Children of Dune

The Sci-Fi Channel, which remade Frank Herbert's Dune in 2000 as something less bizarre and baroque and more comprehensible than David Lynch's 1984 adaptation, returns with a sequel, based on the second and third books in Herbert's beloved series. Paul Atreides (Alec Newman) of House Atreides, previously revealed as the prophesied savior Muad'dib, has won his holy wars and now rules as emperor of the galaxy from planet Arrakis--but his rule is challenged, and creepy priestesses and the nobles of other great Houses plot his demise. This is a spectacular production, and not just on a scale for television: the cinematography and art direction are lovely, the effects stunning, and the score hauntingly beautiful. Although the convoluted political and social interplanetary intrigue will likely confound impatient viewers, particularly those not already familiar with the novels, true sci-fi fans will find much to appreciate in this immersion into alien worlds and human cultures new and yet so like our own, where power can do nothing but corrupt its wielders. Featuring a bonus "making of" that details the dedication that went into bringing this film to the screen, this is recommended. (M. Johanson)