The first reactions for Blade Runner 2049 are pouring in across the internet, and - like a foggy, neon-choked night in future Los Angeles - they're almost universally glowing. The unlikely sequel to the 1982 sci-fi-noir classic is being praised as a fitting follow-up, and even as a superior film by more than a few critics. Blade Runner 2049 won't hit theaters until October 6, so it'll still be a little while until audiences can draw their own conclusions.
Until then, you can at least sample some of the excitement from those lucky so-and-so's who got to watch an early screening.
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/A1d6ohmj3sSeptember 26, 2017
All I can say about BLADE RUNNER 2049 is...give Roger Deakins the Oscar now. Absolutely stunning visuals pic.twitter.com/OuKLcngoYzSeptember 26, 2017
Denis Villeneuve is unquestionably one of the elite working directors & there's no excuse if Deakins doesn't win the Oscar #BladeRunner2049September 26, 2017
#BladeRunner2049 was one of the most mind-blowing films I've seen. It's breathtaking and transportive. Denis Villeneuve has a masterpiece.September 26, 2017
Seriously, this is the most negative reaction I found after scrolling through Twitter for a good 15 or 20 minutes.
Blade Runner 2049 is gorgeous, and I still don't know if I loved it. I'm still thinking about it, though, and that's good.September 26, 2017
And back to the unqualified joy.
BLADE RUNNER 2049 is great. The third act is 🔥🔥🔥. Denis' run continues.September 26, 2017
BLADE RUNNER 2049: The thrill of mood and extensional joys of self-reflection. Villeneuve’s slow-burn obsessions have never felt more SEEN.September 26, 2017
In terms of science fiction filmmaking and world-building, #BladeRunner2049 might be a masterpiece. I think I loved it. Want to see it againSeptember 26, 2017
I revisited #BladeRunner and watched #BladeRunner2049 on the same day. I honestly believe that #BladeRunner2049 is better than the original.September 26, 2017
I've seen Blade Runner 2049 and it's FUCKING INCREDIBLE.September 26, 2017
Wow. I'll admit, I was very dubious about the concept of a Blade Runner sequel. The original does such an economical job of establishing its flawed world while leaving plenty of room for interpretation and imagination; returning to the same world with any kind of nostalgia or desire to further define its mysteries could kill it. But it sounds like that's not at all what's happened here.
Then again… the original Blade Runner actually had a fairly negative early reception before its place in cinematic history was secured. Does Blade Runner 2049 getting early praise mean we'll all actually hate it once we get some more time with it?! Man, that would be a bummer. Hopefully all that difference means is that critics are more prepared to appreciate a movie about wistful robots and the humans(?) who try to kill them now than they were 35 years ago.
