Ready Player One, Wins! ★★★½

Escapism is a form of diversion to avoid the realities of life.

One can only cope with so much adversity, especially when the actuality is a futuristic dystopian world set in the year 2045. And if there is ever a chance to live happily and be whoever you want to be, then a virtual world called the Oasis could be the only recourse.

The ingenious game enthusiast named James Halliday (Mark Rylance) and inventor of the Oasis has recently passed away. At the time of his death, he created a game within the Oasis in search of an inheritor to his wealth and masterpiece.  A kid and soon-to-be hero Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan) saw this as his opportunity to have a chance in life.

Reminiscent of the 80’s pop culture, the references from films and anime such as Back to the Future, Voltes V, Godzilla, Kingkong etc. All of which is mostly enjoyed by slightly older audience (80’s and 90’s kids) who could relate. But at the same time, Speilberg kept the balance so the film could be enjoyed by all ages. With excellent storytelling from Speilbergs’ expertise and outstanding visual effects which gave so much life to the Oasis. This film is quite a treat. 

Another successful sci-fi movie in terms of credibility that this could actually happen in the future. More importantly, it aims to bring people together rather than divide even when Speilberg decided to make few changes to the original game puzzles in the book. I find the adjustments very efficient in connecting with the younger generation too as an audience. 

NZ Release: March 29,2018 | Rating: M Violence & Offensive Language