Spoilers ahead!

Ready Player One has only been out for a few days, but is already dominating the box office. Although the reviews are mixed, most people can agree that the film captured the 80’s nostalgia that fans were hoping for.

The concept of the movie is pretty unique, as far as dystopian films go. The essential parts are the same, a group of teens trying to survive in a messed up society, but the Oasis is a fresh take on the future. It’s a virtual world for people to escape their reality. You can be, do, and see anything you want – the only limit is your imagination.

When the creator of the Oasis passes away, he leaves behind “clues” for the players to collect. If they correctly interpret all 3 clues, they get 3 keys. The keys unlock a golden egg from the Holiday (the creator) himself, and if you obtain it, you get to be the owner of the entire game.

The main competitors are the “gunters,” the name for the typical players, and the IOI corporation. They’re a major company who wants to be in control of the future, and they have staff working to find the clues almost 24/7. The leader of the clan is a major jerk, abusing people who owe him debt and attacking anyone who tries to get the clues.

Wayde, the leader of the teens, has been attempting to get a clue for 5 years with no luck. He teams up with Art3mis (his crush), H (his best friend), and 2 other people who want the key. Working together, they find the clues and end up taking control of the Oasis.

The beginning was a little bit slow, building some unnecessary plot development, but it picked up towards the middle. The bonds built between the players, both in the game and in real life, were strong and pulled through with the message of sticking together. I really liked how the movie switched between real life and the Oasis, almost having 2 story lines going on at the same time that blended together at the end.

It followed the classic good vs. evil track, but kept me on the edge of my seat at times. Although it was easy to predict the ending, there were some twists that I didn’t expect that could lead the characters in different directions if they had followed that path.

The ending was satisfying, delivering everything I wanted from the characters. The story line was wrapped up into a nice bow at the end, tying up all loose ends.

In all, I really enjoyed the film and would give it a solid 9/10. It’s a movie you should see in 3D, due to all of the great special effects. It makes you feel like you’re immersed in the Oasis. It’s a feel-good movie for the whole family!