Bladerunner is an ideal example of Sci Fi that introduces worlds of grandeur and high fantasy but addressing the themes that come along with these ideas in the realm of an intimate character story. K(Gosling) is presented as humanly possible while blatantly contrasted by the fact that he isn't. He's not real, his lover/companion is not real yet here we are developing an innate attraction and feelings towards what should not be more than a lamp shade. As he's convinced to be the Replicant messiah so are we and it begins to make sense, "Oh, he's at least half human, alright!", but once the mystery unravels and he's not to be, we're compelled to reason with ourselves. Does it matter? What he felt, what we felt as an audience was real and it's there that we truly question the relevance of authenticity. Brilliant. 2049 is such an intelligent way to present a Sci Fi theme that has been beaten to death over the years repeatedly yet here it stands resonating, defying the idea that it can't be done. It's a convincing example that it's not only important to tell themes in new ways but it's key to have multiple elements of your story focus on it as well. It also says a lot to respect and bring elements of the original film into the story without making it feel like a cheap nod, kudos! If criticisms are to be had, it really should be where Deckard (Ford) is arbitrarily sent off-world to be intercepted by K. It sets up this bizarrely staged climatic fight between our protagonist and badass villainess Vu (Hoeks) There will also be complaints about pacing but honestly it's just filming sensibilities from different generations, by 80's standards this is the norm but you can make the argument that this is a 2017 release and it should have adapted. I was fine with it either way. In the end Blade Runner 2049 is an undeniable success that not only respects it's source material but enhances it beyond what could be expected!