Film-makers are on a hiding for nothing if they tinker with
a beloved movie. Where others have wisely let things be, several
directors and producers have continued to squeeze a concept for more
dollars. Creating another story from a seminal classic is a risky
proposition but one that ‘Blade Runner 2049’ succeeds in doing. An
equally stunning journey into a bleak universe as the original ‘Blade Runner’
in 1982, it hits well-trodden beats while forging a path uniquely its own.
LAPD Officer K (Ryan Gosling) is on a mission. After
discovering a secret that could spell humanity’s extinction, K is in for a
shock. When the secret leads him to Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), an
agent long missing, K’s world is torn asunder. With deadly government
types on their trail, K and Deckard fight for their lives. Death and
destruction become their only companions in a battle to save the planet from
imminent destruction.
‘Blade Runner 2049’ is a definite visual feast. Filled
with amazing cinematography and superb CGI, it truly embraces its epic
aims. It’s one of the few movies this year that needs to be seen in a
cinema as the small screen would never capture its remarkable vistas. But
its main selling point is its story which is generally involving and
interesting. Given the enormous run-time of nearly 3 hours, there’s a lot
of ‘breathing space’ for characterisation and plot. With some exceptions,
both are mostly well handled under Denis Villeneuve’s skilful direction.
Ford and Gosling know the ropes with these types of sagas by
now and make for fine heroes. Whilst ‘Blade Runner 2049’ is long, it
isn’t too slow paced even if there are a few scenes that could have been
cut. More frustrating are the unresolved plot threads annoyingly hinting
at sequels which this movie doesn’t need. Although echoing moments from
the original film, new viewers are kept up to speed with prior events.
This enables the easy to follow story to be enjoyed by all without pandering to
established fans.
Although having a few issues in terms of not using its huge
canvas as well as it should, ‘Blade Runner 2049’ is still worth seeing.
The visuals alone are astonishing and deserve to be seen on the biggest screen
possible. It’s always good seeing Harrison Ford in a solid film as well
with the grizzled veteran maintaining his rugged charms amidst a sea of
perfectly groomed stars.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 7
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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