Early 'Blade Runner 2049' Reactions Call It a Worthy Sequel to the Classic Film
And while full reviews are under a press embargo until closer to the October 6 release date, many film reviewers who've seen early screenings have released their reactions online. And they're almost universally glowing, with comments about the movie's mysterious story and its amazing cinematography spreading around social media. The few people who've seen it so far seem to love it:
I've seen #BladeRunner2049 and it's my pleasure to say I loved #BladeRunner2049. Long and slow - in a very good way. A lot to think about. pic.twitter.com/LIjnyylp7t
— Ali Plumb (@AliPlumb) September 26, 2017
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
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
Even if you have no interest in the film, the breathtaking Cinematography by Roger Deakins is worth the price of admission. He's a God. pic.twitter.com/vofTBDqsjJ
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) September 26, 2017
Unfortunately, none of them can reveal much more beyond what 140 characters will allow, as specific comments about what exactly happens in the movie, or whether the soundtrack can match up to Vangelis' original score, can't be released until the movie does.
Expect more to come out in October, but in the meantime, this was always going to be a movie that's either celebrated or reviled - it's a relief to see reactions leaning toward the former, especially from fans of the original Blade Runner, although obviously you can't form a full reaction until you actually see it yourself.
In the meantime, you can still get an idea of what the movie will be like by checking out the prequel shorts which have been released. Two of them, directed by Ridley Scott's son, follow Jared Leto's (probably?) villainous replicant manufacturer and Dave Bautista's hulking but well-read replicant. A third one is an anime short by Cowboy Bebop's Shinichiro Watanabe.
You can check out some other initial reactions to Denis Villeneuve's film below. Villeneuve, who previously directed the Oscar-nominated Arrival and Sicario, is currently slotted to direct a Dune remake in the future, so this should be a good sign for any fans of Frank Herbert's novel.
#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
Our own @JimmytotheO calls @bladerunner "Astonishing... More than just a visual wonder, it's a groundbreaking science fiction masterpiece." pic.twitter.com/ulDJYJzMqT
— JoBlo.com (@joblocom) September 26, 2017
.@BladeRunner 2049 is phenomenal. Visually mind-blowing sci-fi w/ noir roots shining through in a tight, twisty mystery. Best of 2017 so far pic.twitter.com/kT4ZzWWlOQ
— (((Eric Eisenberg))) (@eeisenberg) 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
Blade Runner 2049 hits theaters on October 6, 2017.