Review of Blade Runner 2049 (2017) by Movie M — 14 Oct 2017

Reviewed 10.8.17. They did it. They managed to not screw up the sequel. Phew. With mood and aesthetic sitting front and center in the original, the creative challenge for 2049 must have been daunting. To the rescue comes a strong script, that manages to increase the emotional heft of the plot, without dropping the stark bleak nature of it all.

Quite a feat. Entering the film's final act, thoughts of 'instant classic' began to run through my brain. But when it came time to tie the bow, it just wasn't tight enough. Perhaps one subplot too many.

Or for some, too open-ended of a finish (but if you've seen the original, you shouldn't have expected anything else). What makes the best parts of these movies great is the sense of openness spewed out across a desolate canvas.

Simple, but deep. Intense, but meditative. Cold, but emotional. Hence, it does not wear additional clutter well. Thankfully, it doesn't stray too far. It's a big budget movie that has retained its art house panache.

And a sequel that doesn't sell out to new generation expectations. Which is why like the original, its pinnacle success is likely cult status, yet again. It's an artistic badge of honor. Bravo.