A Sneaky, Underground, Cult Classic

Rating: 9/10 (8 April 2008)

Blade-Runner will disappoint you on the first viewing - guaranteed. However; film enthusiasts will feel compelled to watch the film once more - and there-in lies the hook.
You will feel disappointed with the first viewing mainly because:

At first; the plot doesn't make any sense, what-so-ever

The characters will seem pretty much two-dimensional

For a two hour film you'll have felt like you have watched paint dry

In fact the only thing that will stay with you, during that first viewing; is the incredible Vangellis soundtrack and perhaps some interesting visuals.
You will come back to watch again purely because of the concept, some sequences that you thought were the film's "Saving Grace" and how (if you took the reins) you would have made "Blade-Runner" better, if it was your film.
There is an issue with Pacing. The Villain (Roy Batty) isn't even shown in action or given diolog until halfway into the film, and by then you have already gotten bored of Deckard. This pacing continues, causing the ending to be abrupt and makes the audience unappreciative of Roy's goodbye speech. But you find yourself used to this after more viewings. The pacing isn't remotely formula which does spoil the first impression I must admit.
But pretty soon you'll find that the he movie is entirely watchable. No; Blade-Runner is not a "classic's classic", but there will be parts in the film that you will prefer more than most. This depending on the style of film-making you relate to or brought up with etc. In fact you will find yourself watching "Blade-Runner" only for certain sequences that you like in the film.
Blade-Runner could have been a true classic - but in the end, it is a film that isn't entirely balanced. A film that is soft of hanging 'in limbo' - and this is why you'll find "Blade-Runner" fascinating and timeless.

The concept. The concept is so well done for a movie, made when it was. However if "Blade-Runner" was remade today, it would be considered too much of a cliché. This is what also keeps "Blade-Runner" top-dog; nobody can to copy it and get away with it. Kind of sad really - they take all the good ideas and wasted them in a "flop-could-have-been classic"

But having said that; "Blade-Runner" is not a satisfying enough picture, on that first viewing. Which is what essentially needs to be a true "classic's classic".
Some like this film - some don't
it's just the way it was made.
8/10