Dune (1984)

We watched the original Dune this past week and after 2 hours, we had no idea what we had just watched :-D.

It was the first time watching it for both of us--and neither of us have read the books. The movie was released when we were far too young to watch it, and now I wonder how many people did see it as children because their parents thought it would be like Star Wars. Star Wars it's not!

In hindsight, it's a testament to George Lucas how easily read Star Wars is compared to Dune. One might think Hollywood just didn't have the visual language for science fiction films, but that's not true, considering how many memorable sci-fi films were also released in 1984. There were times when the movie, with it's lush sets and fantastic wardrobe design, wanted to be an epic, but the severe editing and voiceovers were too apparent and jarring. The whispered thoughts sounded harsh and I thought Patrick Stewart would have a larger role.

One odd thing I particularly appreciated was the pug that appeared throughout the movie showed up at end. Thank goodness someone had the foresight to show a child holding the pug or I would have been forever wondering if the pug made it :-D

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The Devil Within

I didn't enjoy this podcast at all. I listened to first season and couldn't determine if what I listening to was fact or ficiton. The breathy announcer and the moody music seemed out of place. I didn't bother with season 2.


Season 1: The brutal slaying of BETTY ANN SULLIVAN shocked the small town of Jefferson Township, New Jersey. The violence of that evening shocked the nation for the perpetrator... was her own son, a boy of fourteen who would take his own life only hours later. What the investigation revealed left a community in tatters, unwilling to believe the evil that had befallen them.

Season 2: In 1974 after experiencing financial hardship, Michael Taylor joined a local church in the rolling hills of Northern England.

After falling in love with a young, beautiful preacher, Michael’s personality began to change. The mild-mannered family man became abusive and unhinged. His new church believed he was possessed by no fewer than 48 demons and would require an exorcism to save his soul and protect his family from evil. But the supposed remedy would come at a very steep price...