Ready Player One is based on the novel of the same name but only the core storyline is the same, everything else has been revamped to fit the format and pacing required for a film. Taking place in the future where the virtual reality (complete with haptic suits, treadmills and motion tracking) has become extremely popular due to the way the world is falling into ruins. Oasis is the software that makes it all possible and when its creator, James Halliday died, he put together a competition where the one who finds all three keys will get full control of his wealth and Oasis. The film follows protagonist Wade Watts as he participates in the competition, against others looking for the same thing and the evil corporation IOI. Ready Player One is an interesting merge of live-action, representing reality, and complete CGI, representing Oasis. It doesn't try to make Oasis super realistic, it's more like a game with great graphics and this works well. One thing noteworthy in the novel is that it carries a lot of 1980s references, it's somewhat downplayed here and it collates together pop culture references (mostly visual) from all throughout the years instead of being confined into a decade. The pacing is okay for the most part but the competition does not feel well thought out. There are a lot of flaws with the way the keys are found and earned. Events happened too quickly before you can process it so it doesn't feel substantial. It's an enjoyable flick with plenty of action and the CGI is well done so it is still worth a watch.
