Filmology Rating: 3.75 out of 4

 

Officer K (Ryan Gosling), a new blade runner for the Los Angeles Police Department, unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what's left of society into chaos. His discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former blade runner who's been missing for 30 years.

Blade Runner is one of the most influential films of all-time. It has been a staple in the sci-fi genre and also an excellent example of movie making at its finest technically speaking. Coming out in 1982, it was ahead of its time with its visual aspects and its deep and ethical questions it asks, more specifically, what does it mean to be human? Well 35 years later, we have one of the best sequels ever made with Blade Runner 2049.

A good sequel should bring the same feel that the prior film had while adding a new dimension to make it fresh. This is an excellent example of that. Director Denis Villeneuve has done an absolutely incredible job of keeping the original feeling while adding his own flair. He really keeps with the ethical question of what does it mean to be human. Does it mean being born in the traditional sense? Does it mean having emotion? Or does it mean putting the needs of others ahead of yours and making ethical decisions? Villeneuve does an incredible job of bring the emotion back with this film.

I have to say…. Blade Runner 2049 is one of the most beautiful films I have ever seen. It is absolutely gorgeous from start to finish. Take a snapshot from almost every scene and you could make it a beautiful poster or piece of art. The way this film is shot is nothing short of pure art. Cinematographer Roger Deakins does a phenomenal job and should win the Oscar for Best Cinematography or it would be an absolute crime. The use of color to create a mood and a feeling was genuinely impressive. I have not seen such an excellent use of color in a very long time, if not ever. On top of that the costume and set design was all Oscar worthy and I'm sure the academy will recognize it, if not they are insane. I cannot stress enough how absolutely gorgeous this film is; if nothing else see it for its visual appeal because it is truly an experience!

Ryan Gosling was the perfect choice for this role. His character reminded me a lot of his role in Drive. He was very controlled, poised, and for the most part, showed very little emotion. He fit the character very well. Officer K goes through a lot of emotional stress and he doesn’t really know what to make of everything. He is used to his certain way of life and when certain circumstances and information challenge that, he doesn’t quite know what to do or how to process it. I loved his performance and judging on the quality of performances given in the next 2 months, an Oscar nod in his direction might be a possibility. Same goes to Harrison Ford. He was excellent as well and gives one of his best performances in a while. Even though it is a much different phase in his life, it was great to see him back in his Blade Runner role once again.

The decades long debate…. Is Deckard (Harrison Ford) human or is he really a replicant? While they do not directly answer it, I believe they said enough to give you an answer. Then again they very much leave it up for the viewer to decide just like in the original.

As excellent as this film is, it is not perfect. There are some flaws and the biggest a side plot they introduce in the last 30 min of the film that has the potential to set up a 3rd film. I was not a fan and felt it wasn’t needed. This by all means doesn’t ruin the movie, it just is a detail that erked me a little.

Blade Runner 2049 is an incredible film. If you have not seen the original, please go and watch THE FINAL CUT (not the other two versions out there) and then go out and see this film. It is one of if not the best picture of the year so far and I can’t wait to see what Oscar nominations it will receive!

Rating: See It

-Nick