A great visually exciting ride that will connect audiences with some nostalgia feeling from a classic pop culture.

Rating: 8/10 (1 April 2018)

Ready Player One (4 out of 5 stars).
Ready Player One is a visually stunning science fiction film that pays homage to the 1980s classic games and media and has plenty of easter eggs that fans will pick up on. It is an exciting thrill ride from beginning to end. I never read the novel but know it's a story concept that reference a lot of classic games and movies.
The plot takes place in 2045, were every one escapes the real world to go into a virtual reality known as Oasis. They can do endless possibilities, play for money, meet people, and explore a bigger world. Wade (Tye Sheridan) is trying to find three keys that are hidden in the Oasis. That is left behind from James Halliday (Mark Rylance) the creator of Oasis. And his passing, he decides to hide three keys. And the player that finds all three keys can find the hidden easter egg that will be worth trillions and inherit on being in charge of Oasis. Wade discovers a clue by learning from Halliday's past. And will need the help from his friends Artemis (Olivia Cooke) and Aech (Lena Waithe). Before an evil organization led by Nolan (Ben Mendelsohn) and his army of players try to find the egg first.
The pros about the film?
There is a lot to love about the movie. First, the visual effects are amazing. When Wade enters Oasis and seeing an ever-changing landscape. Lots of characters and colorful costume design. There are a lot of characters that you may notice from other movies and games. And it was a fun surprise to see them show up. Like the already shown in the trailer with the iron giant. The movie spends ¾ of its time in the Oasis. So there is endless entertainment that will keep your eyes engaged to the screen. From the exciting race sequence that had cars being smashed by a dino or Kong. To a stunning club setting were characters can leap into an air dance battle. And a fun sequence involving a classic Stephen king movie which is best to see for yourself when characters are placed in that setting. Also, the climatic battle was epic and fun when two giant characters battle it out.
The concept and story was fun. Sure, Ernest Cline must have been a fan of the old school games, music, and movies. And wanted to bring it back to revive those era. Especially, when Wade wishes he was back in the 1980s were the pop culture was more noticed then.
Tye Sheridan was great. Olivia Cooke was good as well. Ben Mendelsohn plays the cliché villain who is a businessman that makes his agenda so obvious about ruining the pop culture for his own profit. T.J. Miller plays the villains soldier for hire in the Oasis which he throws in a humor to lighten the mood. Mark Rylance was fantastic playing the awkward James Halliday.
This is one of Steven Spielbergs better movies. It is overbearing with beautiful visual effects but it did not let the story fall in the shadows. The music soundtrack was also good too from Van Halen, Tears for Fears, Blondie, ect. So much more.
The cons of the film?
Every thing was so fun and great about the movie. I feel like Steven Spielberg played it too safe from going all out. I was hoping for more of an exciting intro like Tron Legacy. And a better music score. Alan Silvestri score seemed a little similar to his other movies like The Avengers, Beowulf, ect. I feel like it would be better fit with a electronic techno score like Junkie XL, Daft Punk, M83. Otherwise, the soundtrack was a fun playlist that worked with the movie.
Overall, Ready Player One is a good film. Plot was fun and neat with a good theme. The visual effects and action was plenty throughout. The cast was good. Steven Spielberg did good with delivering a visually exciting ride with many references that audience can try to pick up from.
I recommend seeing this film in the biggest screen in theatres. Definitely worth the price of admission. If you are a fan of the book or enjoy the 1980s pop culture. There is plenty to enjoy from it.