Hollywood sequels already have a bad enough rep. Hollywood sequels for iconic classic movies being revisited more than three decades later? That just shouldn’t work. Which is why we should have been filled with dread about a follow-up film to Ridley Scott’s seminal 1982 sci-fi magnum opus Blade Runner. Instead though, we had hope for Blade Runner 2049, lots and lots of hope, and it was all due to Denis Villeneuve.
The visionary Canadian director had been given the herculean task of making this sequel after he had promptly blown our collective socks off with a filmography that included the likes of Enemy, Prisoners, Sicario and Arrival. All those films are masterpieces of their respective genres – which is where our hope came from – and it would seem that Villeneuve can now add another to that list in Blade Runner 2049.
That’s the general consensus based on the first social media reactions that hit the net about an hour ago after press in Los Angeles got to view the movie. Full reviews are still embargoed – and according to at least one critic, this is most definitely a good thing – but folks in attendance just couldn’t contain their gushing for the much-anticipated film, with many declaring it a masterpiece of sci-fi filmmaking. Special mention is being made of the work of cinematographer Roger Deakins who apparently has managed to even outdo the jaw-dropping Oscar-nominated lensing he did for Villeneuve on Sicario and Prisoners.
Check out the reactions below.
.@BladeRunner 2049 is phenomenal. Visually mind-blowing sci-fi w/ noir roots shining through in a tight, twisty mystery. Best of 2017 so far pic.twitter.com/kT4ZzWWlOQ
— (((Eric Eisenberg))) (@eeisenberg) September 26, 2017
I saw #BladeRunner2049 and it is BREATHTAKING. It's an impressive follow-up, preserving mysteries, adding new ones, expanding the universe.
— The Bibbidook (@WilliamBibbiani) September 26, 2017
And best of all, #BladeRunner2049 feels like it was made in the same world. Like they traveled back there to film it. Nailed the aesthetic.
— The Bibbidook (@WilliamBibbiani) September 26, 2017
#BladeRunner2049 is a rare sequel that actually improves on the original. Great Performances & Visually Breathtaking. Villeneuve nails it.
— Scott Menzel (@WeLiveNetwork) September 26, 2017
#BladeRunner2049 was one of the most mind-blowing films I've seen. It's breathtaking and transportive. Denis Villeneuve has a masterpiece.
— Jenna Busch (@JennaBusch) September 26, 2017
Everyone bow down to Denis Villeneuve. He’s done the impossible and delivered a huge home run with 'Blade Runner 2049'. Loved it. pic.twitter.com/fjhAJgnwqT
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) September 26, 2017
Blade Runner 2049 is absolutely loaded with spoilers. Even the plot of the film is a spoiler. If you are going to see it avoid reviews. pic.twitter.com/MLrCmJgLtF
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) September 26, 2017
Even if you have no interest in the film, the breathtaking Cinematography by Roger Deakins is worth the price of admission. He’s a God. pic.twitter.com/vofTBDqsjJ
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) September 26, 2017
You do not have to have seen the original ‘Blade Runner’ to watch ‘Blade Runner 2049’. But it will def make the film better if you have. pic.twitter.com/7Gjd7GnmpS
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) September 26, 2017
Good news! BLADE RUNNER 2049 is a terrific continuation and expansion of the orig. Wasn't hoping for much, ended up LOVING it. (Even Leto!)
— Jordan Hoffman (@jhoffman) September 26, 2017
#BladeRunner2049 is a true sequel in tune with the mood, pacing, tone, contemplative nature, and stark visual splendor of the original.
— Drew Dietsch (@DrewDietsch) September 26, 2017
#BladeRunner2049 is NOT some action blockbuster. It is a hard sci-fi detective drama. They didn't reshape this to fit the mainstream.
— Drew Dietsch (@DrewDietsch) September 26, 2017
In terms of science fiction filmmaking and world-building, #BladeRunner2049 might be a masterpiece. I think I loved it. Want to see it again
— Drew Dietsch (@DrewDietsch) September 26, 2017
#BladeRunner2049 is also a Denis Villeneuve movie through and through. Chilly, oppressive, gut-wrenchingly effective , and utterly human.
— Drew Dietsch (@DrewDietsch) September 26, 2017
I've seen Blade Runner 2049 and it's FUCKING INCREDIBLE.
— Kevin Polowy (@djkevlar) September 26, 2017
BLADE RUNNER 2049 is sci-fi masterpiece; the kind of deep-cut genre film we don't see anymore. Visually mind blowing, absolutely fantastic pic.twitter.com/A1d6ohmj3s
— ErikDavis (@ErikDavis) September 26, 2017
Well, this is painful to read. Painful because we discovered yesterday that there’s not going to be any early press screenings for Blade Runner 2049 which means we have to wait just as long as the rest of you actually see this. AND I NEED TO SEE THIS NOW!
Blade Runner 2049 stars Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Jared Leto, Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hoeks, Robin Wright, Dave Bautista, Mackenzie Davis, Carla Juri, Lennie James, and Edward James Olmos. Michael Green (American Gods) along with original writer Hampton Francher scripted the film, which is scheduled for release on 6 October 2017. Here’s the film’s official synopsis:
Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K (Ryan Gosling), unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what’s left of society into chaos. K’s discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former blade runner who has been missing for 30 years.
Last Updated: September 26, 2017
RinceThis
September 26, 2017 at 20:43
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG!
Kromas Ryder
September 27, 2017 at 01:09
Please don’t forget to watch Blade Runner 2022. It is rather important to watch before this.
Skyblue
September 27, 2017 at 20:07
Truly epic, cannot wait!