As a huge fan of the original “Blade Runner” from 1982, I was very skeptical about the prospect of making a sequel. Especially since it didn’t look like the original director Ridley Scott would be involved. He was replaced with French Canadian director Denis Villeneuve (“Sicario,” “Arrival”). My cynicism only increased when it was announced that Ryan Gosling (“La La Land,” “Drive”) would play the lead and Jared Leto (“Suicide Squad,” “Fight Club”) would also be involved in the project.
In short, this movie had a mountain to climb if it wanted to impress me. It was a sequel to one of my favorite movies with actors who definitely wouldn’t have been my first casting choice. I was expecting a competent (but not great) C+ movie. I couldn’t have misjudged this film more. “Bladerunner 2049” is phenomenal. In its nearly three hour runtime, “Bladerunner 2049” dethroned “Baby Driver” as my favorite movie this year. I highly recommend you stop reading this review and go watch it.
The film takes place in a futuristic California where technology companies have developed androids called “replicants” that are virtually indistinguishable from real humans.They are used primarily for jobs no one else wants or for slave labor. When these replicants escape from captivity and try to pass themselves off as humans, they are hunted down by special police detectives called “Blade Runners.” Gosling’s character, officer number KD6-3.7, affectionately called K, is a replicant himself and works as a Blade Runner. This means he has to hunt down and kill his own kind.
The original “Blade Runner” divided critics. Some praised its thematic complexity and visuals, while others were displeased with its unconventional pacing and plot. Over time it became a cult classic. Its morose setting and neon atmosphere makes it feel like a noir film set in the future. This is a tradition that the sequel continues and even improves upon. Harrison Ford, who played Detective Rick Deckard in the first film reprises his role and is wonderful as always. Gosling as K was surprisingly compelling. His character feels very robotic at some points (as one might expect), but at others, he seems more human than the non-replicants.
“Blade Runner 2049” has been hailed by critics as one of the best sequels ever made. I do not disagree with this comment, but I do resent it. This movie isn’t just one of the best sequels ever made, it stands by itself as one of the greatest sci-fi movies of our time. Seriously, if you like movies, don’t skip it.