Blade Runner 2049 A Great Too Late Sequel
We probably could have gone our entire lives without a Blade Runner sequel. We would’ve survived. This trend that sees nostalgia properties get revived for a too-late sequel is more often than not disappointing, after all, and many feel like they tarnish the legacy of the original. And when your property already has a self-contained story, one that has its roots deep in ambiguity that doesn’t need absolute resolution, there’s even less of a reason to do it. So imagine my shock to find out that Blade Runner 2049 is great. The easiest comparison to make would be to Mad Max: Fury Road, which also saw a long gap in time between movies and had a too-late sequel that was excellent. Mad Max, however, was already a franchise. And it’s an action movie. Blade Runner 2049 is a detective movie set in the future. There may not be a better comparison out there, though, so that will likely be the one that sticks. There are so few of these projects that turn out even good, let alone great, that we’re pulling from a pretty small sample size. This formula is pretty effective, overall, with the plot being more engaging than its predecessor’s – it’s a showier, twistier narrative – and the protagonist being just as interesting. It loses the edge on the villain – you’re not going to top Rutger Hauer’s turn – but everything else when it comes to the story being told is as good or better. It’s also incredibly atmospheric, to the point that you’ll likely find yourself getting sucked into its world. It’s moody, sure, but the amount of detail shown is almost unparalleled. Blade Runner 2049 is also looks and sounds amazing. The cinematography is nothing short of incredible, and the score is memorable and simply pleasant to listen to – I can imagine many people going home to buy the soundtrack right after seeing the movie. The acting is solid, with Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas, and Sylvia Hoeks turning in the best performances. As for Harrison Ford? He doesn’t show up until the two-hour mark, and while he’s a nice addition for the finale, it isn’t his character’s story. Bottom Line: Blade Runner 2049 is a great follow-up to a sci-fi classic. Recommendation: Blade Runner 2049 is worth watching whether or not you’ve seen the original. But see the original. [rating=4.5]