Amazingly beautiful dystopian scifi

Rating: 8/10 (9 October 2017)

I have been a fan of Villeneuve's work since I saw Prisoners on a whim back in 2013 and, since then, I have made it a habit to see all his newer movies and have enjoyed each one. When I heard that he would be directing the new Blade Runner, I decided that I would allow myself to get a little bit excited because I knew, considering his newest films, that it would be a well-made film and a well-made film it is.
The original Blade Runner from 1982 did not originally do it for me on the first viewing. I know that is the case for a good amount of people but after I gave it a second chance, I have found myself giving it a third and a fourth chance. Nowadays I have come to really appreciate the film for what it is. So, to me, Blade Runner 2049 was a film that I was tentatively excited for and it wouldn't have surprised me if it turned out terribly. But boy, was I wrong. Now I don't want to break into summary territory; anyone who wants a summary can easily find a more coherent and well put together synopsis than I would ever be able to produce. Instead of that, I will talk about my reactions to the film.
This movie is gorgeous. Seriously. It is one of the most beautifully shot films I have seen in recent memory and I was blown away at the stark contrasts of color presented throughout the entire film. The striking shots and the use of only a few colors in any specific scene was a joy to watch. I want to sit through this film again just so my eyeballs can be exposed to the striking colors. No movie can go wrong when Roger Deakins is the cinematographer and if he doesn't get the Oscar this year after so many amazing films, I will lose all hope for the awards. For such a long film, the fact he can constantly keep the viewer enthralled with the scenes is proof of his mastery.
Performance-wise, the actors in this film are at the top of their game. The cast includes: Ryan Gosling as K, the stoic Blade Runner; Ana De Armas as Joi, the hologram AI edition of a girlfriend; Sylivia Hoeks as Luv, the stone-cold assassin (who might not be as cold as you think); and Jared Leto as Niander Wallace, the terrifying psychopath who purchased the remnants of Tyrell Corp from the first film. Even old Harrison Ford as Deckard, tries in this film. Tries! They all give great performances and, in my opinion, Ryan Gosling knocks it out of the freaking park. His scenes with Deckard and Joi are some of my favorite scenes of any film and I look forward to seeing this film a second time.
The music! How can anyone forget that iconic Blade Runner music? Maybe, like me, you can't recall any specific beat or tune but you must remember the weird electronic music that can only be described as "the future." I don't even know what to properly call that style of bass and synth; however, Hans Zimmer and Benjamin Wallfisch sure found a way to recreate something similar. The pounding bass that shakes the screen (as well as your seat), screeching electronic sounds that make your ears hurt, and the combination of the two in a way that only increases the tension in the film are all things you should look forward to if you see the film. Anyone with a decent sound system should rejoice.
Now that I have talked so much about all the things I loved about the film, I would be amiss if I didn't give a tad little bit of criticism. Certain parts of the film, while still adding to the film, aren't exactly necessary. I can't help but think that, if Villeneuve had only made a few small changes to the film, it could have been PG-13 easily. Blade Runner 2049 is not a "Hard R" by any means and I think that if it was made with a lower rating in mind, it could have reached a much wider audience.
Overall, the depths to this film is insane. The amount of hidden meanings and details throughout this gorgeous movie elevates this film to masterpiece status. I think it will require multiple viewings, some discussion, and even some research to establish a proper understanding of everything going on. I expect my opinions on aspects of the film will change over time and I look forward to experiencing that.