Review of Blade Runner 2049 (2017) by Rj C — 02 Nov 2017

Blade Runner 2049.

A Review by Josh Jommen.

Blade Runner 2049 is directed by Denis Villeneuve, who has brought us some of the best films of the decade including: Enemy, Prisoners, Sicario, and Arrival. This film stars Ryan Gosling as Officer K and Harrison Ford reprising his role as Rick Deckard from the original Blade Runner (1982) Just for background before I start this review, I'll share my thoughts on the original Blade Runner. It's a science fiction masterpiece. Its story is so immersive and spectacular that it remains a classic even 35 years later. It is a film that takes a few viewing to really understand and appreciate because I know people who have watched Blade Runner for the first time and then hated it and then after seeing it for a 3rd time, love it. Now onto Blade Runner 2049, for this review I'll begin with things I liked about this film, then move to things I didn't like and then will wrap up with a final analysis. First and most importantly this is the best looking movie I have ever seen. Cinematographer Roger Deakins has crafted a beautiful world that completely sucks you into it making you just want to live within this movie. Also all of the performances were great. Gosling turns in his usual incredible performance disappearing into this character. Ford also done a fantastic job reprising his character all this time later. The most standout performance was from actress Sylvia Hoeks who played Luv. She is not a very well know actress, but she did a fantastic job as the main antagonist of this story. I also really liked the story, it took turns that I didn't see coming and the story was constantly evolving and becoming something more. Now onto the things that I didn't like. My biggest complaint is how long it is. Clocking in at 2 hours and 44 minutes this movie can drag from time to time especially in the middle. While I was always interested in the story, I found myself becoming bored at the long, long, long takes of people just walking around, now don't forget this movie looks fantastic but it felt like they were taking a little too much time showing it off. Another issue that I had with the film was one particular scene that depicted Officer K getting intimate with his love interest in the film This scene came at a time in which, without getting into spoilers, we were heavily interested in something else going on with Officer K so for this scene to crop up was pretty out of place and awkward. Some could make the argument that it made sense to be where it was in the movie but for me, it just did not sit very well. Something that I believe mainstream audiences will have a problem with is some of the strange and slightly disturbing visuals, I however did not. I heavily respect making such a bold and different movie in the age of unoriginal filmmaking, however some of its stranger bits have turned people away. Leaving this film I felt a little disappointed at first. I liked the story, but some of the slow pacing really fogged my perception of the film and left my opinion hard to be determined, but this is what I do, so I took a lot of time to think about it and learn more about the film. What I soon realized about this movie is that it is very similar to its predecessor, the original Blade Runner. It takes time to appreciate and understand. However, I'm not welching on my complaints I still think this movie has some pacing issues but I believe that they will be less of a detracting factor with rewatches. I am giving Blade Runner 2049 a while to sink in before I see it again but this review is focusing on my analysis of the film after my first viewing. In conclusion this is not a movie for everyone to go out and see. If you love movies go see this, because this film will surely be talked about for years to come. If you love art or cinematography, go see this movie because it has the best I have ever seen. If you're interested in this movie but don't know if it's your cup of tea after reading this review, then don't go see it. Wait for the Blu-Ray and rent it and watch it in the comfort of your home. This film continues Denis Villeneuve's incredible directing streak, further cementing him as one of the most talented directors working today and I believe he should be nominated for an oscar for this. As well as Cinematographer Roger Deakins deserves to win an oscar for this breathtaking visual masterpiece. This film is currently in my top 20 favorite movies of 2017 and I'm curious to see if it rises or falls as the year goes on.

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Enjoyability 8/10.

Direction 10/10.

Writing 8/10.

Characters 8/10.

Acting 9/10.

Pacing 5/10.

Hook 8/10.

Beginning 7/10.

Middle 6/10.

End 9/10.

7.8.

+0.3 Best Visuals Ever.

+0.1 Faithful Sequel.

FINAL SCORE: 8.2.