Review of Blade Runner 2049 (2017) by Bradley J — 15 Oct 2017

Denis Villeneuve is quickly becoming my favorite modern director. His ability to captivate an audience within an environment using mood and tone has always been on point. Prisoners drew me into its bleak world, Arrival was enchanting, and now Blade Runner 2049 maintains a grim but visually inspired atmosphere.

Ryan Gosling turns in another complex performance that highlights the inner humanity within his replicant soul. His character is given a nearly shocking twist before the climax of the film which turns the story from a predictable hero's journey chosen one thread, into a very different path for our protagonist.

It is a nice twist and one that actually enlivens the narrative to a stronger height than what could have been. What is a minor problem with the film, is the pacing and length which occasionally takes too much time to explain a simple idea or moment.

Villeneuve no doubt favors the slow burn, but it is used a bit too frequently without real need. Patience is, however, rewarded in many aspects with Blade Runner 2049 and prior knowledge to the original is not needed but of much use as it aids in providing background information to events in the new version.

I wasn't familiar with original and still grasped the ambitious themes on humanity. It is a work that allowed me to dig deeper into the themes after watching it and one that will rewards multiple viewings.

Rating: 82.