Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Steven Spielberg, Amblin Entertainment & Roadshow Films, M 160 Minutes
Steven Spielberg is renowned for making entertaining sci-fi movies and his latest endeavor is nothing short of spectacular incorporating nostalgic movies from past synonymous with the pop culture of the 70’s-90, a fascinating storyline and some stunning special effects.
The film’s title is adapted from Ernest Cline’s acclaimed 2011 novel and revolves around the adventures of teenager Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan –‘Detour’) as he attempts to escape his dreary existence by spending time in a virtual reality world.
The story is actually set in 2045 where Wade like most of the world’s population is forced to live in a crumbling city’s scrapyard finding solace in Oasis a virtual reality gaming setting created by James Halliday (Mark Rylance –‘BFG’).
On one of his regular trips to the Oasis Wade – appearing as the incarnated avatar Parzival – teams up with close friend Aech (Lena Waithe – in her debut performance) before befriending another avatar Art3mis (Olivia Cooke –‘The Signal’) whose real name is Samantha.
Following his death, Halliday provides the opportunity to a prospective winner to find a hidden Easter egg after leaving three keys that will ultimately lead the successful person to gaining full control of Oasis and his huge fortune.
Besides the threesome (Parzival, Art3mis and Aech) in their animated avatars in hot pursuit of the prize there is Nolan Sorrento (Aussie actor Ben Mendelsohn – ‘Darkest Hour’) the unscrupulous CEO hell-bent on taking over the Oasis game.
And as the hunt progresses Parzival is shown driving a DeLorean at the same time as doing his best to flee from a giant gorilla while avoiding being captured by Sorrento’s cronies called the Sixers.
This is just one of many action scenes in which Parzival and his friends must do battle with Sorrento both in the real and virtual world if they are to survive as well as claim the ultimate prize.
After seeing Spielberg’s epic production there is no doubt that the legendary filmmaker is paying tribute to many memorable films of the past such as ‘Alien’, ‘Back to the Future’, ‘Chucky’, ‘The Iron Giant’, ‘King Kong’ and ‘The Shining’.
In painting his version of a dystopian future Spielberg’s virtual reality film (even with a few flaws) has actually turned out to be an enjoyable and entertaining experience with Sheridan, Rylance, Mendelsohn and Cooke providing the most pleasing performances.
Vic’s Verdict: 3 ½ Stars
