Director Denis Villeneuve
Genre Sci-Fi | Thriller
Cast Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hoeks, Harrison Ford
Rating R
Release Date October 6th, 2017
“A young blade runner’s discovery of a long-buried secret leads him to track down former blade runner Rick Deckard, who’s been missing for thirty years.”
Blade Runner 2049 is the sequel to the cult-classic Blade Runner that first released in 1982. The first film was directed by Ridley Scott, who did join this project as an executive producer, and director Denis Villeneuve takes the reigns for the sequel. With only 16 directing credits according to his IMDb filmography, Villeneuve has made quite a name for himself with films like Prisoners, Enemy, and Sicario. He received a Best Achievement in Directing Academy Awards nomination in 2016 for the sci-fi thriller Arrival. The cast includes Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hoeks, Harrison Ford, Dave Bautista, Robin Wright, and Jared Leto.
Blade Runner 2049 is a dynamic Oscar contender, showcasing the unique talents of director Denis Villeneuve and lead Ryan Gosling in one of the best sci-fi thrillers in recent memory. The original Blade Runner, directed by Ridley Scott, released in 1982 and was poorly received by critics and users alike which resulted in dismal box-office numbers. This didn’t last long as the unique style of the film eventually caught on cementing Blade Runner as a cult classic that would remain a fan favorite for years to come. When it was announced they would be doing a sequel for Blade Runner the usual pundits spoke out stating Hollywood was yet again out of ideas and trying to butcher a classic. Granted this can often times be the case, but when I saw that Villeneuve would be directing and Gosling would be starring, my doubts became a distant memory. This was going to be a hit. I made it a point to see Blade Runner 2049 in the IMAX for obvious reasons, and I was blown away. One simple thing that stuck out to me was the fact that it would have been easy to turn this movie into a spectacle, overwhelming viewers with visuals and fancy special effects, but Blade Runner 2049 takes the high road offering substance over style, although it has plenty of both.
In my experience Denis Villeneuve has the ability to ground a film in such a way that it becomes the viewer's reality, ensuring each and every person watching the film becomes genuinely invested in what is unfolding right before their eyes. Villeneuve did that with last year's sci-fi thriller Arrival starring Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner, and he does it again here. He is a master of his craft and I would be hard pressed to point out a director with a better feel for sci-fi thrillers, especially when referring to cinematography and score, two Villeneuve trademarks. Blade Runner 2049 includes a number of dialogue free scenes supported by nothing more than a powerful score, and somehow these scenes are just as powerful as any other scene in the entire film. I found myself so deeply involved in the story that I felt a release when I was finally able to have a discussion about some of the more symbolic moments. Going back to watch the first film or even watching it for the first time prior to seeing Blade Runner 2049 isn't a bad idea but I also wouldn’t say it is absolutely necessary. Even considering the strong connection to the first film in terms of the backstory, it still holds up on its own which is impressive. Bottom line, Blade Runner 2049 is beautifully shot and expertly acted, and includes a storyline that will have you discussing it well after the film ends.
As I touched on previously, the cast of Blade Runner 2049 is absolutely exceptional, and it goes beyond the star power providing a few surprise performances in pivotal supporting roles. Let me just say what everyone else is thinking, Ryan Gosling is the man. That is simply a fact. From 2004's The Notebook, which is a fan favorite of females the world over, to Drive, Crazy, Stupid, Love., The Place Beyond the Pines, The Nice Guys (underrated but amazing), and most recently the critically acclaimed La La Land (if you fancy a good musical), Ryan Gosling is a rare talent. Sure he has starred in his fair share of duds (Gangster Squad anyone?!) but who hasn't? Gosling delivers one of his best performances to date in Blade Runner 2049, playing a very complex character that required a great deal of raw emotion. A few times during this film I felt like I could look into Gosling's eyes and be able to feel exactly what he was feeling, now that is pretty damn impressive. If Gosling's name isn't tossed around come award season I will be writing a very strongly worded e-mail on his behalf (kidding about the e-mail, but I will be pissed). Former professional wrestler Dave Bautista has a small role but he was great in it and further proves he is a very solid actor. House of Cards actress Robin Wright brings her stern sense of power to the table and is a strong contributor to the success of the film. Jared Leto has very little screen-time but I felt like his character makes a strong statement nonetheless and I really did enjoyed his role.
Veteran actor Harrison Ford, who was the start of the 1982 original film, makes for one heck of a homecoming. Ford is able to develop fantastic chemistry with Gosling and the two talented actors form quite the duo. Relatively unknown actress Sylvia Hoeks is given a very important role and she was great. The entire time I felt like she had to be a big name actress that I just couldn’t quite put a finger on what else she was in. I looked over her IMDb filmography and the only movie I recognized is the limited release war film Renegades, so kudos to her. Cuba born actress Ana de Armas is a very pleasant surprise in a unique and important supporting role. Most viewers will recognize the gorgeous de Armas from the 2016 film War Dogs in which she played Miles Teller's girlfriend, but she also starred in the twisted limited release 2015 horror/thriller Knock Knock from the sick-minded Eli Roth. Prior to Blade Runner 2049, I will admit that I looked at de Armas as not much more than a pretty face who was serviceable in smaller roles, but boy did she prove me wrong. Not only is she a crucial centerpiece to the rather confined reality Gosling's character lives in, her character embodies the internal struggle for humanity that lies deep within the films underlying symbolism. In simpler terms, she crushes it.
Blade Runner 2049 is further proof that quality cinema is alive and well. Not only does it do the original justice, it is arguably a superior film not only because of the advancements in technology, but a deeply immersive story to go along with it. At this point and time I will see anything that Denis Villeneuve is directing or Ryan Gosling is starring, and if they are together on the same project I will be there on opening night. Blade Runner 2049 may scare away some viewers due to the 2 hour and 45 minute runtime which admittedly is long for a movie, but trust me when I say that you are only hurting yourself if you pass on seeing this fantastic film on the big-screen. Highly recommended.
