The Definition of Escapism

Rating: 8/10 (29 March 2018)

With all of the sequels and reboots as of late, it's hard to imagine a time when an audience wouldn't be sick of a movie based on pop culture. When watching the trailers for Ready Player One, it almost seems like a story that exists to put people in the theatre, solely based on the references alone. While that's definitely not an arguable statement upon leaving the theatre one the credits begin to roll, it's almost impossible to say that Ready Player One isn't at least a little bit of fun. In fact, if you're someone who has seen a lot of films, played some video games, or can appreciate a reference that's done in a fun and tasteful way, then this movie may just be the most fun you'll have at the movies this year. Here's why (even with its flaws) this is a movie worth seeing on the big screen.
Set in the year 2045, Ready Player One follows Wade Watts, as he attempts to beat missions in a game called the Oasis. It's a virtual reality that people use to escape from the horrors that Earth has become. Filled with a wide variety of people and characters, this film represents what online gaming would be like if it took over the world. It's a scary thought to think that we may make it there one day, but nevertheless, the idea itself makes for quite the adventure of a movie. From pop-culture references to romance, to music that will have you tapping your feet and cheering for each and every hero, Ready Player One has it all.
Directed by Steven Spielberg, whose many works are sprinkled throughout this movie, Ready Player One benefits from the care and meticulous effort put in, in order to make the most adventurous and fun film made out of blatant references. Spielberg is one of the best in the business and will always be. It's nice to see him breaking free of his string of dramas that he's been on lately, in order to go back to his roots of good old fashion adventure and magic. It's definitely a lot to take in and I can't see everyone seeing every reference or story point (which could be a big issue for some), but as someone who has seen, played, or could at least understand everything throughout the course of my first viewing experience, I had an absolute blast from start to finish.
My biggest issue with this movie is that it tells you everything, leaving no room for you to figure things out on your own. While the first act has some terrific narration and I was into everything that Tye Sheridan was bringing to the character of Wade, Ready Player One continuously makes you feel like you're reading a novel or playing a video game, solely due to the narration or scenes where characters feel the need to explain everything. It's this aspect that makes this movie feel slightly long at times, due to the fact that you're left experiencing everything, instead of sharing that experience with a bit of mystery.
In the end, my complaints about Ready Player One are far outweighed by my overall experience. From the fun nods to classic movies and blatant set pieces that come directly from classic film sets, I found myself in awe at times. The virtual world takes a while to get used to and the contrast from real to fake can be jarring at times, but its unique look quite frankly had me amazed. With a terrific score, solid performances, a fun premise with enjoyable side stories, and conclusion that feels earned and satisfying, Ready Player One is everything you could want from a blockbuster by Steven Spielberg. Yes, it has its issues, but I challenge you to explain a world where a movie like this could be perfect. For everything that it sets out to achieve, Ready Player One is a great ride to take at the cinema.