A Visual Marvel!

Rating: 6/10 (6 October 2017)

A sequel to the cult-classic Blade Runner, 'Blade Runner 2049' is A Visual Marvel, that is a feast for the eyes. No Kidding, This Neo-Noir Sci-Fi Flick reminds us the power of visuals in celluloid & takes you in the future with finesse. Not a single frame falters, in fact, as this visual poetry progresses, the presentation gets deeper & deeper.
However, Master Director Denis Villeneuve doesn't succeed entirely. Reason? Hampton Fancher and Michael Green's Erratic & Overlong Screenplay. Sure, the world of 'Blade Runner 2049' requires time, so one can absorb it, but was there a need to drag the film for nearly 3 hours (163-minutes, to be precise), Nope! Despite some terrific sequences & an intense atmosphere, the Writing lags at many a times & takes away a good bit of 'Blade Runner 2049'. While Visually Stunningly & Magnificently Shot by Cinematography God Roger Deakins, this Epic tale needed a crisper & more consistent, Screenplay.
'Blade Runner 2049' Synopsis: A young blade runner's discovery of a long-buried secret leads him to track down former blade runner Rick Deckard, who's been missing for thirty years.
'Blade Runner 2049' is a tale on humanity, survival, violence & sacrifice. The world here is mix of futuristic dynamo, to utter ruin of waste lands (Mad Max: Fury Road, anyone?), contrasting the effects of human choices & the bleakness of the future, that remains in our bare hands. We follow K, the Protagonist (Ryan Gosling) in this bleak & violent journey, where rogues are hunted down and killed, where the cops hold power until they also are massacred & ruthless leaders who manufacturer rogues with sinister motives. Its all too much to swallow & while some of it went above my head, most of it caught my attention & the visual scenery spoke much more, than most of the dialogue.
The first-hour beautifully builds up, offering some sharp action combat sequences & introducing its characters gradually. There is a sense of impending doom, covered in gorgeousness & its all visually poetic. BUT, the second-hour goes for a toss. Overlong & Erratic, the second-hour suffers on length & solid substance. And while there is a pleasure in watching Blade Runner Veteran Harrison Ford reprise his popular role, the film overstays its welcome. The narrative needed to be Written better, given the team that this film is blessed with, on and off camera & also, some editing, by at least 25-minutes. Had that been the case, 'Blade Runner 2049' would've been 2017's very own Masterpiece!
And before I acknowledge all the talent here, I must start with the Star of the Show - Roger Deakins. The Cinematographer outshines himself here & leaves you mesmerized. 'Blade Runner 2049' is among the most well-shot films of recent & Deakins' Genius with the Camera, is something to be experienced. Despite the flaws, I would recommend every Cinephile out there to watch 'Blade Runner 2049' for its Cinematography. You'll be reminded, just like how I was, that being, how each & every frame can turn into Visual Mastery. The Academy has to honor Deakins next year, or else, they ain't doing any good!
Denis Villeneuve is in great form, yet again. The Master Director has directed this Magnum-Opus with a vision that is easy to envy as well as to inspire. How I wish the Writing supported Villeneuve & Deakins, as their work here is nothing short of astonishing. Hans Zimmer & Benjamin Wallfisch's Score is fantastic. Art & Costume Design define perfection. Graphics are incredible; among the best I've seen in recent times. Make-Up, also, is very-well done.
Performance-Wise: Ryan Gosling as K, makes for an interesting hero. But there are no surprises in Gosling's turn here, its regular Gosling. And that can be underwhelming since his last release was La La Land. Harrison Ford returns as Rick Deckard & adds the much needed punch to the proceedings. Jared Leto as Niander Wallace, the antagonist, is creepy to the core. Leto emerges as a scene-stealer here, despite the fact that he only appears in a cameo. Ana de Armas as Joi, Gosling's holographic companion, is effective. Sylvia Hoeks as the villainous Luv, is exquisite. She stands out! Robin Wright as Lt. Joshi, is first-rate, as usual. Others lend great support.
On the whole, 'Blade Runner 2049' is visually empowering, but not as strong as a whole. Its definitely worth a watch, but it doesn't really surpass the expectations.