Sad news hits the world when the main creator of a virtual reality system known as the “OASIS” dies. Shortly after his death, a video is released around the world, announcing there are now three challenges available within the OASIS. People around the world are now determined to complete the quests and find the creator’s golden Easter Egg, which will give the winner his fortune and the ownership of the Oasis itself.

For those who are not aware, the film is based on a best selling novel.
Like the novel, the film focus around a teenager named Wade (Tye Sheridan). The year is 2045 and at present, the world is suffering. It’s up to Wade and the help of his fellow users (or friends) to work together, discover the hidden clues and win the major prize as a team. By possibly winning, they could also change the world forever.

Needless to say, the most incredible experience in this film is the gaming world of the OASIS. This aspect of the film is a visual masterpiece. The audio and visual aspects are not to be missed. There is so much excitement during this due film due to the many game and movie references. This also leads me to my next positive point.

If you love the 80’s, films and video games (which is a large amount of people), then chances are you will enjoy this film to a very large extent. The OASIS contains so many references that if I were to watch this film again, I’m confident that I would find even more references during the second viewing (there’s just so many). Robocop, Overwatch, Back To Future, Aliens, Halo and many many more references appear in this film. There are many elements that will continue to surprise you even if it’s just for a split second. Another example of these moments for me was
seeing the classic Back to the Future “DeLorean” just roaring through the film, which put a massive smile on my face as I was reliving my childhood memories all over again. And moments like these will be different for many audiences, but there is enough here to say you will relate to the film’s content in some shape or form. 

While the film looks and sounds amazing, in particular to the world of OASIS, the film’s plot can be questionable.

Ready Player One is loaded with movie and game nostalgia, but if you take these reference away… the film would be somewhat disappointing regarding plot and story. The plot requires members to complete tasks (or tests) and if they pass, collect keys, then they would gain control and ownership to the OASIS…. which is very much like the “Willy Wonka” concept. But this not the 1st film to do this, there are others.

Without a doubt, director Steven Spielberg has done an incredible job on this film. The amount of detail and work that has gone into this film to produce the quality (and quantity) of nostalgia is mind-blowing. Even the film’s soundtrack was outstanding as it snuck in little elements of other films.

Overall, Ready Player One is a visually stunner. The film is loaded with movie and game Nostalgia which is amazing to see on screens in 2018. For me, the film’s plot alone just doesn’t carry as much strength as all the Nostalgia. Nevertheless, there is lots of fun to be had.

8.4/10

Thank you for visiting! Walkden Entertainment is also available on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walkdenentertainment/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walkdenentertainment/

Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/Peter_Walkden/

Review Written by Peter Walkden