When it comes to reboots and sequels of culture-defining films of decades past, we can’t help but temper expectations, as it’s no easy feat for a franchise to recapture the magic that made its original so impressive. Blade Runner 2049 certainly had the odds stacked against it, considering how Ridley Scott‘s Blade Runner set the tone for modern sci-fi films back in 1982, and has since been heralded among the all-time genre greats. But if the early critical response to Blade Runner 2049 is any indication, director Denis Villeneuve may have created a masterpiece of his own.
Nerdist’s very own Senior Editor, Dan Casey, was impressed on multiple fronts.
#BladeRunner2049 is an exquisite film. Breathtaking cinematography, tense pacing, and bravura performances. All hail Denis Villeneuve. pic.twitter.com/iww5TbUGE6
— Dan Casey (@DanCasey) September 26, 2017
Fandango Managing Editor Erik Davis had some of the strongest praise for the film.
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
Legion of Leia founder (and former Nerdist writer) Jenna Busch was equally effusive.
#BladeRunner2049 was one of the most mind-blowing films I’ve seen. It’s breathtaking and transportive. Denis Villeneuve has a masterpiece.
— Jenna Busch (@JennaBusch) September 26, 2017
They were hardly the only ones. Several writers homed in on the film’s captivating visuals…
I’ve seen Blade Runner 2049 and it was great. Visually stunning, emotionally engaging in a way I didn’t expect. And that’s all I can say
— Jim Vejvoda (@JimVejvoda) September 26, 2017
All I can say about BLADE RUNNER 2049 is…give Roger Deakins the Oscar now. Absolutely stunning visuals pic.twitter.com/OuKLcngoYz
— Jesse Hawken (@jessehawken) September 26, 2017
Denis Villeneuve is unquestionably one of the elite working directors & there’s no excuse if Deakins doesn’t win the Oscar #BladeRunner2049
— (((Eric Eisenberg))) (@eeisenberg) September 26, 2017
…while others hyped up the film’s world-building on top of all that was set up in Scott’s original.
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
Everyone bow down to Denis Villeneuve. He’s done the impossible and delivered a huge home run with ‘Blade Runner 2049’. Loved it. pic.twitter.com/fjhAJgnwqT
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) September 26, 2017
#BladeRunner2049 is a rare sequel that actually improves on the original. Great Performances & Visually Breathtaking. Villeneuve nails it.
— Scott Menzel (@WeLiveNetwork) September 26, 2017
Even those who didn’t go in expecting to be wowed came out impressed…
Good news! BLADE RUNNER 2049 is a terrific continuation and expansion of the orig. Wasn’t hoping for much, ended up LOVING it. (Even Leto!)
— Jordan Hoffman (@jhoffman) September 26, 2017
And more still seemed to enjoy the film on a near-existential level.
BLADE RUNNER 2049: The thrill of mood and extensional joys of self-reflection. Villeneuve’s slow-burn obsessions have never felt more SEEN.
— Jason (@jasonosia) September 26, 2017
Naturally, we’ll be posting our review of Blade Runner 2049 as soon as we’re able to do so. But we’re ridiculously excited to see it now!
Are you looking forward to catching Blade Runner 2049? Let us know in the comment section below!
Image: Warner Brothers. Pictures
