Dog’s Movie House: “Blade Runner 2049″ A Masterpiece, But Not For Everyone!”

Howdy Folks!  It’s The Kendog!

Ryan Gosling as “K” in “Blade Runner 2049”

Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner” from 1982 has transformed from a misunderstood underperformer at the box office at the time of its release to a science fiction classic almost four decades later.  There are several different versions of the film to view, discuss and dissect with friends or foes, and the film’s look is still beautiful all these long years later.   But make no mistake, “Blade Runner” is not a slam-bang action flick:  it takes it’s time to tell the story and those who find themselves disinterested in said story will find the film to be slow and uninvolving.  The same can be said for Denis Villeneuve’s follow-up, “Blade Runner 2049.”  

“Blade Runner 2049” picks up three decades after the events of the original film.  Replicants, the bioengineered lifeforms that were once outlawed, are now the norm, thanks to the efforts of blind gazillionare Niander Wallace (Jared Leto).  Trouble is, there are still late model replicants running around trying to hide in the ruins of futuristic Southern California, so it’s up to Blade Runners like Agent “K” (Ryan Gosling) to hunt down and “retire” these rogue replicants.

It’s during one of these encounters with the massive Sapper Morton (Dave Bautista) that “K” makes a discovery that could change world.  Some folks, like “K”‘s boss, Lieutenant Joshi (Robin Wright) thinks this revelation will destroy society, while others like Wallace think this event is the key to mass producing replicants for greater power.  “K” is stuck in the middle and his journey leads him to Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), who’s hiding out in the remains of Las Vegas to keep this secret safe.

Does that plot summary sound a bit vague?  It’s meant to, as Hampton Fincher and Michael Green’s script serves as a wonderful roadmap of surprises and philosophical questions about the nature of humanity, love, and the very concept of life itself.  “K”‘s journey is as much spiritual and emotional as it is physical.  His very nature makes his journey all the more interesting.  His relationship with a nearly sentient hologram called Joi (the fetching Ana de Armas) is almost as important as the central story and she has her own arc throughout the movie.

This is cinematic science fiction at its best, with heart, humor, and intelligence to spare.  Villenueve’s direction makes “Blade Runner 2049” it’s own beast while cleverly connecting to the prior film without winking at the audience.  The story packs a serious emotional punch as well, especially during the later parts of the film.  The effects work is stunning and the action, though sparse, is well choreographed and packs a real punch (if you’ll pardon the awful pun.)

Here’s the potential problem for you regular moviegoers.  This film is frickin’ long!  It clocks in at just under three hours and pacing is something of an issue, even for an ardent fan such as me.  As much as I enjoyed “Blade Runner 2049” there were a few times when I wished Villeneuve (with wonderful cinematographer Roger Deakins) would tighten things up a bit to move the story along.  This little issue didn’t prevent me from enjoying the film, but folks who want a little more “bang-bang” with their science fiction are apt to be disappointed.  If the material doesn’t grab you then this movie is going to bore the hell out of you.  That’s the honest truth.

But for those of you who love “Blade Runner” and everything the movie stands for, “Blade Runner 2049” is right up your alley.  With fine performances from Gosling, Ford, and the other cast members, a fascinating story and wonderful visuals, “Blade Runner 2049” may be one of the best science fiction films in a long time.  Just make sure you hit the bathroom before the opening credits begin.   5 Out Of 5 On Kendog’s Barkometer!  So Sayeth The Kendog!