“Film reviewers over time have become self-described art critics, more and more disconnected from the audience.”
indeed. film reviewers basically write reviews for each other, not potential audience members. they each try to outdo the others with obscure references and cute phrasing. not to mention that their primary criteria as to whether a movie is worthy is how PC it is.
“I didn’t go to Blade Runner because the previews looked boring, all CGI stuff.”
the original is one of my all time favorites, and I figured this remake was going to be a complete bomb, relying primarily on CGI instead of story, character, acting and dialog, which is the case with pretty much all scifi and comic book based movies.
“Besides, it won’t be long until it’s out on Redbox or Netflix.”
only problem is that a bad movie doesn’t improve when it can be watched later for “free”. a bomb is a bomb is a bomb.
I liked the original Blade Runner too. The time before CGI.
Audiences today just want just want bubblegum SF: Star Wars, Abrams Trek, and superhero flicks. I think it is is a travesty that such an amazing grown-up classic-style SF film like Blade Runner 2049 is bombing so badly at the box office despite having the 88% RT rating (which I think it deserves). Note that the audience RT rating from those who have actually seen it is also quite high (82%).
Part of the problem, I think, is that today’s average Hollywood film goer will not sit still to watch a slow-paced 2 hour 45 minute SF film that requires you to think about what you are seeing. “Who needs a plot, dude? We want moar explosions!”
If nothing else go see BR2049 for the visuals (which are stunning) in IMAX before it disappears from theaters.