Fans have been hot under the collar over the upcoming film adaptation of Ready Player One since the release of its first teaser back in July, at last year’s San Diego Comic-Con. Could it be a fun, engrossing story? Or would it merely be a two-hour collection of Easter eggs dedicated to feeding fans’ insatiable desire for nostalgia? Now that a few lucky folks have actually seen it, we’re closer to an answer to these questions. Based on the earliest reactions—including those from some people who had very low expectations—it sounds like the movie is going to win over a lot of viewers. Dan Casey discusses the positive response on today’s Nerdist News:
Ready Player One made its not-so-secret world premiere at this year’s SXSW in Austin on Sunday night, with director Steven Spielberg and cast on hand for the screening. As it turns out, many in attendance were thrilled with what they saw, with lots comparing it to some of Spielberg’s most beloved films.
#ReadyPlayerOne is classic Steven Spielberg. It’s got the references, the ferocious effects and the great ‘80s soundtrack, sure, but also the charm, the heart, the humor and a fantastic Alan Silvestri score. I loved it & so did this #SXSW crowd. Be excited for it! pic.twitter.com/xwPOGwXDxd
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) March 12, 2018
Ready Player One: Legit great. This is why we love movies…why we need pop culture. Major Spielberg
— Sean Cordy (@sean_cordy) March 12, 2018
If this doesn’t answer whether people loved #ReadyPlayerOne, I don’t know what will. pic.twitter.com/2uXGYCAck7
— Beatrice Verhoeven (@bverhoev) March 12, 2018
Ready Player One is a pop culture extravaganza. A truly one of a kind film that combines video games, tv, movies, music, & action figures into one huge crowd pleasing film. Prepare to be wowed & see this on the biggest screen with the best sound system possible. #ReadyPlayerOne pic.twitter.com/Tj6QuqI9oF
— Scott Menzel (@ScottDMenzel) March 12, 2018
READY PLAYER ONE: So so so much movie. Sometimes too much but what I kept thinking over and over again was “my kids are gonna LOVE THIS.†It is joyous and thrilling for the people who it’s designed to joy and thrill.
— Brian Tallerico (@Brian_Tallerico) March 12, 2018
So yeah, I LOVED Ready Player One. It’s perhaps the geekiest movie ever made. So so so happy right now!
— Eric Vespe (@EricVespe) March 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/Aaron_Morgan/status/973061563337924608
READY PLAYER ONE feels like Spielberg watched a ton of Luc Besson movies and decided to outdo them. In terms of pure spectacle, it’s the most astonishing thing he’s done. Never underestimate Steve. #SXSW
— erickohn (@erickohn) March 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/graedrake/status/973067082148601857
https://twitter.com/scottEweinberg/status/973062374470094849
#ReadyPlayerOne is classic Spielberg fun! What a blast, can't wait to see it again. Rewards repeat viewings. Tons of great references, visuals and heart. So kick ass it blew the speakers!
— Robert Rodriguez (@Rodriguez) March 12, 2018
Ready Player One was, without a doubt, one of the best experiences I've ever had watching a movie. Thank you Steven Spielberg for this masterpiece!!
— Rach (@heythererachy) March 12, 2018
I don’t know if I have ever seen a #SXSW crowd cheer on a movie the way they just cheered on #ReadyPlayerOne. We haven’t seen this Spielberg in a long time – it’s just pure entertainment and it’s hard not to watch it without a dorky smile on your face the whole time
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) March 12, 2018
Went into READY PLAYER ONE skeptical as hell. Came out largely as a joyous convert. I have a handful of issues with the structure and characters, but it improves on the book in important ways, the action is riveting, and I really bought the humor. #readyplayerone
— Tasha Robinson (@TashaRobinson) March 12, 2018
What a fantastic love letter to games and pop culture from Mr. Spielberg! An awesome book is now an awesome film! Every gamer should see Ready Player One. Super fun, extremely satisfying and offers a ton of new things even for book readers! #AJsBadAssSealOfApproval
— Joe Vargas (@AngryJoeShow) March 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/xymarla/status/973062464916086784
let's talk about Ready Player One!
Not a big fan of the book tbqh, and I had more concerns about what would be added than what would be removed.
SS played this well, downplaying the book's sketchier aspects and amplifying the easy cool stuff #BGNSXSW #ReadyPlayerOne
— Leo Faierman (@LeonardoEff) March 12, 2018
READY PLAYER ONE: Good lord I was wrong about this one. It’s oodles of fun and kind of the antithesis of Cline’s novel in terms of its quality. References weren’t too cloying for me, but I was so close I couldn’t pick out too much. #sxsw
— nick johnston (@onlysaysficus) March 12, 2018
AHHHH READY PLAYER ONE!!!!! Haven’t felt that sense of childlike wonder since JURASSIC PARK. This film lacks the terror of that film but the sense of joy is overwhelming. This film is love. #sxsw #sxfilm #sxswfilm #ReadyPlayerOne
— Alex PARIS 2024 BOUND (@LSUgymtiger) March 12, 2018
READY PLAYER ONE: So so so much movie. Sometimes too much but what I kept thinking over and over again was “my kids are gonna LOVE THIS.†It is joyous and thrilling for the people who it’s designed to joy and thrill.
— Brian Tallerico (@Brian_Tallerico) March 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/aliciamalone/status/973063167646601216
READY PLAYER ONE feels like Spielberg watched a ton of Luc Besson movies and decided to outdo them. In terms of pure spectacle, it’s the most astonishing thing he’s done. Never underestimate Steve. #SXSW
— erickohn (@erickohn) March 12, 2018
I didn’t think I would like #ReadyPlayerOne, but I liked it a WHOLE LOT. I think people cheered and laughed every 2 mins and dang this film was entertaining. So many references, I can’t wait for everyone to see it so we can all talk about it! #sxsw
— Beatrice Verhoeven (@bverhoev) March 12, 2018
What’s notable about those reactions is not just that all of those people were effusive in their praise, but how much they all echoed the same sentiments.
However, there were those who in attendance who did not walk away nearly as impressed.
There's no scene or story element in Ready Player One with which I don't have a bone to pick
— Jenny Nicholson (@JennyENicholson) March 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/AnarchistPrince/status/973156292641656832
literally my face during every second of Ready Player One. pic.twitter.com/dqZTNeN81r
— britt hayes (@britthates) March 12, 2018
#ReadyPlayerOne posits a corporate big wig who exploits fan culture for profit as its villain. The irony of that is giving me a headache. This is no love letter to pop culture. It’s a crass play to nostalgia; it offers nothing new or exciting.
— Kristy Puchko (@KristyPuchko) March 12, 2018
Are you optimistic for Ready Player One? On which side of the film’s stark divide do you expect to land? Let us know your thoughts, or if you prefer to remain closed mouthed until you get to see the film for yourself, we can’t wait to hear from you on March 29!
Featured Image: Warner Bros.
More fun!
- There’s still time to win tickets to Ready Player One‘s LA premiere!
- Ready Player One recreates 11 classic film posters
- Enter the world of Westworld with this new mobile game
