15 thoughts on “Movie Podcast Weekly Ep. 260: Blade Runner 2049 (2017)”

1. I heard the San Diego Sneak Preview version of Episode 260, and that’s by far my favorite version. Some people say that the international version of 260 has more violence in the section where Andy and Karl come to blows, but I’ve heard both and I really couldn’t tell you anything at all that’s different. The Final Cut version seems to be the one that’s been pushed hardest by the studio, but I’ve never cared for the part where Jay dreams about a spacewolf. Probably the best version of Episode 260 would be if you could take everything from the theatrical release except for the ending scene where Jay and Solo drive off into the sunset together, ditch that scene completely, and go with the ending of the 1992 Director’s Cut version that Jay didn’t actually edit, but approved of.

   Reply ↓

   • Cody, Marry me!

     Reply ↓

     • 🙂 I was really hoping that bit of shtick would make someone laugh.

       Reply ↓

     • I thought after the meet-up it was you and I that were married? 🙂

       Reply ↓

2. Totally.

   Reply ↓

3. By the way, I consider it an affront that Andy’s 6.5 rating is included in the show notes along with Karl’s 9, and Jay’s and Yolo’s 9.5s. I have rarely if ever heard this depth and passion of review on any podcast anywhere. If Andy couldn’t even be bothered to show up for the first 10 minutes and then hang up on the podcast, then he definitely doesn’t deserve to have his rating included in the show notes.

   Jason, Karl and WRJ really laid it all out there, they earned the right to rate the movie. Andy … phooey. At least have the courtesy to text Jay a few lines of justification for that wholly uninspiring 6.5 number. I really enjoyed hearing the discussion of the long and complicated history of Blade Runner. It was not at all surprising to hear passion and thoughtful commentary from Karl, but I am almost convinced by this episode that Jay and Yolo secretly love the original almost as much as The Irishman. This episode guaranteed that I will do the following three things with alacrity: 1) watch Blade Runner again, 2) watch the YouTube prequels to 2049, 3) see Blade Runner 2049 as soon as I can work in the first two. I’d probably have seen 2049 already, except that my wife is highly selective about watching R-rated movies, and my more pliable neighbor went to see it without me on a whim. (The jerk.)

   Reply ↓

   • On the other hand, maybe texting Jay a mediocre rating without giving any other indication of having seen the film is the most Andy review of all. And since Andy’s whole podcast shtick is to affront everybody 70 percent of the time, and then flash the charm beneath his curmudgeonly facade the other 30 percent, I guess this performance is right in line with the law of averages. Well played, sir. 🙂

     Reply ↓

     • I’ll bet cash money Andy didn’t see it. And if he did – I’ll bet bigger cash money he fell asleep. Andy doesn’t do well with “thinking movies” 🙂

       Reply ↓

4. I’m with Cody that you guys did an AMAZING job covering this film. It was worth the wait. I had to laugh, though, when J said, on Oct. 9, that he’d have that episode out the next day. Ha, right. 😀

   I rewatched the original Blade Runner for the first time in many years a few weeks before seeing 2049. I hadn’t seen it (any of the versions) in probably 20 years, and decided to watch the Final Cut, which I hadn’t seen before. Still loved it and its unique visionary style and approach, but it felt just a little slow and thin, as far as the pacing and plot. In that sense, I agreed with WR Jr. and I think that 2049 held its 2:45 better than the original held its 1:55. I was with 2049 and engaged fully with what was happening the entire time, and I couldn’t quite say that with the original (mostly, though). Eh, I suppose both films could have benefited from a bit of a shave, maybe the original to 1:45 and 2049 to 2:30. I also agree with some of the criticisms of 2049, like the antagonist not being nearly as interesting as Roy Batty (and I loved J’s suggestion about Dave Bautista’s character potentially making a better antagonist).

   But moreso I agree with the positives, that it’s just a fantastic sci-fi film in its own right, with some great subjects explored and expanded on from the original, and some incredible cinematography and creativity (the scene of them in Vegas with the holographic Elvis, the morphing sex scene, etc.). And you didn’t mention my favorite scene, which was K’s viewing of Joy later in the film after a pivotal moment had happened with her. That pivotal moment didn’t have an emotional impact for me, but the later scene did, and was wonderfully stirring. I was also super impressed with the scene involving a certain character who was brought out at a certain point (trying to be vague here). Suffice to say, the way that was done was amazing and entirely convincing, where a similar type of thing in Rogue One was definitely not.

   I give both 2049 and the original a 9. But I could see 2049 actually getting up to a 9.5 on another watch. The original is more visionary and will always be the more iconic film, but for me, this sequel was a little bit better of a film, and more interesting and engaging throughout.

   ———–

   As far as the sexual misconduct/abuse incidents, that is hugely disappointing to hear of, and that type of thing seems to be happening a lot in recent years (incl. the accusations against Bill Cosby, Anthony Weiner, Bill O’ Reilly, etc.), or at least coming to light more often, which I suppose is good, rather to have it remain hidden. I left an organization a year ago that I was part of for many years, where I had been oblivious that the leaders/founders were engaged in some incredibly damaging and disturbing things very similar to that, and worse; grooming young women, predator behavior, using power and influence as a weapon of sorts over women and their families, etc. Sickening, really, when I learned more about it and read some of the accounts. Sadly, that kind of thing turns up in many places, including religions, politics, business, and in this case, the world of films and film-related media. We shouldn’t tolerate it or justify it wherever it appears.

   Reply ↓

5. Jay; I wrote a note to myself to add a movie upon your recommendation to my watch list. But now I can’t find it and think maybe I wrote it down wrong;

   does ring a bell?

   Don’t laugh. I’m still trying to figure out how to do the formatting.

   Reply ↓

   • Three Days Later

     Reply ↓

     • I bet it was The Next Three Days, with Russell Crowe and Elizabeth Banks. I know Jay’s a fan.

       More info here.

       Reply ↓

6. I thought this was a no-girls forum? (cooties and all) 😉

   Reply ↓

   • Right, Karl? We just keep popping up everywhere!!! And we’re only married when I need a date for meet up or something. I’ll let you know.

     Reply ↓

7. Perfection. Truly.
   http://www.factmag.com/2017/10/04/blade-runner-documentary/

   Reply ↓