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Reactions to the first screenings of Blade Runner 2049, Denis Villeneuve’s sequel to Ridley Scott’s 1982 sci-fi epic, have appeared online and they are overwhelmingly positive.
The most consistent line of praise the film has been getting is for Villeneuve’s direction. Early remarks call it stunning, “hypnotic and immersive,” cementing Villeneuve as one of the best big budget film directors of the generation. That’s not hyperbole, either.
One critic said Blade Runner 2049’s storyline is more compelling than the original’s. Other critics have pointed out that the sequel is so heavily tied into Scott’s Blade Runner, that it will be difficult for reviews to be entirely spoiler free. If you’re one of the many people who wants to know as little as possible heading into the movie, it’s best not to read any reviews ... or any further in this article, either.
Blade Runner 2049 takes place 30 years after the events of Blade Runner. A new Blade Runner, LAPD Officer K (Ryan Gosling), must find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) after he discovers a secret that could result in the destruction of the world as they know it.
Collected below are a sample of early reactions to Blade Runner 2049:
#BladeRunner2049 is absolutely stunning & a sci-fi masterpiece. It took special effects to a whole other level. One of 2017's best films. pic.twitter.com/zA2QNZ9swo
— Umberto Gonzalez (@elmayimbe) September 26, 2017
While built on the back of the original, #BladeRunner2049 paves its own way, building an even more wonderful world/story. Best of the year!
— Andy Signore (@andysignore) September 26, 2017
One more thing: #BladeRunner2049 is not the action-thriller-buddy-cop-sci-fi you were worried it might have been. It's ponderous, powerful. pic.twitter.com/04k2sjRRPc
— Ali Plumb (@AliPlumb) 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
I've also been wondering for days how it would even be possible to make #BladeRunner2049 better, and it's impossible. It's such a whole.
— K. M. Trendacosta (@k_trendacosta) September 26, 2017
Early word on BLADE RUNNER 2049 is very strong. Doubt Denis Villeneuve at your own peril, people.
— Scott Wampler™ (@ScottWamplerBMD) 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
Blade Runner 2049 will be available to watch in theaters on Oct. 6. There are a number of prequel short films focusing on a variety of characters and years between 2019 (the year Blade Runner took place in) and 2049 that can be watched in the mean time.
