Short Summary is an original series in which I write brief reviews of movies, TV shows, video games, books, and more. No spoilers in this one, I swear!

I don’t want to say anything that might give away any part of Blade Runner 2049. It’s pretty damn amazing, and I think that you should go see it in theaters. It’s a feast for the eyes. You need to see it on a big screen with booming surround sound.

2049 is visually stunning. The cinematography and direction are both top-notch. While I didn’t feel as though Blade Runner needed a sequel, man, I’m glad one exists simply for the fact that this universe totally shines in 2017. The special effects are so cutting-edge now that they actually add to the story.

It’s not that the effects in Blade Runner were bad; for an early 80s movie, they’re great! Yet they get an upgrade in 2049, which such a futuristic universe absolutely deserves. It makes it even more believable that 2049 is set in the year 2049, 30 years after the original. The universe seems to have advanced as much as the real world has in that span, if that makes sense. There are some really beautiful scenes with eye-popping, neon colors. But at the same time, the dark and gritty underbelly of Los Angeles that existed in Blade Runner are still there in 2049.

The music pays homage to Blade Runner and certainly hits the same notes, although I sort of miss the oriental influence that the original score had. It accentuated the mix of cultures in that universe in a small and satisfying way. 2049 is rather long at almost 2 hours and 45 minutes. Honestly, I feel like this hardly mattered. I was engaged, paying attention the entire time, because while there wasn’t a lot of action in this movie, there’s so much information to absorb. 2049 is a slow-burning, true noir, and a mystery is unfolding. The film doesn’t rush or skip anything about it.

A question I’ve seen floating around the web is whether to see Blade Runner before watching 2049 or not. Personally, I did, mainly due to the fact that I’d never seen Blade Runner and heard so much about it. I believe that I wouldn’t have the same appreciation for 2049 if I hadn’t appreciated Blade Runner first. It’ll give you a sense of just how much has changed between the two movies. Also, you’ll realize how much 2049 has improved on Blade Runner and included new and exciting aspects to the universe.

I found 2049 to be unpredictable, tense, and interesting. Even though I was focusing all along, I still had expectations that ended up being subverted. I wouldn’t call it a masterpiece; hell, do you know how many years it took for the original film to earn its high praise? There are things about 2049 that kind of bug me; however, they’re either not worth discussing, since they’re so minor, or they venture into spoiler territory. If you haven’t watched Blade Runner, track down the final cut, and watch that version. Then go see 2049. I highly recommend it!