Blade Runner 2049 enriches the original with stunning cinematography

Movie Title:   Blade Runner 2049

Grade:  A-

Rating:  R, 164 minutes

In a Nutshell: This is a LONG movie.  If you’re a big fan of the 1982 original Blade Runner, you’ll probably love every minute, while admittedly, it’s not everyone’s cup of futuristic tea.  

This visually stunning sequel was a long time in coming and I’m thrilled that Harrison Ford was able to be in it so we can revisit his character.

You don’t have to see the original Blade Runner movie first, but it sure helps.  While this film stands alone in an impressive way, it also deepens and expands the original.  It's a science-fiction masterpiece that has director Denis Villeneuve earning the praise he deserves.

 

Uplifting theme: 

• What makes a man?  What is humanity?
• Life....the value of life, the meaning of life.

Things I liked:

• You had me at Ryan Gosling.  When he touched a piano key, I kind of hoped he'd start singing City Of Stars (From "La La Land" Soundtrack)  ha ha
• Ana de Armas is just fun to look at.  I loved her scenes with Ryan Gosling.
• Robin Wright sure has come a long way since The Princess Bride (one of my all-time faves.) 
• They did an amazing job with creating a new world and time.
• The cinematography by Roger Deakins is outstanding.  Some say it’s the best of his career and worthy of an Oscar.
• The sound is impressive, but sometimes annoying.
• There are many surprises, which makes movie-going so much fun.

Things I didn’t like:

• Everything is so dusty!  ha ha
• Some of the frames are just so long and drawn out and slow-moving.  Did I say the same thing three times?
• There are  a lot of scenes where people sit, think, and stare.
• Lots of monologues.
• It takes forever to be rewarded with scenes that include both Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling.
• You kind of have to watch both films more than once to really understand it.  I readily admit I don't get it all.

Tips for parents: 

• Kids may be confused with what’s happening and get bored.  Watching the movie requires a certain amount of patience.
• Violence.
• Some gory, bloody scenes.
• Full female nudity.
• Prostitute action.
• Some profanity.

Never saw the original Blade Runner?   Click here to get a super cheap Blade Runner DVD!

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

Self/Less asks what legacy will you leave

Movie:    Self/less

PG-13, 1 hour 57 minutes

Grade:    B

In a Nutshell:    The talented Ben Kingsley plays a dying real estate tycoon who buys a younger body, that of Ryan Reynolds.  Nice choice.

Critics have been pretty negative about this movie, claiming that it didn’t dig deep enough.  While that may be true, I still enjoyed the ride. I love movie titles that have double meanings and this one gives cause to reflect.  When is someone else's life more important than your own?  What makes you, YOU?

Uplifting Theme:

·         “Every medical advance has a cost.” – Albright

·         What would you do with your life if you could do it over again?

·         Every one of us is going to die.  What will be your legacy?

Things I liked:

·         Fans of Downton Abbey Season 1-3 will be happy to see Michelle Dockery as Claire.

·         Fans of Natalie Martinez will enjoy watching her play Madeline.  I first saw her in the Stephen King thriller Under the Dome: Season 1 .  It held my interest for the first season, but then I moved on.

·         I loved watching the water jet pack sport Ryan Reynolds' character did.  Awesome.  I found a company near my house in Las Vegas that offers classes!  Check out www.JetpackAmerica.com to find locations where you can actually do it!

·         Wow, that New York City view from the older Damien's dining room!

·         It was nice to see a vibrant New Orleans scene.

·         Matthew Goode just a great job as the ice cold handler behind the science.

·         Little Jaynee-Lynne Kinchen is adorable as Anna.

Things I didn’t like:

·         I love Ben Kingsley and think he’s an excellent actor.  I remember the moment when he won an Oscar for Gandhi .  I thought his New York accent was spot on in this movie, but it just didn’t seem to match his look.

Funny lines:

·         “So much for wisdom and experience.” – Martin (Victor Garber)

·         “I understand you’re disappointed.  You thought you were buying a new car, but instead, you got one with a few miles on it.” – Anton (Derek Luke)

·         What’s that?”   Damien

“It’s something to stop your heart.” – medical worker

·         “I have the physical dexterity of a toddler.” -  Young Damien

Interesting lines:

·         “I’m the only one standing between you and oblivion.” – Albright

·         “Just think of all the great minds we lost, simply because their bodies were failing them:  Edison, Einstein, Steve Jobs.  Imagine what he could have accomplished if he had another 50 years left.” - Albright

Tips for Parents:

·         You see Ryan Reynolds shirtless and bedding a LOT of young women in a “I’m young and hot again” montage.

·         1 F-bomb and other profanity.

·         Some car crashes, blood, and fight scenes.