Ernest Cline‘s 2011 pop culture sci-fi novel READY PLAYER ONE had- and still has today – an impressive following…
However bringing this fantastical delight with its nostalgic elements to the screen takes a very special filmmaker…a cinematic storyteller, if you will.
Let’s face it, this project in the wrong hands would greatly detour from the message of the story of young Wade Watts’ attempt at gaining control of a virtual universe.
But with director/producer Steven Spielberg at the controls you’re in for a rollicking ride that will keep you glued to your seat for the film’s entire 140 minute-long running time.
The year is 2045 where Wade Watts and others are barely surviving in a ramshackle part of Columbus, Ohio known as The Stacks.
The only way out is to escape to the so-called Oasis, a virtual reality world where one—as a personally designed avatar—can be ANYONE and DO ANYTHING their mind can dream up.
The Oasis was created earlier by genius video game and pop-culture geek James Halliday (Mark Rylance) who has attached a very special prize to the Oasis—an ongoing, three-faceted treasure hunt that everyone in the world is trying to win. Suffice it to say the payoff is pretty awesome (but we’re not getting into it.)
What I WILL share is the stunning production and feel of the film.
And foremost the 80’s nostalgic overload which is the glue that holds it all together.
From movies and books to songs and TV show references of the era, Spielberg fires on all cylinders with this movie.
And you don’t have to be a gamer or fan boy to appreciate it either!
So who IS the audience?
Anyone who enjoys a top of the line, sci-fi adventure presented in a terrific storytelling style.
With READY PLAYER ONE you just sit back and let the screen engulf you.
My grade: B
Jack Goes To The Movies Friday mornings on Kansas City’s Morning News on 98.1 FM, KMBZ.
I read the book.
It was interesting. One kid v. Zuckerberg, Google and the New Giant Tech World Order.
And TJ Miller is a co star in the picture.
I liked it better when it was called “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”