Blade Runner 2049 [4K UHD]

Blade Runner 2049 is an incredible follow-up to the original. The visuals are absolutely breathtaking—every scene looks like a piece of art. Ryan Gosling gives a subtle but powerful performance, and the story is both emotional and thought-provoking. It’s a slower-paced movie, but that gives it time to explore deeper themes like identity, humanity, and memory. The soundtrack is haunting, and the direction by Denis Villeneuve is masterful. If you liked the original or enjoy sci-fi that makes you think, this is a must-watch.

The year 2017 was hit-or-miss when it comes to Sci-Fi sequels. Alien: Covenant was appalling, and The Last Jedi a horrible disappointment. Conversely, Blade Runner 2049 was a fantastic film, and should serve as the template of how one makes a proper sequel (Sci-Fi or otherwise). Denis Villeneuve managed to both honour the 1982 film, while also telling a rather in-depth original story. The cameos from the first film are sparse, and when they do turn up, they actually work and are relevant to the plot.The casting is also superb (well, with one exception). I was never a fan of Ryan Gosling, one way or the other, yet he won me over with his performance as Officer K. He actually manages to exhibit layers in a character that is supposed to be completely devoid of substance or personality. He grows exponentially as the film progresses, struggling with unfamiliar emotions and soul-crushing heartbreak. Robin Wright is solid in every role she takes, and is no exception as Lieutenant Joshi. Though a supporting character, she still shows depth, and even when harsh at times, you empathise with her reasoning. Harrison Ford's return as Decker is fantastic, central to the plot, and doesn't feel at all like "fan service". The true "breakout character" has to be Sylvia Hoeks as the replicant, Luv. Hoeks gives a convincing performance as a cold and hateful villain, with just the faintest of sympathetic traits. She completely owns every scene she's in, without the audience feeling like she's being crammed down our throats. Those are signs of good story-telling and character usage. Probably the only real exception to the cast is Jared Leto as Niander Wallace. The character was intended for David Bowie, who sadly passed away before filming. Envisioning some of the lines spoken in his voice, I can see why Wallace was written with Bowie in mind. Mind you, Leto's portrayal isn't terrible and it's by no means a deal-breaker. In my opinion it's just the weakest of the film.At two hours and forty-five minutes, this is a long film. However, the pacing works, the plot continually moves forward, and it never feels like it's dragging. The plot twists work well, adding emotional weight, without feeling forced or contrived. The supporting cast all add substance, even those with a minimal amount of screen time. The special effects merge well with the previous film, making it believable and feeling like the same world. The CGI-enhanced return of one character from the original was jaw-dropping. And yet, if one were to strip away all the visual effects, one would still have a fantastic story. Blade Runner 2049 succeeds where the majority of modern cinema spectacularly fails; the art of good story-telling (I guess it's not completely dead after all).

If you are a Blade Runner fan it will be impossible for you to not like this film. Every aspect of the original seems present to a degree. The dark sci fi setting is there. The noir thriller is there. Understated dialogue and acting is there. Homage to the original is there. And even Harrison Ford is still there. This film has everything for the avid fan and even opens up the mysterious world that the original only hints at. Gosling really impresses and he hints at being the next serious action star a la Christian Bale. Ford's performance is a little short and corny but it satisfies. His character seems to be more isolated and cynical than before, if that were possible. The Blade Runner world is one of isolation and loneliness and lost identity, and these themes are just as present in the sequel. The setting is so rich I wonder how many more stories can be told in the wake of this film and its success. I for one, would love to see more of such a place. Some differences between the films that I noticed are that there are fewer action scenes in the sequel. And there does not seem to be a clear villain in the film like there was in the first. Sure, there are antagonists to fight but with their motives who is to say they are villains? It seems that the system represented is neither evil or good, but just there. The real story focuses on self-discovery of the main character and revealing his origin disguised in the vessel of a Blade Runner turned rogue and fighting against the system that created him. And in the end, we find out that it is not his story after all. A little convoluted but just mysterious enough to keep us guessing. Does it sound like there is a lot here to digest? You bet. At 164 minutes run time it is well worth multiple viewings.