JUMP INTO SPIELBERG’S OASIS IN 3D

It seems that a lot of modern media have been influenced by retro concepts, whether it is another remake or reboot of a hit movie from decades ago or a familiar idea that is modernized into something fresh.

Steven Spielberg’s latest film, “Ready Player One,” is certainly filled with plenty of nostalgia, but is all framed in a dystopian future where viewers become immersed in the adventure that unfolds.

The movie takes place in 2045 and the majority of people escape reality by diving into a virtual world called the Oasis where players engage in all kinds of activities for both work and entertainment. Although the Oasis is a completely virtual space capable of sending users to anywhere imaginable, it is not a game without consequence. Many players invest their own money into the game, and there is a constant risk of getting their character killed and losing all progressions and currencies, which reflect back to reality.

When the creator of the Oasis, James Halliday, dies, the hunt begins for several hidden clues needed to claim the ultimate prize of Halliday’s fortune as well as control of the entire Oasis.

Seeing trailers for Ready Player One painted a clear picture of just how many cameos and references were made throughout the film from a wide range of video games and movies spanning multiple generations. This included seeing characters such as King Kong and the Iron Giant, just to name a few. I was pleased that there were still a few surprise appearances left when I finally sat down to watch the movie.

With all of the callbacks to pop culture of the 1980s, the soundtrack was incredibly appropriate, especially as the film opened with the dazzling synth from “Jump” by Van Halen.

A lot of the movie’s visual details were best shown in the Oasis and thankfully there was a lot to be seen. This was only enhanced by the fact that I watched Ready Player One in 3D and I would highly recommend others to do the same because this was easily the most impressive 3D movie I have ever seen. Full of colors, lights, and some fast-paced sequences, the movie becomes a thrill ride for your senses, at times.

Spielberg casts a wide net with this film attempting to capture the attention of those both young and old, plus those who have connections with video games from the past and present, so there are likely some viewers that may show more appreciation than others. This can also be said about anyone who has read the 2011 novel of the same name, written by Ernest Cline.

In either case, Ready Player One is a lively adventure full of lighthearted moments that celebrate the love of games and pop culture and also reminds us that reality is still the most important thing, at the end of the day.

Advocate Staff