[Editor’s Note]

Dune (2021)

The long awaited “Dune,” by Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures Present a Legendary Pictures Production, the big-screen adaptation of Frank Herbert’s seminal bestseller of the same name will finally be released in Malaysia, and I was lucky enough to get to attend an exclusive media preview screening.

“Dune” is directed by Oscar nominee Denis Villeneuve who also directed “Arrival” and “Blade Runner 2049”. If the name Dune sounds familiar, it’s probably because you’ve played the PC game “Dune II – the Building of a Dynasty” from the early 90’s which is considered the granddaddy of all real time strategy PC games.

“Dune” is a mythic and emotionally charged hero’s journey, and tells the story of Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet’s exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence—a commodity capable of unlocking humanity’s greatest potential—only those who can conquer their fear will survive.

The film has a pretty stellar cast comprising Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet (“Call Me by Your Name,” “Little Women”), Rebecca Ferguson (“Stephen King’s Doctor Sleep,” “Mission: Impossible – Fallout”), Oscar Isaac (the “Star Wars” franchise), Oscar nominee Josh Brolin (“Milk,” “Avengers: Infinity War”), Stellan Skarsgård (HBO’s “Chernobyl,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron”), Dave Bautista (the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, “Avengers: Endgame”), Stephen McKinley Henderson (“Fences,” “Lady Bird”), Zendaya (“Spider-Man: Homecoming,” HBO’s “Euphoria”), Chang Chen (“Mr. Long,” “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”), David Dastmalchian (“Blade Runner 2049,” “The Dark Knight”), Sharon Duncan-Brewster (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” Netflix’s “Sex Education”), with Oscar nominee Charlotte Rampling (“45 Years,” “Assassin’s Creed”), with Jason Momoa (“Aquaman,” HBO’s “Game of Thrones”), and Oscar winner Javier Bardem (“No Country for Old Men,” “Skyfall”).

Villeneuve directed “Dune” from a screenplay by Jon Spaihts and Villeneuve and Eric Roth based on the novel of the same name written by Frank Herbert.

I’ve never read Frank Herbert’s novel, but I did play the PC game when I was young and I was actually pretty good at it. However, don’t expect the movie to be anything like the PC game and only be full of action and fighting scenes. This is a political drama with power play, mysticism, intrigue, murder and backstabbing… think of it as Game of Thrones on a dessert planet!

“Dune” could only be properly created with today’s movie technology, bringing the scenes on Arrakis, the machines, and even the sandworms to life on the big screen. Watch it in IMAX to truly appreciate the cinematography.

“Dune” will be released in Malaysian cinemas beginning 14 October 2021.

Sticky Bones by Morganfields at Oasis Square Ara Damansara

We recently visited Sticky Bones by Morganfield’s which opened in Oasis Square Ara Damansara just before MCO 3.0 and has reopened for dine-in. While Morganfield’s is renowned for their spareribs, Sticky Bones by Morganfield’s is a more casual and laid-back restaurant and bar that focuses more on baby back ribs. This matches with the water feature/ fountain area of Oasis Square Ara Damansara, and makes a suitable place to unwind with colleagues or friends after work.

The ribs are imported from Spain and are marinated overnight with a secret blend of spices which gives the flavour and tenderises the meat. The ribs are slow-baked for 3 hours then finished on the grill when a customer orders to give it a nice char on the outside, while being tender on the inside.

A must-try dish is the signature Jack Daniel’s Glazed Baby Back Ribs which is very tender, with the meat easily falling off the bone. The Jack Daniel’s glaze gives the ribs a slightly sweet finish. One can easily finish a whole rack!

Another must try dish is the Crispy Fried Sticky Bones which sees the baby back ribs deep fried in batter instead of grilled, giving it a crispy texture on the outside, while being tender on the inside. This appetiser is simply perfect when paired with beer!

The Apple Raisin Pork Sausages sees Sticky Bones’ homemade sausages served with red wine jus, creamy truffle mash potatoes, apple chutney and truffle oil.

The Smoked Pancetta Ham is a bacon lover’s dream come true! The salt-cured pork belly bacon is tender and juicy and is served with caramelised apple, creamy truffle mashed potatoes, and red wine jus. If you love bacon as much as I do, you won’t want to share this with too many people. This was my favourite dish of the lot! The rest were good too but this one was simply outstanding!

An unexpected dish was the Pasta Goreng Mamak which comes with fresh Tiger prawns and crispy fried pork lard. You know how a plate of mee goreng mamak is simply so satisfying after happy hour with your buddies? Well, you don’t need to head to mamak now as you can have a delightful plate of Pasta Goreng Mamak at Sticky Bones that hits all the right notes.