The Shrine

I'm actually kind of excited about this one. I didn't really like the original, but I appreciated the Japanese influenced artistic direction of the futuristic vision. I also appreciate the performances; the hammy-emotional performances, didn't seem to connect to the viewer, like there was something missing in truly empathizing with them - very robotic, and I am not sure if this was intended or not, but I like how it worked out. Unfortunately, as much as I can appreciate this film, I have trouble sitting through more than 30 minutes of this film at a time. In that regard, it's probably one of the least watchable well done films I can think of.

That said, I am really looking forward to this sequel. It's got a fantastic cast:

Dave Bautista - who broke into show business as a WWE superstar Batista. I imagine he's playing the main replicant.
Robin Wright - The Princess Bride
Gosling and Leto - Actors from our generation, each have their experience in semi-artsy films.
Mackenzie Davis - Who first made a splash as the lead in Black Mirror's San Junipero.
Edward James Olmos - Who more recently made a big splash as the star of the Battlestar Galactica remake.
Harrison Ford - Harrison Ford.

I trust Ridley Scott won't The Thing prequel this early 80s classic.

I just got back from watching it. Beautiful film.

It answered all the questions lingering from the first film. Much of the time the plot feels like a vessel to explore the culture and visuals of the world, as well as it’s history, and the politics.

Again, like Arrival, the plot twist stuck out like a sore thumb, so it’s easy to guess the moment the critical piece comes into play, a long time before it was intended. The difference is that knowing the twist doesn’t ruin the movie, it only changes the perspective - as this film isn’t nearly as plot dependent; don’t get me wrong, it is plotted out, but the core of the film IMO is its themes, the society, and the developing political situation spanning over a 30 year period

Also, it’s wide open for a sequel.

Minor spoilers below

And then there's these shorts which take place between the first and the second film.