There is a whole lot to like about the new Blade Runner film. But let me get one dislike out of the way first.
The running time.
Sorry but it is way too long.
A few judicious cuts here and there and it could be brought in at 2 hours or less.
I guess this is an issue for me lately because too much sitting is uncomfortable. After an hour or so, it's time to get up and move around.
"Sitting is the new smoking," as we now say.
Having gotten that out of the way, let me heap praise upon this new film.
Though a sequel to the 1987 film by Ridley Scott, this one can stand on its own. It's a true "wow" in cinematic experience. I saw it in 2D and I can only imagine what it is like in an IMAX.
Picking up the sci fi mystery from the first Blade Runner film, this one is a visually stunning movie with a great soundscape (Notice I didn't say "soundtrack" which would denote music. In this movie, the "score" is more like sounds emanating from a soulless machine.)
Masterfully directed by Denis ("Arrival") Villenueve, from Hampton Fancher's original screenplay, this new story takes place in the same post-nuclear world as the earlier film but takes us on a new journey into what it means to be human.
Ryan Gosling heads up an impressive cast including Robin Wright, Jared Leto, and Harrison Ford. Special applause to Ana de Armas and Sylvia Hoeks in very key roles.
The view of our future in Blade Runner does not seem especially uplifting at first glance. But there is an awakening heart in this world of Philip K. Dick where androids dream of electric sheep...and the possibility of having a soul.
