Blade Runner

BLADE RUNNER (1982) - Nov. 9, 2007 (Fourth or Fifth viewing)
Wow. This is pretty much a masterpiece, and getting to see it, restored and looking pristine on the big screen, was amazing. For one thing, this has to be one of the best looking movies ever made -- Ridley Scott's direction is pitch-perfect (the whole future noir look is a stroke of genius), and the look of the futuristic city is absolutely stunning. The special effects are also really impressive; this film looks a lot more convincing than most contemporary movies, despite being 25 years old. The plot, involving a private investigator who has to take down errant androids, is almost secondary to the visuals and the atmosphere, but it still manages to make an impact. We never learn all that much about the central character, but we get snippets here and there, and he certainly becomes a compelling character. There are also some really great moments, such as the final cat-and-mouse chase between Harrison Ford's character and Rutger Hauer's, culminating in what has to be one of the greatest scenes in the history of cinema. There's no doubt about it, this is an absolute classic. ****