Review of Blade Runner 2049 (2017) by Bbqtuck — 08 Oct 2017

To keep it simple, Blade Runner 2049 is a visually stunning neo-noir sci-fi film. If you see it in the theater, don't get a drink because the 2 hr and 44 minute run time will surely lead to a mid-movie piss break.

Overall the film is moody, heavy, deliberate and did I mention it was long? Ryan Gosling does his typical Ryan Gosling thing where he kind of skulks around with an blank look on his face, but it somehow looks cool. Imagine his character from "Drive", but somehow with an even cooler jacket. Harrison Ford continues to do his excellent "grumpy reprisals" of classic roles, and he handles this role about as well as he handled Han Solo in "The Force Awakens". The plot is solid, but nothing that will blow you away, and the setting of the film along with the soundtrack seem to be what's stuck in your head after viewing instead of the actual events that take place in the film. There's also Robin Wright Penn providing exposition, a hologram waifu, sequel bait, and Dave Bautista. Despite having a massive budget, there is no giant action set-piece scene in the third act, so don't go in expecting one, but to be honest it really wouldn't fit with the tone of this movie. There is however a beautifully crafted scene involving a sinking car that will give you an anxiety attack. Long story short. See this movies in theaters if you can stomach the giant run-time. It's an absolute treat on the eyes and ears, and Gosling and Ford provide excellent performances that prop up an fine but mostly serviceable plot.