BLADERUNNER 2049

BLADERUNNER 2049

Film Review by FIORE

BLADERUNNER 2049 is one of the most visually stunning films of the year.  Though I saw the film in standard 2D, the screen screams for the IMAX or 3D treatment.  Credit Director of Photography Roger Deakins for the film’s visual acuity.  Deakins is one of Hollywood's top cinematographers, but he surpasses even his own level of excellence in this endeavor.

In addition, the sound is also phenomenal.  Vangelis is not present, but Hans Zimmer takes over the synthesizers and duplicates, and then surpasses the score of the original.

BLADERUNNER 2049 is long, clocking in at nearly three hours.  It doesn’t need to be.  There are several plot slips to merit closer scrutiny.  For example:  Before the climatic conclusion, Ryan Gosling's character Joe, shows up in timely fashion with an armed police car, despite the fact he was suspended from the force.  This would be problematic if not for the movies amazing visuals.

The original BLADERUNNER is an iconic movie. There are so many different versions of the film, it may hold the Hollywood record for most film variants.  The bottom line is the story is a pull fiction detective tale set in the future.  Despite the numerous variations the theatrical version is still the best.  This sequel is not as monumental as the original.

In 2049, replicants are no longer a problem, however some of the older models still linger and must be retired.   Gosling's Joe is one of the last Bladerunners.  His latest mission will lead him to a miracle among replicants and force him to cross paths with legendary Bladerunner Dekkard, again played by Harrison Ford.  Also starring in this episode are Jarred Leto; Robin Wright and Dave Bautista.

BLADERUNNER 2049 offers no antagonist.  While there are villains, the main conflict comes with a concept, rather than an individual.  It’s peculiar because the conflict is never resolved.

Take the original BLADERUNNER, toss it in a bowl with Stanley Kubrick’s 2001 A SPACE ODYSSEY,  shake vigorously and you will have BLADERUNNER 2049.  It's definitely worth a look.