How not to make a sequel: 101

Rating: 1/10 (17 October 2017)

The original Blade-Runner was a masterpiece. Based on a cult science fiction novel ("Do androids dream of electrical sheep" - by Philip K. Dick), it explored the theme of what does it mean to be human?
It had an amazing film-noir like plot, rich with subtle details that don't cry for attention, elegantly crafted scenes, and possibly the best soundtrack in film history (originally composed by Vangelis) - a soundtrack so good you were not completely sure if it's a good movie with some background music, or good music with some background plot.
As you were not completely sure about anything in that movie - who were the good guys and who were the bad guys? Who was more human - humans or replicants? Were Blade-Runners replicants or not? ("You know that Voight-Kampff test of yours? Did you ever take that test yourself?")
It was an implicit film, rich with symbolism, that always made you doubt and question.
Its sequel might try to pick up the same story-line and "universe", but it completely fails to give any substance of its own. It doesn't make you wonder for a second. There are no doubts as to who are the good guys, and who are bad. The good are obviously good (despite the opening scene), and the bad are ridiculously bad. It is clear. There is no subtlety.
It is painfully explicit. As one character put it (in an oh so Donald- Trump like way): "I am the best" - A line unnecessarily shouting the obvious (yet quite unconvincing) relations between her and the main character.
While the original film plot was tightly driven by obvious clear necessity (replicants need to survive), I don't think there's even one scene in the sequel that could not be replaced by another - a mark of an aimless story-line, that is anything but elegant. The original Blade-Runner wasn't fast paced, it took it time, letting the story sink - but the sequel is just painfully and unnecessarily slow.
The original movie had soul. It had a distinct and compelling atmosphere. It was crafted by artists with vision who fought to materialize that vision.
Its sequel, despite being more shiny, is less than a replicant.