Early on, when they first announced Blade Runner 2049, I wasn’t adamant that the original film was one that did not need a sequel. Blade Runner is often a standard set for other sci-fi movies, and even TV shows sometimes. The original film came out the year I was born, and it was probably one of the most often watched sci-fi films in my house, aside from the big two. If It was ever on TV, we were watching. It didn’t matter if it just started, or there was 15 minutes left, we were watching it. A movie so good, there are 10 versions of it. Well, that’s a bit of an exaggeration. It’s actually 7. That’s not an exaggeration. Look it up. But it was such a good story in and of itself, why (possibly) ruin it by doing a second one?
Because they can, that’s why. Still, I was interested to see how it would turn out. The trailers looked good. The fact that no plot details were given, nor roles of those we have seen on screen. You go into it a complete mystery, almost. And then you see it. And it blows you away.
Don’t get me wrong. I still think the original film does not need a sequel. But they made one. And I am glad it was this one. Was it better than Blade Runner? No. But it’s right on par, and you should enjoy it. For me, the tone and the soul of the original film bled into this go around in the best way possible. The film has a phenomenally talented cast, with many recognizable face. The score, which was what I believe attributed to half the success of the original, was spot on giving you the same chills the first time you watched Blade Runner all those years ago.
Now, here’s what I am going to do for you, my dear reader. I am going to tell you nothing. No details on the plot, no identification of the replicants. No warning of impending doom. I am going to let you experience Blade Runner 2049 they way I did. Going in blind. I truly believe that this is the best way to experience the film. It keeps you engaged the whole time. The whole 2 hours and 40 minutes. But you never realize it’s that long. This is a film. That is all I will say. Now go see it.
4.5 stars out 5
Second Review by Don Guillory
Post-apocalyptic films can sometimes miss the mark in being too far-fetched for their audiences to relate. Others saturate moviegoers with special effects that seem to overshadow the stories and development of the characters which leave them uninvolved and uninterested in what is taking place. Blade Runner:2049 does not commit either of these mistakes.
Blade Runner: 2049 is visually stunning, but the filmmaker does not rely on dazzling you with CGI or special effects in order to keep you engaged. The storytelling and development of the plot keeps audiences on the edge of their seats to where they will hardly notice the near 3 hour length of the film. The film allows us all to not only speculate about the direction of the story and potential fate of the characters involved, but question what mysteries will unfold in our own lives that we have ignored up to this point. The film’s appearance is matched by its depth and ability to keep the audience engaged and wanting more. Blade Runner: 2049 holds true to the original and seems less like a sequel and more like a continuation of the story told in the 1982 film.
4.5/5
