A visually stunning film that keeps the spirit of the original

Rating: 8/10 (9 May 2018)

This film has a lot in common with the first film. Like Blade Runner, this film is visually stunning. It's beautiful in that same bleak sort of way. It moves along at a very slow, methodical pace. While often that's a death knell for a film, that's not the case with this. It lulls you into the story and you find yourself fascinated by what's happening. I'd heard very mixed reactions about this film going in. Many people who I heard complain, complained because there isn't enough action. Which makes me wonder if they've ever seen the first film or forgotten what it was like? There are moments of action, but like the first film that isn't the primary focus of the story.
If I had any issues it was the fact Ryan Gosling isn't as engaging as Harrison Ford was as the lead. Don't get me wrong, those are some huge shoes to fill in regards to being a leading man, and I doubt many could pull it off. He's solid but doesn't quite have the gruff charm Ford's Deckard had in the first one.
I fully understand why some people might be leery of checking this out with the close to 3hr runtime. It's a reasonable fear, but if you enjoyed the first one it's worth it. Even if you have to break it up into two viewings to accomplish the task. Like the first film, you need to pay attention to what's going on. Maybe even more so with this as there's a lot more to take in and process.
I'm glad I gave it a watch. I'll eventually buy it and sit down and view it again, but it will be awhile. Despite liking it a lot, as with most any film of a longer length, the time commitment is going to push me away more often than not. Still, it's a damn solid film.
My Rating: 8/10