Blade Runner 2049

Do Holograms Dream of Ephemeral Horses digs deeper into philosophical questions of its predecessor without terminating older model’s ambiguity. Astoundingly beautiful cinematography justifies extended Blade Runtime and occasionally over-obscure plot programming. Smart script runs the blade’s edge of pretension and afFords cast the opportunity to birth life from machination. Interlinked.

La La Land

La La Lash substitutes Crazy Stupid Lovers for Damien’s demonically driven drummer in another tale of uncompromising pursuit of artistic excellence. Technically impressive filmmaking perfectly remixes traditional musical style into a visually and aurally delightful Los Angeles love letter. Suffers pacing st-st-stutter midway, but even this feels like deliberate artistry.

The Nice Guys

Black’s colorful caper evokes feel of Boogie and pace of Bang Bang without the heart, wit, or sex appeal of either. Crowe and Gosling spread their wings in a farce that finally lets them both have fun. Inherently over-complex plot proves to be Shane’s vice, and bucks audience before finale.