‘Epic’ and ‘amazing’: the first votes on what is probably the most anticipated science fiction film of the year

A good month after its theatrical release, both reviews and box office results show that “Dune: Part Two” is or continues to be a success story on all levels. The science fiction masterpiece not only received a full five stars in the FILMSTARTS review, but is also considered by many fans to be one of the great cinema highlights of the recent past. Moreover, the film has already grossed more than $175 million more than its predecessor.

Without wanting to diminish Denis Villeneuve’s achievement, there will probably be a science fiction film in 2024 that some fans will wait even more eagerly – and above all longer – for. After “Dune” we only had to wait about three years before we saw the sequel, is “Megapolis” by Francis Ford Coppola more than 40 years (!) in the making. However, for various reasons (including the attack on September 9, 2001), the project suffered repeated setbacks and was even put on hold for a long time. But now the creator of ‘Apocalypse Now’ and ‘The Godfather’ is about to share his big passion project with the world. In fact, he’s already started doing it.

Because The very first screening of the film recently took place in Los Angeles. Selected journalists and potential buyers were present. And some stars from Coppola’s circle of friends and family also showed up, including his cousin Nicolas Cage, his “Godfather” stars Al Pacino and Andy Garcia, and parts of the cast of “Megalopolis” like Shia LaBeouf and Talia Shire.

The first votes promise great cinema

Mike Fleming Jr. by Although Coppola promised to refrain from anything “that even comes close to criticism”, he now shares his first impressions of the film – which, as expected, is promising. So he talks about it, among other things “epic and highly visual fable” – created for the IMAX format. Moreover, Coppola, whose great classics usually have a long playing time, manages to reconcile countless complex topics in a remarkable way in just two hours and thirteen minutes.

Also Jordan Ruimy from and Jeffrey Wells of are more than impressed by the version shown, which should actually be the “final cut”. “A great movie”it says, among other things, reminiscent of the experimental cinema of the 60s. Whether from the screen or through the speakers, similar to “Dune 2”, “Megalopolis” leaves a “roaring” in the ears and eyes.

Moreover, parallels are drawn not only with Coppola’s well-known classics, but also with his early works like “One From The Heart,” which was just released for home theater – and it makes perfect sense. Even though it once flopped at the box office, it was also a project that always had special meaning for Francis Ford Coppola. Will ‘Megalopolis’ be immediately crowned with success or perhaps only become a classic later? We are excited…

“Megalopolis”: in theaters soon?

The film is set in the New York of the future, which has been destroyed by a catastrophe – hence “Megalopolis” could not be realized shortly after the turn of the millennium due to 9/11, although all necessary steps had already been taken.

At its center is an architect (Adam Driver) who now plans to rebuild the city and build a completely new utopia. However, the plan met with bitter resistance from the mayor (Giancarlo Esposito)…

“Megalopolis” will hit theaters sometime in 2024. It is not known exactly when. So far there’s no trailer for the film, just a first look that leaves you wanting more: