I will admit, seeing the new action-thriller Blade Runner: 2049 without seeing the 1982 original Blade Runner first may have been a mistake. Nonetheless, I found the Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford led film to be thought-provoking and visually stunning, although I was confused at times. As a direct sequel set decades after the events of the first Blade Runner film, 2049 builds off of many plot points from the original and makes mentions of events that already transpired. Having not seen the original, I missed out on a lot of these references as I was not familiar with the universe from the first film.
After leaving the theater, awestruck and silenced, I stood there, trying to decipher what I had just watched on screen. Was Harrison Ford a replicant? Why is Wallace Corporation unable to produce reproducing replicants when the technology was around for the events of the first film? What happened during the worldwide blackout? So many questions! But the film did its job I suppose; I walked out of the theater contemplating the depressing future depicted in the film. Stellar scenery and special effects really leave a mental, realistic impression in viewers' minds. Suddenly, this year is turning into one of the best action-movie years ever (in my opinion), with Kingsman: The Golden Circle and Baby Driver coming to theaters earlier in 2017, both of which I thoroughly enjoyed also.
I have been researching some Bladerunner: 2049 reviews to see how it holds up to the original critically. It turns out that, in fact, it does hold up with the original and die-hard fans as well as casual fans are satisfied with the latest installment. I will say that I am biased somewhat because I enjoy a good sci-fi flick. If you don't like epic sci-fi films, there's a good chance you will lose interest in this film 20 minutes in. The film comprises of a post-apocalyptic, technology-infused, sex-centered culture which affects how the characters develop over the course of the film. Like I said before, if you enjoy epic scenery and mindbending sci-fi, you will love Bladerunner: 2049. Ryan Gosling, Robin Wright, and Harrison Ford deliver performances for the ages as they give life to characters that will live on in the Bladerunner fanbase forever. Do yourself a favor: Buy a ticket and see the movie and join in on the awe-inspiring confusion. Just be wary of replicants' newfound ability to lie.
My rating: 8.9/10
IMDB average user rating: 8.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 89% fresh
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