Blade Runner (1982)

If you can look past the über-cheesy production design of Blade Runner, you'll discover a film that transcends the typical dorkiness of science-fiction by establishing itself as a piece of art. Though Ridley Scott's futuristic vision doesn't quite matchup to that of his previous masterpiece, Alien, the rest of the movie is compelling enough to keep us interested, and then some. Though Harrison Ford received top billing as police specialist Rick Deckard, Rutger Hauer is the one to watch - truly a villain's villain as replicant Roy Batty. His performance here laid the groundwork for Nicholson's Joker and Hugo Weaving's Agent Smith, as well as countless other later villainous roles. The final battle between Roy and Deckard defines action cinema endings. It's what The Matrix wishes it could be - as reliant on action as on a hauntingly psychological dialogue between hero and villain. But then, Blade Runner is a film whose impact is not truly felt until the movie progresses - and once it hits, it hits hard.

3.5 stars out of 4
8/10