Blade Runner 2049, a sequel equal to the original and an instant classic.

Rating: 10/10 (3 February 2019)

Very few films actually qualify as genuine Science Fiction these days and in history. Blade Runner 2049 was a very welcome sequel and a film the was truly deserving of its merits. Directed by Denis Villeneuve ( Prisoners, Arrival, Sicario), produced by the original director Ridley Scott, and written Blade Runner writer Hampton Fancher and Michael Green, this film expands upon the original film and dives deeper in to the universe so brilliantly created in 1982. As a huge fan of the first, I had big expectations for this film. I had waited a long time for this film. I remember being student who had scene the original film in many college film and art classes, it was template of every one of my professors. I was blown away by the FINAL CUT of the original Blade Runner released in 2007, and I have always based my expectations on that final version.
When i found out that the film was in the hands of Denis Villeneuve, and Scott was producing, my fears and anxiety were relaxed. I went to the first screening in my town on opening night. Something I would NOT do for a Star Wars film, which is not Science Fiction, but Space Opera Fantasy. This film dives deep into many of the philosophical aspects and thoughts brought on by the original brilliant story writer Phillip K Dick. Hampton Fancher and Michael Green gave the film its own ground to stand on. Thus making the first film not as necessary to see, but it is still recommended. The story is dark, deep, suspenseful, mysterious, moving, foretelling, and just draws you in and does not let go. You are never bored. Also never before had I been so invested in characters and a story in a film.
This music was composed by the brilliant composer Hans Zimmer and Benjamin Wallfisch. The soundtrack is truly its own and was its own character of the film. Probably the best I had heard in a long time. It takes cues from the original and beautiful track created by Vangelis in the first film. However it created its own ground to stand on. It has nostalgia for fans, but its also unique. Combined with brilliant sound design and editing, it was top notch. I saw it in IMAX and had never been blown away by a film's sound as much as this one's. I highly recommend buying it on CD.
In terms of design, visual effects, costume design, and production design, they give us back and dive deeper into a very realistic world. It was absolutely superior to many other similar films of this type. I was very glad to hear when it won for best visual effects at the Oscars. It BEAT OUT STAR WARS THE LAST JEDI! All these tools were combined with the brilliant and very handsome photography and cinematography of Roger Deakins who finally won an academy award/Oscar for Best Cinematography. Its look was like no other, and will be studied for a long time.
The film's setting takes place 30 years after the first film in Los Angeles, California, the same location of the first film. Society is in decay. Its mirroring and foretelling of a California (and other portions of the world) that is now in decline/decay under the leftist Progressives and Democrats today. The ecosystems have collapsed and earth is now barely habitable. Populations huddle/survive in mega cities, and some smaller disposal site settlements scattered across the land. Those that can afford to live and settle off world.
The mega corporation Tyrell Corp has gone bankrupt/defunct and taken over by The Wallace Corp. The company is a mega one as Tyrell was, but holds patents on space colonization, many consumer goods, military technologies, and others. But Due to the Nexus 6 Replicant uprisings and revolts of the previous film's time, Replicant manufacturing was banned. Thus Tyrell went defunct. But Wallace corp resurrected Replicant production once more.
The new Nexus 9 models in the film are the current model, are programmed to obey, and have open ended lifespans. They have more realistic human traits thanks to memory implants. In this time, the new Replicant Nexus 9 models have many open/active roles next to humans in the economy/society. But as with other Replicant models, they are still treated with ill will and prejudice by humans. They are also used by the LAPD as Blade Runners. Just as Harrison Fords character Rick Deckard did, they hunt down and "retire" rogue Replicants.
The cast of this film was absolutely brilliant. The acting was superb. I was very angry the Oscar's snubbed this film for its acting credit. First off is Ryan Gosling who stars as Nexus 9 LAPD Replicant Blade Runner Officer K. He plays excellent into his role. He presents a tough lone wolf Deckard like style detective, but is also a very vulnerable, emotionally deep, and sometimes a conflicted character. When the circumstances in the film present him with a life changing dilemma, his character adapts very much like most humans would. And in some cases, much better than most humans.
Harrison Ford returns as the former Blade Runner Rick Deckard, now in hiding after he fled with Nexus 7 experimental Replicant Rachael. He is still none the less very important to the story. His performance was top notch and very deep. Probably the most emotional and genuine performance Ford has done in years.
Next is Robin Wright as LAPD Police Lt Joshi. She plays her character very well. She is tough looking, yet still beautiful/sexy. However she is detailed, thorough, a no holds barred, and no excuses officer. She also does have a deep emotional side, and holds a sort of sympathy for Replicants serving under her. Especially for officer K who works for her on the Blade Runner cases she has to assign.
The film also has great supporting cast members. The first I want to mention the newcomer, very beautiful, and talented Cuban actress Ana De Armas. She plays K's ultra sophisticated hologram/live in girlfriend Joi. Like K she is artificial but is very realistic. She presents a very human relationship with Ryan Gosling's character. Her performance was awesome and her chemistry with Gosling was solid. She is funny, somewhat child like in curiosity, very sympathetic, supportive, and very wife like in essence. I couldn't have seen any other actresses in this role. She is someone I would put on lists for future Oscar caliber films.
Another is dutch actress Sylvia Hoeks. She plays the film's antagonist Luv. A Nexus 9 Replicant and an assistant/representative of the Wallace Corporation. But she is also trained and programmed as combat model/assassin. Her character is beautiful, tough, hollow, and volatile. But she is also VERY ruthless and determined. She gives off a Roy Batty, Zora, and Leon vibe. Their traits are all found in her. Like Zora, her character is beauty and the beast rolled into one. She obeys orders. She is always ready for a fight. And she has no hesitation to kill like Leon, Zora or Roy. She embodied her character very well and i hope she will be remembered for it.
Next is the enormously talented Jared Leto. He plays Niander Wallace, the owner and entrepreneur of the Wallace Corporation. Although a blind man in the film, he can see items via implants. He is a very driven, sometimes cold, intelligent, and also a very detailed character. He may look weak, but his ego/intelligence is almost god like in complexion. Jared went to extensive lengths to prepare for this role by meeting with blind actors, and pulls off the most convincing performance of a blind person I have not seen in years.
I will also bring up the new /really up and coming actress Mackenzie Davis. She plays Mariette. A Nexus 9 pleasure model, and member of the under ground Replicant Freedom Movement. Although her character has a small amount of screen time her role is no less important as well. She is crafty, smart, and savvy. She looks like she could be the little sister of Pris, the Replicant Nexus 6 pleasure model of the first film. Apparently stupid feminists didn't pay very close attention as to who she really was in the film, and were very wrong for condemning her role/character.
Lastly I will bring up Dave Bautista's character Sapper Morton. Formerly a Nexus 8 Combat Medic, he is now a Replicant in hiding as a Wallace Corp protein farmer. His role is small but influential and a kick off to all the events of the film's story. Unlike his role in Guardians Of The Galaxy, his character is tough, big, and intimidating, but also has a soft, wise, and deeply emotional touch to him. And he also the look of a man hardened/humbled by being a soldier in war. He wants to live in peace and to be left alone. His face in the film embodies the look of soldiers I have seen hardened or brutalized by war. I was surprised he was cast, and sort of figured he'd cast as a Replicant. I was amazed by his performance.
All in all I was very pleased and loved this film. It deserved to have more earnings, but this is not the Star Wars garbage type of film for money making. Although yes in terms of money it was a little disappointing, but it was NO BOX OFFICE or CRITICAL BOMB! You want to see the bomb of 2017? Look no further than Walt Disney's insulting film A Wrinkle in Time which was a critical, financial and cinematic DISASTER for that studio. It has made its earnings back via Blu Ray sales and has now circulated well throughout the world as post academy news and reviews have spread. I could watch this film again and again, like the first one (and the first two ALIEN films) and never get bored.
My only disappointment was the film only won two academy awards. It was nominated for 5, but it deserved more. Much more! But it was snubbed due to Hollywood's and the Academy Awards pathetic/prejudiced leftist progressive political attitude, and stereotyping. It was truly one of the best films of all time, and it was the best of 2017. Also and most importantly, it was Denis Villeneuve's best film to date. He just keeps getting better as he makes more films.