Plot: A young blade runner discovers a secret that had been previously buried that could change the fate of the world for both humans and replicants.

When this was announced, I instantly hated the idea. Ridley Scott created something so different and ground-breaking to the sci-fi genre, that it eventually became a pioneer and trend-setter for many future sci-fi films.
I felt a bit better when I heard Denis Villeneuve was directing the sequel as he is the type of director that would respect the tone and not go for a full-on action franchise. But what sealed it for me, was when I saw Arrival. It was one of the best films I saw in 2016, and I knew that they had found the right person to make a legitimate and worthy sequel to the 1982 landmark feature.

My first view of the original Blade Runner was one that made me appreciated the craft of it. But it was not until multiple viewings where I started get everything about the story and understand why many see it as a masterpiece and of the most influential films of all-time.

I was so happy to see straight away that the tone, pacing and themes continue from the first Blade Runner. It really expands on the world and ideas that Ridley Scott set out 35 years ago. I was also impressed by the technology on show. I loved that they advanced it from Scott's Blade Runner instead of advancing technology from today's world.
After being put at ease, I started being interested in a fascinating story that was slowly being unearthed. Then surprise after surprise made it such a tense viewing going into the final act. I also realised that the story somehow managed to further enhance the original and make it even more important. I was not expecting that and I loved what they did with that.

There were some really good performances to speak of. Ryan Gosling carries the film really well and was a great addition to this world. Harrison Ford felt like he had never left, you could feel the effort he was putting into his role and I still felt like I was watching Deckard. Some great stand-outs from Ana De Armas and Sylvia Hoeks who were great supports. While Hoeks shone in her physical performance, De Armas' chemistry with Gosling was great to watch and almost one of the most integral aspects to the film.
I also have to mention Dave Bautista who continues to prove he has the acting chops despite his role being a small one.
I was disappointed with Jared Leto's character. Thankfully it was not in his mysterious performance. It was the lack of development we had from his character. I felt with a bit more screen time, I think Leto's character would have been much more interesting.

The entire technical side of the film was absolutely perfect. Cinematographer Roger Deatkins needs to be given the Oscar at the 14th time of asking. This was a feast for the eyes and I wanted to stuff myself with more.
While it is not heavy on the visual effects, any bit of CGI looked amazing and blended seamlessly into the live action. There is one scene in particular that really showed off the perfect mix that was really hard to tell where live action ends and visual effects begins.
One important part that people were hoping for is a similar score to the iconic one by Vangelis in the original. Hans Zimmer along with Benjamin Wallfisch gave us another gorgeous soundtrack that while pays homage to the Vangelis score, they also made it their own.
The set designs and locations were impressive to look at and kept that cyber punk look that made the world of Blade Runner so important to making future sci-fi's for the rest of the 80's and 90's.

I think the only part stopping me for giving it a higher score, is that the story did not give me that emotional impact that would see me give it a highly exceptional. While I most certainly was gripped by the plot, there was just not enough for me to have that feeling I had with other films that I gave a near perfect rating.
I am hoping that like with its predecessor, multiple viewings might make me understand it a bit more and we could see this up there with the all-time greats.

But for now, I was really impressed by this. Denis Villeneuve is becoming one of my favourite directors of this decade. While I really liked Sicario, it was not until I saw Prisoners, Arrival and now this that is making me put him up there with others like Christopher Nolan, Alejandro G. Innaritu, Alfonso Cuaron, Damien Chazelle and many others.
This is the type of movie that can stand-out in today's film industry, it's profoundly emotional and it deserves its 2hrs 43mins duration.
While it does show hints of a possible third installment, it most certainly felt like a stand-alone film. It never felt reliant on being a set-up for other films. It had a story to tell and it was told masterfully.

Despite not seeing the trailers beforehand, I have now seen them and I am happy that Villeneuve made sure gave very little away. Every film-maker should take note as there is a reason I don't watch many trailers, and doing things like this might get me back to watching them regularly.

On a final note, I fear that general audiences will not give its time as mainstream demographics don't seem to be interested in films close to 3hrs that are not about super-heroes. Also, with it being more of an art-house picture then a blockbuster, it does require your patience. However, if you have liked the directors past work, the original Blade Runner and if you are a pure film fan, you will love this or at least be interested by it.
I hope I'm proved wrong. But nevertheless, it is worth seeing on the biggest screen with the best sound system possible.

Rating: 8/10