Blade Runner 2049
seeing this was truthfully one of the most captivating experiences i've ever had watching a film at a theater. i absolutely loved it.
the way it builds upon the original is exceptional. you can certainly tell it's the same world, but the advances in technology and society and even advertising make for such a fresh outlook. the visuals and score are incredibly stunning. see it at a cinema if you're able to, because the enormity of it all will be enhanced through a big screen.
not to be, you know... THAT person but i did prefer this to the original. i found the original to be a stunning film with nice commentary, especially for its time. 583
but it failed for me with characters, some dialogue, and the execution of its plot. with 2049, i found myself really enjoying most characters and sympathizing with them, and the dialogue was strong and subtle. although the plot had some pacing problems, i didn't notice until i was thinking about it after because i was so into everything that was going on, and i was so eager to learn more.
thematically, it of course had similarities to the original, but i felt much more towards those themes in 2049. the struggle to define what humanity is runs deeply throughout, and following <PERSON> officer <PERSON> as he grapples with this is at times hopeful and then heartbreaking. there is so much going on that can easily be connected to what's going on today, whether it be dependence on technology or the oversexualiztion of women. i love sci fi films where the flaws of the world are heightened to such a grand yet believable scale and that's exactly what this does. <PERSON> is truly a masterful director, and this has become my favorite film i've seen so far this year. 217