Blade Runner 2049 Review: 8 Ups & 2 Downs

A masterful sequel for the ages.

Blade Runner 2049
Warner Bros.

One of the most-anticipated sequels in movie history, Blade Runner 2049 is finally here, and fans can relax: it's a worthy follow-up that does brilliant justice to the unforgettable original.

Quite how great it is will surely be passionately debated over the coming days and weeks in particular, but rest assured that director Denis Villeneuve and basically everyone associated with the production has given their level-best effort to deliver a provocative and audacious sci-fi masterwork like nothing else.

That Villeneuve even managed to wrestle $150 million away from Warner Bros. to make a movie this challenging is staggering, but early box office projections have it snagging a $90-100 million opening weekend worldwide, so it'll be just fine.

Before the review kicks off, note that we're being especially careful to avoid spoilers, given the intensely secretive nature of the film's plot and the rather careless means through which some early reviews have spoiled huge parts of the movie wily-nily. You won't find any sneaky reveals here...

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Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.