Worthy of the Original

Rating: 10/10 (6 October 2017)

I think that judging Blade Runner 2049 simply on comparison with the original is off the mark. The 1982 movie, among my lifetime favorites, needed no sequel. Going in I thought it would be impossible for any sequel to match the blend of romance and suspense that the original gave us. Yet, the key romantic elements in 2049 are just fabulous stuff; warm, real, believable, unique and moving. Remnants of hope and human spirit and love in the midst of dystopian life experience. The movie also didn't cheat us of great suspense. Saying more than that would make me a spoiler, so I won't go there. Blade Runner 2049 draws on the original story and style without being copycat. The visual and auditory experience is no less than stunning. When I watch it again I'll experience it more with eyes closed. The soundtrack is that good. Character development is compelling. The storyline great SciFi! Every acting performance spot on and commendable. Though the movie is long by some standards, I appreciated that as with the original, we weren't rushed through the movie. I wanted to get to know the characters and to watch the story develop, and was not cheated of that experience. I never once checked my watch, but instead was engaged to the very end. Ryan Gosling's performance was outstanding, but no surprise there. The guy's a fabulous actor. Harrison Ford was great too, believable and consistent with his tough yet sensitive 1982 persona. I can't think of a weak link in the cast. Ana de Armas is like, Wow! Sylvia Hoeks and Mackenzie Davis also just amazing! Robin Wright so solid and on point. Jared Leto, outstanding. One could mention the entire cast person by person. Very enjoyable. I look forward to seeing it again, many times, just as with the original.