Long live the Golden Age -- we need more movies based upon the classics.
COD is good, better than Soderberg's Solaris (I know, I've got a chip on my shoulder).
I did not enjoy the sequel novels as much as the original Dune novel, and so I had no real hopes for this SciFi Channel Production.
It was head and shoulders better than the original mini-series for the following reasons:
1) Better casting -- in particular James McAvoy, who brought power, emotion, and sensitivity to his role. An almost Shakespearean hero. 2) Stunningly beautiful score -- thanks to Brian Tyler.
I'm not going to beat up on the story, original or screenplay, I have no real complaints, it was well paced and well told.
The film seemed very sumptuous, although I agree that, at times, COD had a very 'filmed on the set' feel to it, particularly the deep desert scenes, the true character of Arrakis still has yet to be realized on screen, and computer effects still have a long way to go (on any film) to lose the sterile feel.
Because of the better casting and score, I found it very easy to suspend disbelief, allow myself to be drawn in, and become emotionally interested, something which science fiction films seem to have trouble doing (Gattaca is an exception).
On that note alone I would give COD a very high rating and call it the best science fiction film I have seen in a couple of years.
