Perhaps more traditional than its predecessor, but still packs a uniquely powerful punch; truly thoughtful filmmaking.

Rating: 8/10 (6 October 2017)

'Blade Runner 2049 (2017)' is certainly more traditional than its predecessor even if it likes to pretend that it isn't, but that by no means implies that it's your typical blockbuster fare considering that it is still a slowly yet confidently paced piece that presents its intriguing ideas (all of which are extensions to those found within the first film) with a calmly self-assured intelligence that trusts the audience to be thinking throughout. The world isn't quite as tangible, though, since it mostly replaces the bustling, grimy street-level sets with sweeping shots of seemingly lonely cities bathed in neon, and the plot isn't as tight either, feeling as though it meanders a fair bit and could've done with some tightening in a couple of key places. Still, the feature is fantastic to look at and beautifully assembled, to boot. It's entertaining and will almost certainly move you on some level, even if 'K' is never as interesting a protagonist as 'Deckard' (who doesn't quite feel himself) was in the first flick. In the end, the movie is a respectful extension to 'Blade Runner (1982)' that expands on the themes and ideals which made that flick so memorable in the first place. 8/10