Blade Runner 2049

Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Directed by Denis Villeneuve

Based on the novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick

Screenplay by Hampton Fancher, Michael Green

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Jared Leto, Robin Wright, Ana de Armas

K (Gosling) has uncovered a secret that he’s desperate to understand. Now he’s searching for Rick Deckard (Ford), a former blade runner who might be able to provide some answers.

This film is one of the most anticipated sequels in recent memory, following up on 1982’s Blade Runner. Taking the concepts of Philip K. Dick’s (Minority Report) novel, Hampton Fancher (The Other Side of the Mountain) and Michael Green (Logan) wrote the screenplay. The film was directed by the Oscar nominee Denis Villeneuve (Arrival). The cast includes the return of Harrison Ford (Witness) in the role of Rick Deckard. The film also stars Ryan Gosling (La La Land), Jared Leto (Suicide Squad), Robin Wright (Forrest Gump), and Ana de Armas (War Dogs).

Writing a sequel to a film like Blade Runner couldn’t have been easy. With 35 years of speculation and interpretation by film critics and fans alike, the writers had a lot to consider. Hampton Fancher and Michael Green did a solid job putting together a story with a strong connection to the themes and tone of the original film. Each new addition to the film seems natural to the world of the story. This includes the new locations and the characters created for the sequel. The dialogue also fits into the world. There are some moments that feel a little unnecessary. These scenes seem to feel disconnected from the main arc, and do little to benefit the end result of the film. Despite these moments this is still a very solid story and a great sequel to a classic film.

Ryan Gosling leads the cast in this movie with an excellent performance. His character is complicated in a number of ways, and Gosling brought out the depth nicely. He also did a nice job playing opposite the rest of the cast, especially Robin Wright. Wright’s own performance is equally great in this one. Ana de Armas and Jared Leto also did a very good job with their work in the movie. One of the more anticipated performances in the film came from Harrison Ford. He did a great job bringing back a classic character, seemingly without missing a beat. Overall, the cast did a very good job in this one.

This movie is a visual masterpiece. The camera work, set design, lighting, and costumes all come together leaving wonderful imagery on the screen. In a number of ways this feels like a visual continuation of the first film. Other moments increase the visual intensity to new heights. This combination creates a dynamic visual experience that needs to be seen. The sound work also adds a nice layer to this film. That includes the score, composed by Hans Zimmer (Dunkirk) and Benjamin Wallfisch (Hidden Figures).

Despite some of the story issues (which are definitely minor issues) this is a great sequel to a classic film. In addition to looking and sounding great, the movie also features some great performances. I would definitely recommend this one to fans of the first movie. I would also suggest this to anyone looking for something unique and visually splendid. I give this one 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Rating: R

Running Time: 164 Minutes