Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Thirty years after the events of Blade Runner (1982), a new Blade Runner, L.A.P.D. Officer "K", unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what's left of society into chaos. K's discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard, a former L.A.P.D. Blade Runner, who has been missing for thirty years. Blade Runner 2049 was a highly anticipated sequel to the cult classic movie that subsequently became the same thing. It flopped at the box office and yet grew that cult following like its predecessor and was overwhelmingly popular as well as highly rated. As time has passed many people have looked back and feel it has aged like fine wine. I see it constantly resurfacing on many various platforms, probably best seen through the countless 'edits' on YouTube, etc. They were my introduction to the film and they tend to rake in millions of views, just going to show how popular it is and continues to be. This sequel equally follows a similar style in regards to its dark, gritty tone and a slower pacing that drags down its momentum. This franchise is certainly one of the most depressing in the entirety of the sci-fi genre and whilst fascinating, it doesn't quite make it as your easy-going style movie. I'd consider it more an experience, a piece of art if you will. I have to say that 2049 is a masterpiece when it comes to its visuals, harking back to the original that shared in such beauty though I may argue I preferred this one's look better. A great deal has taken place over the past thirty years, to this futuristic L.A. with talks of big events like the Blackout that further enrich this world but also lay out foundations for the story at present and their effects on the mystery being uncovered by K. Our leading protagonist, K, is a Blade Runner with a mission to 'retire' outdated Nexus-8 replicants however, he too is a replicant from the Nexus-9 variant. During one of his usual missions, he comes across a strange anomaly. A box buried next to a dead tree. Its contents hurtle K down a mystery-filled path that has the potential to fracture what remains of civilization. Being a replicant leaves K to be repeatedly abused by peers, being called a "skin job", and he undergoes repeated 'baseline tests' to check his efficiency in addition to detecting any deviance. When not working, K returns home a holographic A.I., Joi, who is essentially a product made to cater to the desires of a customer and tell them what they want to hear. Despite all of this (and being a replicant), K shows genuine emotions towards her that blur the line in regards to our understanding of replicants' capability of emotion, which is seen as a human domain. I felt so sorry for K who shows such empathy for Joi giving her the best life she can have, buying her an emanator to move freely outside of the restricted house device. I loved their moments together even if her affection is essentially fabricated and says only what K wants to hear, I was still rooting for them. K's enquiries take him further in this investigation going as far as Las Vegas where he meets up with an older Deckard who he recruits to uncover the remaining pieces to the puzzle. Deckard's introduction was incredible and led to a phenomenal scene, and one of my favourites, where the pair fight in a bar as an entertainment system glitches around them randomly bursting into song as holograms and lights flicker. There are some gorgeous shots in this film especially the wider ones that give such scope and scale. Director Denis Villeneuve did a marvellous job bringing a perfect, fresh follow-up to Ridley Scott's film. Equally, Hans Zimmer's score is fantastic and a great supplement to the original work of Vangelis. Overall, Blade Runner 2049 is just as much of a masterpiece as its predecessor telling its own unique story heralded by exceptional actors and a competent director. I didn't go into great detail on the main mystery and story as it is best experienced yourself with no spoilers as it is quite a rollercoaster full of twists. It has quite a distinct aesthetic I love and touches on all sorts of messages/topics, mainly loneliness. I would highly recommend checking this one out. It is one you need to experience at least once in your lifetime. 

 

Runtime: 2h 44m

Director: Denis Villeneuve

Genre: Action / Drama / Mystery / Sci-fi / Thriller

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Blade Runner (1982)

Los Angeles, California, 2019. With towering skyscrapers looming over the dystopian mega-city, grizzled Blade Runner, Rick Deckard is called out of retirement when rogue Nexus-6 replicants steal a spaceship to get back to Earth. The order is crystal clear: Deckard must seek out the illegal replicants and destroy them before they locate their creator. However, as Deckard tries to fix the mistakes of those who want to play God, unprecedented, conflicting emotions cloud his judgment. Blade Runner isn't one of your typical movies but more of a piece of art to be experienced. It is certainly one that will require you to have an analytical mindset before watching it, as it throws plenty at you. There is a lot of visual storytelling alongside the laid-out story with plenty to be picked apart and dissected with all sorts of meanings behind every scene, action, etc. On my first viewing of this futuristic gritty film-noir-esque story, I was simply blown away by the visuals. Seeing a 'futuristic' 2019 where skyscrapers tower across L.A. with flames and lights covering the landscape as far as the eye can see was exquisite despite its dystopian reality. Equally, the phenomenal score of Vangelis brings a hauntingly beautiful element that carries the tone of this film throughout and is a true highlight. Such a summary can apply to the entire production with its beaten down, dark and dreary setting is still visually pleasing to look at with a lot of praise going to Ridley Scott's directing. His other film, Alien (1979), is one of my all-time favourites and has an equal style that carries over. We follow Deckard whose job is to destroy rogue replicants and although he is the protagonist he is not always displayed as a hero. He makes some poor decisions being flawed and in some scenes, he is framed as not someone simply doing a job, but being a killer. His destruction of replicants shows some truly graphic executions that further make us question his actions and the replicant's humanity. The replicant's story is an intriguing one mainly due to Roy Batty who is such a powerful villain and his hunt to meet his maker, be more human and protect his fellow replicants is so interesting. His 'Tears in the Rain' scene is one of the most incredible monologues I have witnessed in a film and is phenomenal. The other most important character is Rachael whom Deckard has feelings for despite being a replicant, which makes his job all the more conflicting. One of the most complicated parts of this film is its history of different cuts with there being a total of seven, but when discussed, five mainly come to mind. The key differences between them are the voice-over, the alternate ending and the unicorn daydream. The voice-over was an inclusion by WB after a poor screening with a test audience but was not what Scott wanted nor did Ford like the addition. It is an aspect not all that popular among fans being badly written and poorly spoken but also because it explains things in the movie dumbing it down for audiences. This was removed from the later versions, like the Final Cut, which I saw. It was funny having not known about the monologue beforehand, yet, whilst watching, I almost felt like scenes were missing one. I don't know if that's just me, but it was an interesting realisation such already existed. The alternate 'happy' ending of them driving off to a greener landscape was also a scene removed from the later versions, which I agreed with as it didn't really fit in with what came before. The most important addition was the inclusion of a scene where Deckard has a daydream of a unicorn, which fundamentally alters the whole movie considering the ending with the origami unicorn. It leads to the age-old debate, is Deckard a replicant or not? For me the answer is clear but what do you think? Overall, Blade Runner is a cinematic masterpiece that finally got its realisation with The Final Cut. It is a film I think multiple viewings are required to truly get it. I found myself repeatedly thinking on it after my watch and couldn't stop playing it over in my head. Any movie that gets you to think about it after it's done must be very impactful. It's not a film I'd put on any old time but certainly one I was glad to have seen. Also, check out the sequel Blade Runner 2049 (2017).

 

Runtime: 1h 57m

Director: Ridley Scott

Genre: Action / Drama / Sci-fi / Thriller

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What a Carve Up! (1961)

Ernie's uncle, Gabriel Broughton, has just died, but to claim his inheritance he must spend the night in the ancestral home with the rest of his relatives. Before long, the guests begin to drop dead as it appears a murderer is in their midst. What a Carve Up! (also known as No Place Like Homicide!) is a true favourite of mine. It is one my family and I have watched countless times over the years, especially during the Halloween season. It is one of our comfort viewings due to its comedic side making it perfect family entertainment whilst still holding some sinister horror moments. We follow Ernie Broughton (Kenneth Connor) and his mate Syd Butler (Sidney James), who are thrown into this peculiar circumstance. Ernie has a job as a proofreader, checking over a novel before its publication and he tends to get the more terrifying stories that always put him on edge. This sets him up for the scaredy cat routine throughout the film as any little mishap, sound, or sight causes great fear during his stay at the mansion. His friend Syd, on the other hand, is not so easily spooked and much more easygoing, unlike his skittish partner. Both actors have appeared in movies together, mainly in the Carry On film series that both pre-dated and succeded this film, which incidentally almost feels like one of them. It is like a sort of spin-off in a way and also features plenty of other recognisable faces from those flicks. My dad has a great love for the Carry Ons, which naturally led to other films featuring the cast being discovered. I grew up watching all these types of movies, so they hold a special place for me as part of my childhood. The movie kicks off when a mysteriously creepy Mr Sloane arrives at their apartment with the information of Ernie's uncle's passing, subsequently inviting him to the reading of the will at the house. With the thought of a huge inheritance, Ernie is intrigued, yet frightened so he begs for Syd to join him. Making tracks, the pair undergo plenty of mishaps from Ernie seeing things to Syd's luggage being lost in a bog but they eventually arrive at the location. It is here where things really kick off with the door opening by itself to an eerily quiet lobby setting the tone. Both Syd and Ernie are very contrasting people and that only shows in their banter, which is an easy highlight. Syd always mocks Ernie's mannerisms, constantly joking about his fearful tendencies but whenever Ernie needs him or is in danger, Syd always looks out for him. I particularly love Syd's witty comments throughout the story for instance, mounted on the wall in the lobby is a moose head to which Syd says "He must have been going like a bomb when he hit that wall" and I laugh every time without fail. We are swiftly introduced to the Broughton family members Guy, Emily, Malcolm, Janet and Edward as well as the butler Fisk plus the pretty nurse, Linda, who looked after Gabriel. Ernie shows a fancy to Linda and constantly tries to impress her but tends to fail due to his frightful habits. The family spend a lot of time bickering and not getting along, which worsens when it is announced that Gabriel left nothing to any of them. Being unable to leave in the storm and the telephone line cut, everyone is forced to stay but it is here when people start dying and a murderer is obviously among them. Tensions rise and Ernie is a nervous wreck, especially since he is sleeping in the late master's bed (which he died in). Plenty of hijinks and shenanigans ensue with Ernie and Syd exploring the house, uncovering secret passageways across the estate. There are plenty of scares that are mostly experienced by Ernie but that is not without plenty of hilarious jokes too. As many of the family is killed the remaining members come face to face with the killer in a shocking revelation that is well worth the suspense. But will they all make it out alive? Overall, I adore this movie not only for its sentimental factors in my case but because it is all-around phenomenal. There is some outstandingly funny dialogue and banter, a superb story and an intriguing mystery. It is one of my favourite 'haunted' mansions, who dunnits and is one I always bring out during Halloween with the whole family. A must-see for some laid-back spooky fun.

Runtime: 1h 27m

Director: Pat Jackson

Genre: Comedy / Horror / Mystery

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Life on Mars (TV Series 2006-2007)

After a near-fatal car accident, smart, savvy, sharp-suited detective Sam Tyler is mysteriously transported back 33 years to 1973. Confused by his new surroundings, Sam tries to return to the present, but the police force of long ago needs his help. Life on Mars is undoubtedly one of the most captivating shows I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing in recent memory. I was instantly blown away by its vast rich stories that culminate into one overarching narrative, its style, loveable and engrossing characters and above all, its bizarre and intriguing mystery. We follow Sam Tyler, a DCI (Detective Chief Inspector) in the then-current year of 2006 who is deep in a case that slowly becomes quite personal for him. However, he's hit by a car, awakening to find himself in the 1970s with his outfit, car and surroundings drastically altering. Is Sam Tyler dreaming, in a coma, or has he travelled back in time? If so, how does he get home? Upon his transportation, I was immediately hooked as the now DI Tyler fumbled around in confusion to everything around him. This jarring experience is as confusing to us as to Sam and his constant search for answers or discoveries only further puzzles us. To make matters worse, Sam is frequently experiencing visions, voices and feelings that are linked to the 'real world'. From the TV characters talking to him, and the radios changing mid-song, Sam experiences many unusual interactions that only make him look mad in front of his peers. Whilst in this '73 setting, Sam continues his policing work, under vastly different methods led by the equal highlight of the series, DCI (Guv) Gene Hunt. Of all the characters in this program, Gene Hunt is arguably the most popular and my favourite of the team. His lines are unmatched with plenty of comebacks, sayings and mannerisms that make him truly loveable and utterly hilarious despite essentially being a terrible person. He doesn't shy away from breaking down doors, beating up suspects or arresting anyone who gets in his way whether they are innocent or not. Me and my family love to quote him in our day-to-day lives and would wait with anticipation for his next line. The contrasting relationship between the rugged style of Hunt and the modern-day, more practical side of Tyler makes for some fantastic viewing. They bicker and differ but at the be-all and end-all, they always do what's right in the end, overcoming any obstacle and sharing a bit of banter. The other members of Hunt's CID (Criminal Investigation Department) include Ray Carling, Chris Skelton, Annie Cartwright, Phyllis Dobbs and plenty of non-speaking background characters who are ever-present. Each character shows an unswerving loyalty to the Guv and some do come to care for Sam, looking up to him as a role model, although some don't (most especially Ray). Sam hits it off well with Annie though, who during the first season is a WPC and is usually overlooked by the others, however, Sam always places his confidence in her and the two share some sparks over the show's run. Annie grows exponentially over the second season as Sam puts her forward to be a DC and join the crew in their more prominent missions. Each episode told a unique story that would vastly vary from a hostage crisis, bomb scare, murder, conspiracies, undercover operations, etc. Sam, having his future knowledge, offers much insight in solving cases and even uncovering criminals because it has already happened by his time. During each exciting adventure, there would be a tie to Sam's struggle of wanting to return home with the world showing signs from his 2006 life. The finale of the second season is certainly one of the most tense storylines with the will or won't he get back and I'm not going to spoil it here but the ending is gripping television. Overall, Life on Mars is a phenomenal series that captures the setting of the 70s with full force, hurtling not only Sam but, us the viewer, into 'another world'. Everything looks magnificent across the board and the music choices are brilliant. This is a pinnacle must-see show. If you loved it, check out the sequel Ashes to Ashes (TV Series 2008-2010) for a trip to the 1980s following Alex Drake's experience.

Seasons & Episodes: 2 Seasons - 16 Episodes 

Creators: Matthew Graham, Tony Jordan, Ashley Pharoah

Genre: Crime / Drama / Mystery / Sci-fi

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