Review of Blade Runner 2049 (2017) by Jacob B — 29 Dec 2017

One of the best sequels of all time. And for once, it's neither part of a continuing story nor directed by James Cameron. Everyone seems to praise Denis Villeneuve as a master director who has yet to make a bad movie.

If that's the case, bring on Sicario, Prisoners and Arrival. The movie is slow-paced but it's much more forgivable because of the longer runtime meaning that patience is obligatory. And it makes whatever action does appear, despite ironically having more than the first film, feel much more rewarding.

The visuals, cinematography and set design are all breathtakingly gorgeous. 80% of it is practical effects rather than CGI and man oh man does it make for some really unforgettable moments. The performances are also quite good.

Jared Leto wins back the crowd, Harrison Ford is a sad old man and Ryan Gosling. Just Ryan Gosling. Need I say more? And of course, the themes. The movie stays true to the first film's themes whilst still bringing its own into the mix and avoiding to upset the balance (case in point: do you want to know if Deckard is a replicant? Sorry, you'll only get implications that he's NOT one).

Blade Runner 2049 is a sci-fi classic and a reminder why the thinkpieces are probably my favourite subgenre of sci-fi what with movies like Interstellar and The Martian. I might check out Arrival one day because everyone loves it.