Harrison Ford – NZ Film Freak

Blade runner 2049 review Directed: Denis Villeneuve
Writer: Hampton Fancher
Released: October 2017
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hoeks, Robin Wright, Mackenzie Davis, Carla Juri, Lennie James, Dave Bautista and Jared Leto
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The story: Based in the year 2049, replicants (bioengineered humans) are servants and slaves in society. K (Ryan Gosling) is a replicant who works as a “Blade Runner”—an officer who hunts down and “retires” (kills) rogue replicants. However, he discovers the corpse of a female replicant who died during an emergency caesarean section.

This scares the authorities because reproduction of replicant was previously thought impossible. Fearful that this new discovery could result in a war between humans and replicants, K is ordered to find and kill the child.

Well, thank Christ we went to see this movie in the ‘Gold Class’ luxury cinema, because the recliner seats made for a comfortable place to sleep.

This snail-paced sequel highlights the reason why sequels to blockbuster originals should not be done.

Admittedly, I haven’t seen the first Blade Runner film from start to finish in one sitting, but I’ve seen basically all of it if you puzzle together all of my attempts. It is a good film – a fantastic film in fact – according to many. And I am happy to agree with this opinion. It certainly was a film before its time in many ways.

Blade Runner 2049 2

Nevertheless, Blade Runner 2049 was slow both in terms of the film’s pacing (made worse by its almost 3-hour duration), and the characters’ slow movements (a bit of a let-down for an action film). It was also a bit weird. Nevertheless, the casting saved it, particularly with Harrison Ford’s great return.

Rick Deckard (Ford): I had your job once. I was good at it.

‘K’ (Gosling): Things were simpler then.

Ryan Gosling and his chiseled jawline. Harrison Ford and his smokey voice. Robin Wright and her ‘don’t care ’bout nothin’, Son’ attitude. Carla Juri and her remarkable expressions (who features in my favourite Sharon Van Etten music video). The talent here saved the film, for sure.

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For those of you who haven’t seen the first Blade Runner, I think you’d be more inclined to enjoy it. So long as you enjoy the sci-fi action genre. However, because I knew the tone of the first film, I was expecting it to be vastly similar but updated for the modern audience. Which, I think they certainly tried to do.

Alas, it wasn’t terrible. But certainly hasn’t cast a shadow on the original.

Jodie’s rating: 5/10

Director: Rodger Mitchell
Writer: Aline Brosh McKenna
Released: November 2010
Starring: Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton
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I love this movie. This is my happy movie.

Rachel McAdams plays Becky Fuller, a workaholic who is made redundant. She eventually gets hired by a breakfast show that’s going down the pan. The story follows her struggles to rebuild herself, and the show.

There are some fantastic lines! Harrison Ford is so dry with his delivery. It’s so perfect!

Mike: Why do we have to mention that first cup of coffee? Why not just say, “Watch Mike Pomeroy before your morning dump?”

I love Becky because she has arms flailing all over the place, her hair is messy and she’s so intensely dedicated to her job. Rachel McAdams was reluctant to take this part because she said she’s not funny enough to be in a comedy. But I disagree! McAdams is so natural in this, she makes it funny in a Bridget Jones sort of way.

Morning Glory‘s morals are sort of similar to The Devil Wears Prada… Well, it’s written by the same person, so I guess that’s why. But they’re basically about how important a career can be to someone, treating it like a relationship. In fact, when Becky discusses her job, it sounds like she’s talking about a person.

I guess although I understand why the reviews of this movie are average, I personally love it because I can relate to the industry having studied television and journalism. Becky is a character who I would love to be! I want her hair, wardrobe, confidence and success.

Becky: Why haven’t they bumped you up [to executive producer]?
Lenny: It’s not for me. I did it for a couple of weeks once, but they put me back at Number Two. Apparently, the crying was distracting.

Keep an eye out for how Becky’s hair and clothes change as she grows and becomes more secure. It’s the attention to detail that makes this movie fun.

A very funny film, particularly if you’re familiar with the news industry!

Jodie’s rating: 7/10