the movie Dune (aside from Harkonnen) were Patrick Stewart as Gurney Halleck and Dean Stockwell as the Dr/Traitor, dang I can never remember his name and lost my books a long time ago.
Part 2:
On the whole I was very impressed, they were some great effects, especially as far as speed, The stoner burner, worm-riding, fighting and the "tigers" and then there were some so-so, but still original Star Wars quality, effects. They did an admirable job with all the political machinations, the mad prophet and Alia's madness. If there were any glaring problems w/this movie it might b in the efforts 2 convey how much time has really passed from beginning 2 end. Since the 1st quarter of the movie is, basically, Dune Messiah we r probably looking at 20 years worth of Arrakis' history.
Alice Krige was outstanding as Jessica...and Susan Sarandon played the House Corrino Matron with a nice evil glitter. Daniela Amavia's dynamic Alia held the movie 2gether until James McAvoy (Leto) and Jessica Brooks (Ghanima) took over as the twins. McAvoy did a pretty amazing job! Here's an interesting radio chat Jessica Brooks (what a babe! grrr..) did with Sci Fi. com:
Ghanima Atredies