“Ready Player One” is a futuristic, virtual reality thrill ride that gives nods to past and present pop culture, while featuring a killer 80s soundtrack. Director Steven Spielberg has done it again.
Set in 2045 in “the stacks” of Columbus, Ohio, the film follows Wade Watts (played by Tye Sheridan) and his avatar Perzival through the virtual world of OASIS. Everyone can be seen plugged into this virtual reality, because it allows them to be anyone or anything they desire. This virtual world is the epitome of escaping from reality, as real life in 2045 is not much to live for. The premise of the film is based on the common goal of those in OASIS– to find the “easter egg” hidden by the virtual world’s co-creator, James Halliday. To do so, one must look in the simplest, but most unexpected places.
Perzival and his avatar friends experience a wild ride as they race to find the “easter egg” before their foe Sorrento does. The film is a visually stunning experience, made even better when seen in Imax 3D. It also gives an interesting perspective on where society may be headed in the future. Although, one would do well to be cautious in a virtual reality world, especially when meeting people and falling in love. As Perzival’s avatar friend Aech said best, “She could actually be a 300 pound dude who lives in his momma’s basement in suburban Detroit. And her name is Chuck.” An adventure-packed, pop culture filled, sentimental, and even romantic film, “Ready Player One” is definitely worth seeing in the theater.
