Only Denis Villeneurve

Rating: 10/10 (7 October 2017)

30 years after Ridley Scott's sci fi masterpiece, Denis Villeneuve astoundingly brings the epic classic back to the screen in a perfect sequel to the mind bending dystopian thriller.
In the year 2049, the Wallace corporation dominates the Nexus industry in producing new 'Replicants' with complete obedience, now a new Blade Runner: K, (Ryan Gosling) pursues the surviving Nexus 8 replicants, but unravels a shattering mystery.
After the tense drama of Prisoners, soul stirring atmosphere of Sicario, and immense experience of Arrival, learning that Villeneuve was going to direct the Blade Runner sequel, there was no other director who could take on the job, and the long awaited film is confirmation of that truth. It is clear that Villeneuve has great passion for the Scott's work, which is shown through the sensational craft of Blade Runner 2049.
The critical significance about Blade Runner is its eerie arty atmosphere unlike any science fiction thriller. Its not a action packed blockbuster, its a steady thought provoking neo noir. Villeneuve absolutely understands this and has continued this course remarkably in the sequel. What Villanueva and writer Hampton Fancher successfully produce is a progressing exploration into the stirring narratives of what it means to be alive and memory that drove the first film. Carrying more heart wrenching depth into these matters, 2049 provokes stronger spirit into the concept of Blade Runner. As the story of humans and replicants progresses more mind boggling and moving threads are revealed in this next chapter.
The most marvellous achievement of 2049 is the breath-taking scenery of the same dark dystopian Los Angeles in sensational colour schemes exhibiting the amazing realism of the Blade Runner world. So many moments of beautiful set pieces and design show the wonderful art that cinema really is, furthermore presented through the enchanting cinematography of Roger Deakins. A perspective into the Blade Runner world identical to the first vision in magnificent presence of vibrating terrain. From the towering lens flare city buildings in L.A, to the desolate orange wastelands of Las Vegas.
Of course one of the most memorable traits of the first film was Vangelis's shivering yet absorbing score, which again is brilliant revived through the work of Hans Zimmer and Benjamin Wallfirsch replicating (no pun intended) the startling and momentous sound of the captivating future.
Ryan Gosling again proves his brilliant talent, in a authentic performance of pain and humanity carrying the soul of the film through his character's journey. Jared Leto's scene chewing creepy Ninader Wallace is a disturbing display of character that will stay with you for a ages. Ford's returning presence was an impressive display especially in his first contact with Gosling (A reprisal I found much more credible than his performance in the recent Star Wars) Blade Runner 2049 is the cinematic spectacle people have been waiting for years and is arguable the most significant film of 2017 and is most defiantly one of the most mesmerising. The most perfectly executed sequel to a loved classic I have ever seen. The original Blade Runner for me will always be on top, but Denise Villeneuve's work is an exceptional accomplishment.