Worthy Sequel To A Film Masterwork

Rating: 8/10 (15 August 2019)

This was a risky venture, making a film that is this slow and cerebral, in an age where social media and cellphone addiction has caused modern audiences to have the attention span (and IQ) of a flea. But "Blade Runner 2049" defies the demands and tastes of modern, "mouth breathing" audiences, by emerging as a sequel that retains both the mood, and pace of the original. Gosling, in the role of the young Blade Runner, "K" doesn't quite have the charisma of Harrison Ford, but his cold, emotionless style of acting fits perfectly with the role he is playing. A detective, hunting down and "retiring" older model Replicants, is a manufactured human himself, albeit a more modern and much improved model. But is he in fact, manufactured, or could it be that his childhood memories are authentic, and not just an implanted chip in his brain? And what connection does he have to Rick Deckard? This is the question, and main dilemma in this quiet and thought provoking film. And while not as flawless as the 1982 masterpiece, BR2049 is certainly the finest sequel to come out of Hollywood in two decades. Having the structure and pacing of a European film, it is so refreshing to finally see something of this caliber on the big screen again. That in itself is nostalgic; that feeling of being truly immersed in a movie at the theater, without being disappointed by inferior, rushed features that were so obviously just produced to generate a profit. It's interesting to note that. although this film is visually stunning, it still isn't as gorgeous as a film that came out 37 years earlier. But so many scenes in this sequel are unforgettable, and iconic. The 'return of Rachael' cameo was stunning and absolutely chilling, especially seeing the way they so coldly dispatch her when her image doesn't fulfill it's purpose. Of course without a solid script, this could have been little more than a series of pretty images. Thankfully, the story line is captivating from the very beginning. The mystery surrounding Joe's origins was well executed. in fact it was an emotional journey, as one can feel the character's pain caused by the desire to find his own worth and identity, a timeless subject that so many of us can relate to on some level. The final scene in the snow was filled with such desolation and loneliness, and i was not expecting to be so emotionally moved by a film like this. I cannot fathom the reviews that tear the movie apart and suggest that it is a bad film. I imagine those who hated this had no real understanding of the first film, or they are simply of the younger generation, who obviously possess no attention span whatsoever. BR 2049 is a film that Sci Fi fans will cherish, and want to add to their personal film libraries. It's bound to be a classic. It certainly won't be forgotten.