Blade Runner is the example of an artwork to the science fiction genre with its powerful direction, visuals, and storytelling.

Rating: 8/10 (7 October 2017)

What makes you a human? There is plenty of these type of questions that Blade Runner 2049 always refers back too in this science fiction film that is very much impressive. And I ll admit this, better than the original movie which may shock to all since the first was a cult hit of a movie. I feel like all the credit has to go to director Denis Villeneuve in making a compelling, visually done film. Blade Runner 2049 may not please every one in the audience and it sure will divide the audience either they enjoy it or find it boring. Lets get this straight out in the open. Blade Runner is not the typical Hollywood science fiction action movie were it is loaded with big action set pieces throughout. I ll also admit, this film could have used a little more action but otherwise the movie does well in its storytelling, impressive visuals, and a stunning direction.
I do not want to give too much away about the plot. The less you know the better the movie will be. I ll just give the basic plot outline of a blade runner named K (Ryan Gosling) who hunts down replicants (bioengineered humans) who have been defective. Well on his first case of hunting a replicant, he unearths something that will get the attention from a corporation led by Wallace (Jared Leto) who is trying to perfect a great replicant. And K will need the help of a former blade runner Deckard (Harrison Ford) in order to find answers about what he has discovered that can change everything they once knew.
The storytelling in this film is what makes it great. It is slow moving in a good way. It does leave you wanting to explore more about the dystopian future. The film spends its time in a futuristic Los Angeles, were its gloomy and flashy with its holograms. Then, K travels to San Diego, were it is a complete wasteland. Where L.A. dumps there massive loads of trash, which literally looks like a huge city of a junkyard. Also, the landscapes of Las Vegas, were it is orange and gloomy from the radioactive. These sequences of different areas does want you to explore more about. Also, K interpersonal relationship with his A.I. device that he carries with him that brings up a hologram of a young woman (Ana de Armas) who can keep him company emotionally or physically. There is plenty of details in the story that the film does take its time with its length. But it never gets boring.
The visual effects are top notch impressive. Like I mentioned above about the landscapes to its neo noir lighting from the city. And to even make everything better is the music score by Hans Zimmer and Benjamin Wallfisch. Bringing back the original score theme and adding a few changes does give you that nostalgia feeling when seeing the score volume loud and seeing every shot with the camera done great as it captures the visual sets and effects.
Director Denis Villeneuve (known for Prisoners, Sicario, and Arrival) if you seen those films. You should know he builds suspense, characters, and overachieves in trying to capture the best shot visually. And a lot of talking throughout the movie. Well the same goes for Blade Runner. He is all about storytelling and respecting the original by exploring further with its plot. He is starting to become one of my favorite directors that can always capture a tone and build its suspense. Sure, my one small issue with the film is it does lack in some action sequences. You get some small brief fight scenes and shooting sequence. And than a flying car chase in the climax. But I only wish there was a bit more to the action.
Otherwise, Blade Runner 2049 is a good science fiction film. The direction and music score is great. The visuals are amazing and hard to take eyes off the screen. Ryan Gosling and the cast ensemble were good. The storytelling is slow moving but works great at being an artistic film than a typical action blockbuster.
I rate the film 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend to see it on the big screen for its impressive music score and visuals of a dystopian future and plot. If you enjoy an artistic science fiction movie or loved the original than this will be a film for you.