Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K (Ryan Gosling), unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge whats left of society into chaos. Ks discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years.BladeRunner 2049, starring Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hoeks, Robin Wright, Mackenzie Davis, Carla Juri, Lennie James, with Dave Bautista and Jared Leto.

 'Blade Runner 2049' Teaser Trailer

Its rare for us to get big-budget event films that actually make us think. The era of the popcorn movie is in full effect, with superhero movies and Star Wars providing us with enjoyable escapism on a scale weve never seen before. Sure, we spend tons of time debating fan theories about Reys parents and pontificating on the future of the DC Extended Universe, but its all in service of mythology hand-wringing and action figure aestheticism.Blade Runner 2049 is none of that. Its a true sequel to the original film in that its utilizing the sci-fi genre to explore difficult and powerful themes such as love, identity, legacy, and memory. The film is challenging, not only thematically but also with its stark direction from director Denis Villeneuve and its visual splendor from director of photography Roger Deakins. This doesnt look or feel or move like the typical fantasy fare weve been conditioned to lap up with little to no contemplation.Unlike the base pleasures and easy-to-digest mythology of Star Wars, Blade Runner 2049 steeps its imagery and characters in complexity. That alone is so refreshing to see. In an age where disposable cinema and brand loyalty reign supreme, Blade Runner 2049 is about as close as were going to get to art cinema in the genre blockbuster arena.But, Blade Runner 2049 is not some action blockbuster. It is a hard sci-fi detective drama. The filmmakers and studio didnt reshape this to fit into the mainstream. While there are moments of action in the film, they are quick, brutal, and never solely about creating a set-piece. They inform the plot, enhance the characters, and keep the mystery engaging.And that mystery is great. Unlike the original film, there is an enigma that unfolds for both our lead character and the audience. This makes Blade Runner 2049 work on its own merits. Though, fans of the first film will find plenty to chew over in this sequel. Elements from the original are used in provocative and profound ways, but they arent necessary to enjoy this movie by itself. That is how you know this is a solid sequel: it stands as its own movie.However, plot alone does not a good film make. We need to have characters that are compelling, flawed, relatable, and driven. Blade Runner 2049 excels in this category. I dont want to spoil any specifics  go into this as blind as you can  but I can say that each character is interesting and powerful in their own right.Ryan Gosling is channeling his persona from Drive in this and it works. The Driver and Officer K feel cut from the same cloth: quiet, determined men who are secretly fragile and searching for something more than excellence in their profession. Officer Ks task is hunting down replicants, but a particular case offers a new twist to his job. Harrison Ford is used in just the right amount as the returning Rick Deckard. And hes as somber, caustically funny, and heartwarming as he should be.But, the standouts for me are the female characters. Ana de Armas as Joi is a revelation and instantly became one of my favorite characters from either film. Sylvia Hoeks as the unrelenting Luv is putting in one of the best antagonist performances of the year, and she easily equals the iconic status of Pris from Blade Runner. Plus, casting Robin Wright as an authority figure is a smart call. Her Lt. Joshi exudes power and respect while maintaining a sympathetic core that makes her likable.And if youre worried about Jared Leto as industrialist Niander Wallace, he is used sparingly and in the right ways as to never feel overbearing or showy. Its more of a supporting role than you might think, and its actually a fairly effective one.

'Blade Runner 2049' Review

Harrison Ford talks about reprising his role of Rick Deckard 35 years after the original 'Blade Runner'

'Blade Runner 2049' 'Time to Live' Featurette

The past will always find you. Watch the NEW #BladeRunner2049, in theaters October 6.

BLADE RUNNER 2049  Trailer 2

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Honest Trailers | Blade Runner 2049

There are still pages left in this story. Watch the NEW trailer for #BladeRunner2049, in theaters October 6.Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K (Ryan Gosling), unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge whats left of society into chaos. Ks discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years. From executive producer Ridley Scott and director Denis Villeneuve, #BladeRunner2049 stars Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana De Armas, MacKenzie Davis, Sylvia Hoeks, Lennie James, Carla Juri, Robin Wright, Dave Bautista and Jared Leto.

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'Blade Runner' Profile: K

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'Blade Runner' Profile: Joi

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'Blade Runner' Profile: Zhora

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Everything you need to know about J. F. Sebastian from 'Blade Runner'.

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Up Next

Blade Runner 2049 takes place 30 years after the events of the original sci-fi classic. Ryan Gosling plays a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K, who unearths a long-buried secret which leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford). Want to know more? Watch our Quick Guide to Blade Runner 2049.

Dec 20, 2016

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