147. Ready Player One; movie review

READY PLAYER ONE
Cert 12A
140 mins
BBFC advice: Contains moderate violence horror, infrequent strong language

Steven Spielberg's much-lauded action fantasy with a host of classic movie references. Surely, I was bound to love Ready Player One, wasn't I?
I also noted that Spielberg was determined to create a film for those 'who had never played a computer game' as well as devotees.
I think the latter will lap up this movie. Sadly, he failed to impress the former. Well, at least this one.
Actually, I did play action computer games in their early years but grew out of them and haven't done so for the best part of 20 years.
I think if I had kept up with them I would have enjoyed Ready Player One a whole lot more. As it was I thought it was pretty good but it didn't have me rapt.
The movie is set in dystopian Columbus Ohio in the year 2045 after various events have left it looking like a giant scrapyard.
In a society where there is little prospect of fulfilling real-life ambition, the population have turned to virtual reality as escapism.
One game in particular has them hooked into what its founder (Mark Rylance) has called the Oasis.
Upon his death, he sets up a treasure hunt challenge within the game, offering the winner his estate and control over the Oasis.
Going for gold is Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan) a teenager who has more avatar friends than those in real life.
Indeed, during Ready Player One it is quite difficult to differentiate between the real and fantasy worlds.
Anyway, Wade goes in search of the prize accompanied by new pals (Olivia Cooke, Lena Waithe, Philip Zhao and Win Morisaki).
Inevitably, there is a villain out to stop them in the shape of an evil businessman (Ben Mendelsohn).
On the plus side, there are spectacular special effects, some fun chase scenes and even a dabble at romance.
And I was taken with the catalogue of classic movie references but wondered whether they, including a full reproduction of The Shining's hotel, would have as much resonance with a young audience
Ready Player One goes at such a speed that only an expert gamer would be able follow every nuance and character exploration is minimal. The heroes are easily defined and they are up against a pantomime dame-style opposition.
I admired its spectacle but it reminded me of Avatar. I didn't think either deserved the fuss and both were too long.

Reasons to watch: It's a Spielberg fantasy with a bonus of spot-the-80s connection
Reasons to avoid: I just wasn't as rapt as I expected to be

Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 7.5/10

Director's quote - Steven Spielberg: "I really wanted to make sure that if you have never played a video game in your life, you would love what this picture is about."

The big question - Is Spielberg better away from the action genre?

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