The acting in this is quite simply dreadful and such liberties have been taken with the storyline that makes it impossible for anyone to follow unless they know the book well, in which case they will cringe. Stilgar has no presence, Jessica is weak beyond belief and completely overshadowed by Wensicia who is not a Bene Gesserit and should be of lesser stature. The twins should be younger and Irulan should be blond. All these are easily remedied aspects and changing them adds nothing to the plot. The simplification of the story is understandable and probably necessary but where details are retained, they should be kept true. Palimbasha was not killed by a crysknife but with a poisoned dart - why change it? Alia threw herself out of a window rather than stabbing herself. One highpoint is the Baron Harkonnen who is simply deliciously evil and his control is depicted well, as is the careful and gradually increasing living skin of Leto. What a shame the rest does not live up to it.
Review of Children of Dune
