Dune: Part Two Review

Chaotic review incoming! Wow, it’s been a WHILE since I reviewed a movie, but I’ve come out of hibernation to review the much anticipated Dune: Part Two. My initial impression of Dune: Part One was: ‘for a movie that is mainly standing around, it’s a masterpiece.’ Despite my lack of experience with the source material, and my lack of reason for loving the first, I knew I had to see the second instalment on opening night. Which is exactly what I did! I’m glad I did because Dune: Part Two is categorically better than the first! Read on for my full review, potential mild spoilers with a dose of chaos! Enjoy!   Dune: Part Two picks us where the previous finished, Denis Villeneuve giving us one  continuous story, no flashbacks or memory trickers included. Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin and Javier Bardem are joined by Florence Pugh, Austin Butler, Léa Seydoux, Christopher Walken and Anya Taylor-Joy, the perfect all-star cast. The films stands at the 2h 45m mark, ye

May The Fourth

Happy May the Forth everyone! As you may know it is officially Star Wars day! Today I'm going to have a Star Wars movie marathon and eat some themed snacks. This post is a little bit of a mixed bag because I couldn't decide what to write about in relation to Star Wars, I had so many ideas, but I've narrowed it down to four topics. I'm going to start by sharing why I love Star Wars, then I'm going to look at some inspirational Star Wars female characters, then some epic Star Wars moments and I'm going to finish on some Star Wars Statistics - hopefully there is something you like in this post. Please let me know in the comments below why you love Star Wars and what you'll be doing today to celebrate.

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Why I love Star Wars?

I first remember watching Star Wars as a child, I don't remember watching the Original trilogy till I was a little older, but I remember watching the Prequels. Padme is the reason I liked Star Wars, she was a Queen and she had awesome fashion sense and when me and my brother played the Lego game, I always had to be Padme. I also loved the Jedi and their force abilities; the force jumps are awesome. But I really started to love Star Wars as I got older, I think I understood the deep storylines more and in 2015 I got to watch a Star Wars film at the cinema! I went to the midnight screening of The Force Awakens and the moment I remember most is watching the opening crawl, the Star Wars theme music began, and the words appeared on screen and I was captivated. Theres nothing quite like the start of a Star Wars film - it's pure magic. 
So, what do I love? I love the costumes, the long list of strong and powerful female characters, the Jedi with their lightsabers, force abilities and their ability to fight for the light, the Sith especially Vader and Kylo-Ren, the clash of red and blue/green. I love the prequels and the epic storylines. I also love the running themes of good vs evil and family. The world building in Star Wars is unparalleled and captivating. I love the droids especially R2-D2, BB8 and D-O. I love Star Wars and I cannot wait see what's next for the Franchise. 

10 Inspirational Female Characters

1) Padme Amidala
Padme is the reason I got into Star Wars as a child. She is a leader that fights for her people with not just words but with blasters, she leads with conviction and strength all whilst wearing fantastic costumes. Padme later goes on to battle in politics, fight alongside Jedi and becomes a commander in the Clones Wars. Her Line 'So this is how liberty dies, with thunderous applause' is one of my all-time favourite quotes. 
2) Leia
Princess/General Leia not only paved the way for all of Star Wars' female characters, she was also the leader of the rebellion that defeated The Empire and head of The Resistance that fought to defeat her son and The First Order. She eventually gives her life to save her son from damnation, she trains Rey and even though she loses nearly everyone she keeps fighting for the light side.
3) Rey 
Rey is the first central female Jedi in a Star Wars film. Before she even knows her heritage, she fights The First Order, Kylo-Ren and takes on the mission to find Luke. She never becomes consumed by the dark side and fights for justice, all whilst putting her faith in Kylo's redemption.  
4) Jyn Erso
Jyn literally dies in order to protect the galaxy for The Empire by getting the Death Star plans. She is the leader the Rogue One group and she never puts her needs before the needs of the mission, even when her father is killed. She rallies a team, gets the plans and pays the ultimate price. 
5) Qi'ra
I love Qi'ra. She understands that the only person she can rely on is herself. She turns her back on a life of love and possible security with Han for a position of power. She is fierce, strong and can use a wide variety of weapons. She got herself out of a terrible situation and joined the Crimson Dawn - eventually taking control of a fraction to join Darth Maul. I certainly hope we get to see more of Qi'ra in the Obi-one TV show. 
6) Ahsoka
Although I've never really watched the Star Wars animated TV shows, I do know a lot about Anakin's padwan Ahsoka. Not only does she use two lightsabers, she is strong with the force and a powerful Jedi that manages to survive order 66. She questions the Jedi, never fully believing what she is told, she eventually leaves the order and forges her own path. 
7) Holdo
Holdo had a key role in The Last Jedi. Not only was she trusted to lead The Resistance if Leia wasn't able to, she actually does a great job at leading. She puts Poe in his place and manages to save a large number of people. She Eventually gives her life to save The Resistance and manages to take out a First Order ship in the process. 
8) Jannah
Although Jannah had a minor role in The Rise of Skywalker she left an impression. As the leader of a fraction of ex-stormtroopers she proves herself as a leader and as a survivor. She rebelled against The First Order and does not hesitate when Finn asks her to join The Resistance. I really hope we get a spin off or TV show that allows Jannah to have some more deserved screen time. 
9) Cara Dune
Cara Dune becomes one of the lead characters in The Mandalorian. She is a brave and no-nonsense warrior. She has a deep backstory that I cannot wait to explore more. She teams up with The Mandalorian and protects The Child out of choice. I cannot wait to see more form Cara Dune.
10) Enfys Nest 
Enfys is another character that only made a small appearance in the Star Wars universe but the time she spends on screen is awesome. She fights for The Rebellion to defeat The Empire. She is a fascinating character that I wish was given more screen time.  

Epic Star Wars Moments

Episode I: The Phantom Menace - Duel of Fates
This epic battle is one of the best in Star Wars history. Not only is the fight great to watch but the emotion conveyed is brilliant. Plus, the soundtrack is the best. 

Episode II: Attack of The Clones - Anakin and Padme Confess Their Feelings
Throughout the film Anakin and Padme constantly fight their feelings, but in this scene when they are faced with death, they confess their feelings. Their relationship is so epic but this moment is certainly a stand out moment. The music swells and then bam! We go straight into an epic battle scene. 

Episode III: Revenge of The Sith - Order 66/ Anakin and Obi-Wan fight
Order 66 is just awful but so epic, the way we cut between different locations and get to see the escape or death of the Jedi is heart-breaking. But the moment that shines is the battle between Obi-Wan and Anakin, the fight itself is epic, as is the music, but the emotion is outstanding! The line 'You were my brother Anakin, I loved you' is heart-breaking and brilliant.  

Episode IV: A New Hope - The Death Star Attack/ Tatooine Sunset
I know the Death Star attack is a whole sequence of scenes, but every moment is epic, from the planning to the attack to the final explosion. Luke's Twin sunset moment is stunning, not only does it have meaning it is also beautiful, has great music and is the scene I think of first when someone says Star Wars.  

Episode V: Revenge of The Sith - 'Luke, I Am Your Father'
Not only is this one of the biggest reveals in cinema history it is also epic. I would love to experience this scene without already knowing. It's a great reveal and Luke's no scream is perfectly timed. 

Episode VI: Return of The Jedi - Anakin/Vader Saves Luke
This scene fulfils the chosen one prophecy and redeems Anakin Skywalker. But it is also a scene that was motivated by love, the father saves the son, which in the process saves the galaxy. Plus, the moment Vader/Anakin picks up Palpatine is awesome, although it does ultimately lead to Anakin's death. 
  
Episode VII: The Force Awakens - Rey Gets the Lightsaber
This moment gives me chills, we see Kylo reaching for the lightsaber but it flies straight past him and into the hands of Rey. It's an epic moment that we'd spend the whole movie waiting for. As a female Star Wars fan this moment makes me insanely happy.

Episode VIII: The Last Jedi - Rey and Kylo Fight Together
This whole scene is fantastic, from the moment Kylo kills his master we get a fast-paced battle that has Rey and Kylo fighting on the same team. Visually this scene is impressive. I love every moment. 

Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker - Ben Defeats The Knights of Ren /Rey Takes Down Kylo's Ship
The moment Rey force jumps, ignites the saber mid jump and then takes down the ship is fabulous. We'd waited for this type of stunt since The Force Awakens and every minute is epic. Ben fighting the Knights of Ren is one of my favourite scenes. Everyone moment is exciting; from the moment he gets the saber to the shrug and the breather. Pure Epicness.  

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story - Darth Vander Attacks 
Out of the darkness we see a flash of red and then we get to see the full force of Vader. The music is awesome and the whole scene has me on the edge of the seat each time I watch. Just when you think this scene cannot get any more awesome, we get to see Leia. 

Solo: A Star Wars Story - The Kessel Run/Qi-ra's Betrayal
The Kessel Run is visually stunning, nerve racking and full of surprises. It is one of my all-time favourite Star Wars scenes. The end of Solo is also full of surprises, Qi'ra betraying Han is awesome but what makes this scene epic is the reveal of Darth Maul.  

Star Wars Statistics

9 Movies
2 Spin offs
$10,316,075,275 in box office takings
9 movies in the Skywalker Saga feature C3-P0 and R2-D2 the only characters to be in all 9.
900 years old Yoda was when he died
40 American Cinemas originally showed Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977
6,000,000+ forms of communication are known by C-3PO
61 Costumes are worn by Padme
1,221 minutes to watch the Skywalker Saga.

I hope you enjoyed this post! Sorry it's rather long, but it's May the Forth and that's my excuses. I just want to mention the incorporation of Star Wars at Disney Parks. I love the additions to the Paris park such as Star Tours and the character meets, plus the Star Wars section of the fireworks is stunning, it truly felt like Star Wars was part of the Disney magic. Please let me know how you are celebrating today in the comments below. 

Thank you for reading and may the force be with you xx

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