Ready Player One (2018)

User Review

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  TheReelBurke

  9 / 10

  Steven Spielberg couldn't have been more perfect for directing this film and the man who helped shape pop culture through the '70's, 80's and, 90's. And once again he shows that there isn't a film genre he can't direct. The chemistry between Tye Sheridan and the rest of the cast is the foundation of the film. In today's digital age we all know how chemistry online does not translate to chemistry "IRL," or in real life, and the way the film attacks the growing pains of all of these individuals coming together first in the OASIS and then in the real world felt natural. Yet, the standout performance was Mark Rylance. He was so relatable as Halliday both in his love of "nerd" culture but also his fears of social interaction and anxiety of interacting in the real world. I don't know when the last time I saw myself so much in a character on screen.
  
  
  
  The only issues I had with the film were with the villains. Sorrento (Ben Mendelsohn) and the "Sixers," didn't feel brutal enough. While they did commit some reprehensible acts over the course of the film it just didn't feel vicious enough. This may be due, in part, to my other issue and that is that Sorrento's right-hand henchwoman F'nale (Hannah John-Kamen) felt over-the-top almost like a Saturday morning cartoon at times.
  
  
  
  This is definitely a film that reaches across generations. Every pop culture reference felt natural, necessary, and was perfectly placed. The is once horror themed sequence that will probably be one of the most memorable sequences of the year. The film was perfectly paced never lingering for longer than need and not a minute longer than needed. Backed by an immersive and memorable score from Alan Silvestri Ready Player One is a must-see in the theater in RealD 3D if possible and in IMAX at a minimum. I can't wait to get to the theater and see it again.

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