Review of Blade Runner 2049 (2017) by Reece L — 07 Oct 2017

When I first heard Ridley Scott's sci-fi masterpiece Blade Runner was getting a sequel, initially, I was worried that it wasn't gonna be any good, especially because of how delayed the movie was. I went in to this movie not knowing what to expect. I purposely avoided reviews because I wanted to see what happened for myself. I was blown away by this movie.

So this movie does not actually return Ridley Scott to direct it. In fact, it is directed by Denis Villeneuve of Arrival, and this was definetly a great second choice, simply because Villeneuve is amazing with visuals. I loved the visuals in Arrival and I was blown away by the visuals in this. I was sitting in the theater but I felt like I was in another world for the two and a half hour runtime. It has been so long since a film has truly absorbed me into its world like this film. The visuals were unique and fantastic and I felt like I was in 2049 for the duration of this film.

The performances are also truly fantastic across the board. Ryan Gosling is amazing in this movie, as well as all of the side cast. The story is also fantastic, albeit a little familiar. Nonetheless, the storytelling is fantastic and brings you into the world just like the original Blade Runner. This film, despite being made 35 years later, reminded me a lot of the first Blade Runner, and it's equally as good while also being a feat of its own.

Overall, Blade Runner 2049 is another fantastic entry in the series, featuring great performances and an amazing but slightly familiar storyline, however having an interesting twist on the classic formula. It stays true to the original and features impeccable, flawless visuals from the director of Arrival that truly absorb you into the world of Blade Runner. This entry is a masterpiece that will stand up there with the original Blade Runner as one of the best films ever made.