Review of Blade Runner 2049 (2017) by Cooper R — 16 May 2018

'Blade Runner 2049' is a movie that, at least for me, has been extremely anticipated for a very long time. The original 'Blade Runner' is one of my favorite sci-fi films of all-time, so when I heard that Ryan Gosling, one of my favorite actors, would be introduced into this universe, I was incredibly excited to see this. So when I finally got to see this movie, I left the theater with a new appreciation for what modern sci-fi can bring to cinema. This movie is incredible. I mean... where do I begin. The cinematography is the best I have seen in recent years, the acting from Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford and Sylvia Hoeks is impeccable, the story itself is consistantly mind-blowing and emotionally satisfying and the ending is beyond perfect. While the pacing in this movie could be an issue for common movie-goers, I found these "slower" moments in the film to be completely made up for by the eye-pleasing cinematography executed perfectly by, the great, Roger Deakins. This return to such a beautiful, sleek yet somber world is beyond welcomed for me and many others, and the people behind the camera who worked on this movie knew exactly how to portray the futuristic version of Los Angeles.

Denis Villeneuve does amazing at directing this film. So many times we ask ourselves nowadays "Where are the new greats? Where is the next Kubrick? Where is the next Scorsese? Where is the next Tarantino? Well... I think we have found our answer. Except for Christopher Nolan, I believe Villeneuve is the next great. With films like 'Incendies', 'Enemy', 'Prisoners', 'Sicario', 'Arrival' and now 'Blade Runner 2049', this guy has yet to disappoint.

Ryan Gosling is probably my favorite actor working in Hollywood right now. He consistently chooses to be in movies that have a true meaning. With every film he is in, he is trying to have the audience walk away with something that they did not start watching the movie with. Sure, he's been in some duds, but when his acting hits, it hits hard, and he is usually my favorite part of every film he is in. His ability to disappear behind a role is unreal and truly inspiring to me.

Harrison Ford. Boy, does he bring it in this film. I was worried walking in that he would possibly sleep-walk his way through this film, but to my pleasant surprise, this is his strongest performance in the last decade. His is so good as Deckard, and he is always proving to me why he is one of my favorite actors of all-time.

Sylvia Hoeks is an actress I had no knowledge of prior to this film. When I first saw her on screen I was intrigued, but also unsettled. Her performance in this film is scary, yet mesmerizing to watch. Her character is conflicted, but knows what she has to do. Her role as the villain of this film is great. To me she is unknown, and she holds her own with great actors such as Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford and Jared Leto.

This film has a mystery that kept me engaged for it's entire 2 hours and 45 minute run-time. I can't suggest this movie enough. If you are a 'Blade Runner' fan, you will adore this film, and even if you are a casual fan of movies in general, I am confident will have a good time watching this story unfold. 'Blade Runner 2049' was one of my favorite films of 2017.