Based on the novel by Ernest Cline, Ready Player One is an action-packed, science fiction thriller that will appeal to pop culture lovers of all ages.
In an age when many book adaptations do not satisfy fan expectations, I went into the cinema without expectations. I had not read the book, did not see the trailers—with the exception of those short clips as ads—and did not even think of watching it. One night I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I thought that a sci-fi CGI monster was what I needed as the perfect distraction of reality.
I am glad to say that I had my mind blown by this movie. Ready Player One takes place in a dystopian society in the year 2045 within a world that is in chaos and at a moment’s notice to collapse. To escape the oppressive living circumstances, people enter the OASIS, a virtual reality universe created by James Hallidan, eccentric inventor and gamer at heart. At the moment of his death, it is revealed that in the OASIS there are keys, aka Easter eggs, that whoever finds first will inherit all his fortune and company. Enter Wade Watts, one of the many that join the treasure hunt with danger every step of the way.
As a lover of 80’s pop culture, from the moment the movie begins, you are assaulted with references of Back to the Future, Alien, Jurassic Park, and more. Although most of these were of that decade, there were also other pop culture references that will charm other fans with less knowledge of the 80’s references. I am one that has never seen The Shining, but Ready Player One takes the reins in taking you through it as a complete newbie to keep you on the know and not bore you as the movie progresses.
A problem I have with contemporary movies is an overuse of CGI effects. Instead of having our eyes bombarded with that for 2hrs 20mins, Steven Spielberg created a balance between scenes in the OASIS and reality. He would alternate in showing us the action with Parzival in the virtual reality world and then show us Wade Watts running for his life, to give an example.
But the CGI scenes will make you fall in love. Especially in those unexpected romantic scenes in-between gripping the armrests at your sides when death and failure seem unavoidable.
At its heart, Ready Player One is a love letter to the 80’s and fandoms everywhere. With technology advancing more every day and virtual reality already possible, it is also important to recognize the limitations of human contact it may bring, but also how it can bring others closer than ever. This movie is about overcoming fears, friendship, loyalty, and fighting for your beliefs in the face of adversity and injustice. These everyday heroes will inspire you to do anything and love your nerdy side even more, unapologetically.