MOVIE: Spielberg powers up for Ready Player One

Paul O’Rourke 

ARGUABLY one of the greatest directors of his time, Steven Spielberg is known for successfully alternating between family adventures and more meaty adult dramas. 

There aren’t many filmmakers who can tackle serious subjects covered in movies like ‘Schindler’s List’, ‘Lincoln’ and ‘The Post’ at the same time as more frivolous films like ‘Tintin’, ‘The BFG’ and ‘Jaws’. Spielberg’s latest effort which definitely sits in the less highbrow camp, is set in the year 2045 where people escape their miserable existence by diving into the virtual reality universe called Oasis.

Oasis creator, James Halliday, has passed away and left his massive fortune to whoever can navigate the imaginary world and locate three magical keys. 

Up for the challenge is our unlikely teenage hero Wade Watts who, along with his diverse cast of friends, sets out on a journey to overcome evil forces, crack the mysterious code and save the world. 

The movie opens to the sound of Van Halen’s ‘Jump’, which sets the tone for the speedy action which follows and never lets up, the 80s soundtrack infectious if not a little irrelevant. 

Spielberg continues his obvious fascination with all things not quite human (see ‘A.I. Artificial Intelligence’) as we enter a world where individuals can assume any identity they want, allowing the creative team to let loose with some amazing CGI effects. 

The film has many moments to like and dislike, often simultaneously. There’s a spectacular virtual car race in act one where King Kong bizarrely drops in to thwart the competitors. 

There’s also a weird segment involving dancing zombies and multiple references to ‘The Shining’, and an end sequence which features Godzilla fighting a giant iron monster. 

It’s fair to say the producers threw the kitchen sink at this one and less would most definitely have been more (including the runtime), but it’s also hard not to enjoy much of what’s on offer. 

 Willy Wonka comparisons are obvious, and while there’s no golden ticket or golden globe for this offering, it does deserve our review score of 3 solid stars.   

Other Releases: Unsane – 3 stars