Sensational

Rating: 10/10 (2 August 2018)

Its a thrilling, stunning masterpiece; equalling (over) its powerful predecessor.
Blade Runner 2049 is just amazing. It's everything I wanted in a Blade Runner sequel and so much more.
The film is visually stunning. The visual effects in this movie is just one-of-a-kind and beautiful. The cinematography by Roger Deakins is just a joy to witness on the big screen.
The plot of 2049 expands on the Blade Runner lore, widening the dystopian world first created by Ridley Scott in 1982. Denis Villenueve brings his best film yet, with excellent writing and directing.
The characters in this film are great overall, with well-rounded performances. In the film, Ryan Gosling's Officer K really stands out. His character, although mostly stoic (for SPOILER reason), is just terrific and moving. Gosling brings a dark, emotional, gritty performance which is just perfect for his character and setting.
Harrison Ford returns as Rick Deckard from the original and brings along an amazing performance to his character. Deckard is visibly and mentally shaken and skeptical in his time, continuing his character of Deckard.
The film is in itself a stand-alone movie. In my opinion, I wouldn't call it a sequel. Yes, it is continuing and expanding from the original and yes it is in the same universe. But it does not rely on it. At all. There are no flashbacks to inform the general audience who have not seen the original, there is no convenient re-telling of the original, there is none of that. This is an independent film, conveying its own tale in its own way.
For me, there were no major flaws with the film. Although after my second viewing, the pace of the movie begins to form a flaw in the film. The film is slow paced, with unusually long shots and pans. With my intial viewing, the pace did not strike me as much of a flaw, but on the second viewing, it did begin to bother me. For fans of Blade Runner (like me), the slow pace might be a signature characteristic in the film, highlighting it from other sci-fi films. However for the general audience, it might not be as well appreaciated.
Overall, the movie is amazing and is one of the best films I've seen. Best film of 2017 for me. For fans, this will be a delight and it is highly recommended. For the general audience, if you want to experience something different in science fiction, in neo-noir dystopic films, then I would recommend 2049. If you just watch movies to switch your brains off for a couple of hours and watch some action and explosions, this movie is NOT for you.
Tip: If you are interested in 2049 and have not seen the original Blade Runner, do it.