‘Dune is a spectacular, procedural exercise

“Dune” (2021) – “My desert.  My Arrakis.  My Dune.” – Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgard) The 2021 film adaptation of Frank Herbert’s seminal 1965 science-fiction novel is Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune”.    The man proudly sports a resume bursting with provocative titles, including “Polytechnique” (2009), “Incendies” (2010), “Prisoners” (2013), “Enemy” (2013), “Sicario” (2015), and “Arrival” (2016).  He also bravely helmed the unthinkable, a “Blade Runner” sequel with “Blade Runner 2049” (2017).  Ridley Scott (who directed the original “Blade Runner”) and Villeneuve were probably the most trusted directors to oversee such an…

‘Justice League’ team chemistry tops some muddled special effects, lackluster villain

“Justice League” – There is no “I” in team. When confronted by a selfish player, a coach may use that sports proverb to help illustrate that looking out for No. 1 may prove fatal to the team’s success.  Now, if the team has one, some or a collection of self-centered basketball, baseball, football, volleyball, soccer, or insert-your-sport-here players, the end result could be a lost game or perhaps, a lost season. In the movies, an individual superhero might not be self-regarding, but he or she may just not be capable…