Ready Player One movie

[AndrewP]

I'm with Rik. I discovered symphonic metal when I was about 50 and it's now one of my favorite genres of music. I also discovered German hard core techno. Even went through a phase of liking country when I was in my 40's and have pretty much a bit of everything in my music collection (except for rap... don't see myself getting into that unless I end up with some serious head trauma or something.)

[Joseph]

I admit I haven't read the book yet, but it's on my list and seems like it'll be right in my wheelhouse for any number of reasons.

Having said which, I admit that I have a problem sometimes with stories that are set in "VR" where the protagonists are actually just sitting in their squalid apartments with silly glasses on; I have a bit of difficulty watching the VR action without thinking, "Well, but really, that's just a guy sitting on his couch with an Xbox controller in his hands." But that's probably just me.

(I have less of an issue when it's something like The Matrix where they're actually directly interfacing with the virtual realm.)

[Trike]

Joseph wrote: "Having said which, I admit that I have a problem sometimes with stories that are set in "VR" where the protagonists are actually just sitting in their squalid apartments with silly glasses on; I have a bit of difficulty watching the VR action without thinking, "Well, but really, that's just a guy sitting on his couch with an Xbox controller in his hands." ..."

Amusing content-aware ad of the Oculus Rift juxtaposed with your post.

[Fresno Bob]

Rik wrote: "John (Nevets) wrote: "This could very well be an urban myth, but at one time I heard that your musical "tastes" were pretty much cemented by the time you turned 30. This was not to say you couldn't..."

If you like Joy Division, check out "She Wants Revenge" or "TV Ghost"

[Tom]

What they are calling 'Official Trailer 1' just dropped today:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSp1d...

(view spoiler)[This looks like a significant departure from the book.
Which is fine, there are parts of the book that would be very boring as cinema. (hide spoiler)]

[AndrewP]

Tom wrote: "What they are calling 'Official Trailer 1' just dropped today:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSp1d...

This looks like a significant departure from the book.
Which is fine, there are parts o..."

I think it looks a lot better than the first trailer we saw though.

[Trike]

The woman who says “Find him” plays Dutch on Killjoys. She’s also going to be in Ant-Man and the Wasp next summer.

[Rob, Roberator]

Trike wrote: "The woman who says “Find him” plays Dutch on Killjoys. She’s also going to be in Ant-Man and the Wasp next summer."

Hmm. I missed that. I'll have to rewatch the trailer.

I hope this movie is good. I really loved the book, and every time there is news on it, a large part of the internet seems to revel is calling it trash.

[Tom]

When I ask people what they liked about it, I get at least three different answers.

The 80's nostalgia
The video games and references
The depiction of virtual reality

That's a powerful mix that creates a broad audience. The nitpickers frequently cite the first two of those as flaws, then claim that the main character is a Marty Sue.

[Rob, Roberator]

Well, I'm the first to admit the story/writing isn't the best. But that's never been an issue for me.

I really love all the nostalgia, references and world building though.

I think it's often one of those things where not everything has to be a masterpiece of it's field to be enjoyable.

I also think there are some people who simply hate the idea that other people love something they thought was bad and want to tear it down.

[John (Nevets)]

In quick burns it was mentioned that Ernest Cline was writing a sequel. While I think this was a fine stand alone book and didn't need that. I do think the world he developed could hold more stories. Think about Ender's Game and how divergent both the true sequels and the parallel "Shadow" books are from the original story. That to me would be the best way to approach a sequel to this sort of story, do something significantly different in either story type, or character development. But I'm not Ernie, so we will just have to wait and see. The only problem is that based on what I've heard about Armada he may not be inclined to think that far out of the box.

[Rob, Roberator]

I don't feel the book needs a sequel, but depending on the premise I'd read one simply because I want to spend more time in the Oasis.

I thought Armada was fine, but he did reuse a lot of themes, and I agree he doesn't seem to be able to extend himself very much.

[Tom]

I'd enjoy at least one more story set in this story world. The Oasis is infinite, so finding a container for a story there is a challenge. For the sequel to Wreck It Ralph they went outside the arcade games to the infinity of the internet, so I'm curious how they solved the same story issue - creating a specific place and time for the conflict.

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

Tom wrote: "What they are calling 'Official Trailer 1' just dropped today:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSp1d..."

Looks good! I'm in.

[Fresno Bob]

the book had me at "Tomb of Horrors" and "Joust"

[Michele]

The new trailer made the movie look much more appealing than that first one a few months ago.

I'm also a big fan of the book (45 yrs old), even though I think it's pretty badly written, lol. The book had me at Ladyhawke :)

People always talk about it as cyberpunkish, but no one seems to mention that it's clearly a portal fantasy story (with all the clichés of 80s fantasy stories), just wrapped up in pretty scifi paper. I mean - Orphan Chosen One, Spunky Princess Love Interest, trusty sidekick/best friend, other helpful party members, an epic quest chain of actual MacGuffins, two mentor wizards that only pop in to give twisted prophecy advice, a Big Bad and his horde, giant climactic battle scene.... It's like Cline was channeling David Eddings.

[Brian]

Yeah, Michelle, I'm 44 and in that sweet spot, too. To me, it's basically Willy Wonka with 80s references instead of candy.

And yes, this trailer was more story-oriented than being just a sizzle reel.

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

Michele wrote: "People always talk about it as cyberpunkish, but no one seems to mention that it's clearly a portal fantasy story (with all the clichés of 80s fantasy stories), just wrapped up in pretty scifi paper. I mean - Orphan Chosen One, Spunky Princess Love Interest, trusty sidekick/best friend, other helpful party members, an epic quest chain of actual MacGuffins, two mentor wizards that only pop in to give twisted prophecy advice, a Big Bad and his horde, giant climactic battle scene.... It's like Cline was channeling David Eddings."

So true. Michelle, your comments always make me wish there was a "like" button.

[AndrewP]

Except those are not just tropes for 80's fantasy stories, they go way back into mythology. Usually people refer to them in relation to The Hero's Journey: Joseph Campbell on His Life & Work'. Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and many others follow this basic outline.

[Trike]

The difference being that most of those earlier works were created before the Hero’s Journey was written, and before it became a popular thing. Now people use it like a checklist, which is a terrible way to construct a story.

[David H.]

Trike wrote: "Now people use it like a checklist, which is a terrible way to construct a story. "

*cough* (view spoiler)[ Eragon (hide spoiler)] I agree.

[Michele]

AndrewP wrote: "Except those are not just tropes for 80's fantasy stories, they go way back into mythology. Usually people refer to them in relation to [book:The Hero's Journey: Joseph Campbell on His Life & Work|..."

Yes, but I think it was in the 70s and 80s when most of those tropes were being used un-ironically, earnestly, openly, in fantasy. Embracing the familiar and running with it. No, #notallfantasy, but plenty of it.

[Tom]

Trike wrote: "The difference being that most of those earlier works were created before the Hero’s Journey was written, and before it became a popular thing. Now people use it like a checklist, which is a terrib..."

The checklist method has roots in Chris Vogler's interpretation of the Hero's Journey in his book The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers which started as a memo he wrote while working as a story analyst for a film studio.

It really turned into a checklist when Blake Snyder released his book Save the Cat! which is an actual checklist.

There's been a lot of pushback against this method, most notably by Robert McKee Story and Lisa Cron Story Genius among others.

Even then, many of the gurus acknowledge that most stories are some version of a quest.

[Rick]

"Even then, many of the gurus acknowledge that most stories are some version of a quest. "

I think the issue is how well the author makes this happen. Good authors flesh out their characters, do interesting magic systems, build a world we can almost feel. Off the cuff example, the Mistborn trilogy.

RP1 and others let you see the bones of the story. RP1 itself tries to distract you with shiny 80s bling, but little else.

Oddly, I think it could make a better movie than it does a book since so much of its appeal IS the bling (the Oasis, etc). If they've approached this with a sympathetic tone and not one that plays gaming etc with a 'wink wink, nudge... aren't these gamers FUNNY?' one then it could be a fun movie. The book, though, is too clearly a write by numbers Hero's Journey with stock characters in a world that's been done before, and better.

[Trike]

Tom wrote: "Even then, many of the gurus acknowledge that most stories are some version of a quest. "

I think pretty much all stories can be reduced to the binary of "man leaves home/stranger comes to town."

Once authors start being that reductive, it becomes absurd. As Howard Tayler said on the Writing Excuses podcast, once you reduce everything down to the Hero's Journey, Star Wars and The Wizard of Oz are the same story.

Recognizing that every story is built from the same basic parts is different from simply doing a knock-off based on listing those elements. All cars use the same basic pieces utilizing the same basic design, but driving a Mercedes is a far different experience from driving a Yugo.

Here's a great comparison between the movies Green Lantern and Dr. Strange. Reduced to these elements, plot points and characters, they are the exact same movie. Except the former is utter crap while the latter is terrific.

https://youtu.be/fD3_V-BSaTs

[Tom]

Trike wrote: As Howard Tayler said on the Writing Excuses podcast, once you reduce everything down to the Hero's Journey, Star Wars and The Wizard of Oz are the same story.

Which is exactly what Blake Snyder asserts.

Recognizing that every story is built from the same basic parts is different from simply doing a knock-off based on listing those elements.

Agreed, but it's still helpful for a writer to understand how to use the tools.

Here are Snyder's "genres" quoted from his book, that are indeed reductive, and wherein he does group Star Wars and The Wizard of Oz in the same genre:

Monster in the House – Of which Jaws, Tremors, Alien, The Exorcist, Fatal Attraction, and Panic Room are examples.

Golden Fleece – This is the category of movie best exemplified by Star Wars; The Wizard of Oz; Planes, Trains and Automobiles; Back To The Future; and most “heist movies.”

Out of the Bottle – This incorporates films like Liar, Liar; Bruce Almighty; Love Potion #9; Freaky Friday; and Flubber.

Dude with a Problem – This is a genre that ranges in style, tone, and emotional substance from Breakdown and Die Hard to Titanic and Schindler’s List.

Rites Of Passage – Every change-of-life story from 10 to Ordinary People to Days of Wine and Roses makes this category.

Buddy Love – This genre is about more than the buddy movie dynamic as seen in cop buddy pictures, Dumb & Dumber, and Rain Man — but also every love story ever made!

Whydunit – Who cares who, it’s why that counts. Includes Chinatown, China Syndrome, JFK, and The Insider.

The Fool Triumphant – One of the oldest story types, this category includes Being There, Forrest Gump, Dave, The Jerk, Amadeus, and the work of silent clowns like Chaplin, Keaton, and Lloyd.

Institutionalized – Just like it sounds, this is about groups: Animal House, M*A*S*H, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and “family” sagas such as American Beauty and The Godfather.

Superhero – This isn’t just about the obvious tales you’d think of, like Superman and Batman, but also includes Dracula, Frankenstein, even Gladiator and A Beautiful Mind.

Edit: I'm not endorsing this system, just showing some of the roots of the method.

[John (Taloni)]

Trike wrote: "once you reduce everything down to the Hero's Journey, Star Wars and The Wizard of Oz are the same story."

I can see it now! "We're off to fight the Death Star, the horrible death star of Darth, because because because becaaaaaause...because the dark side's a terrible force!"

Then they meet the Great and Powerful Darth, who is all helmet and coerced to the dark side, and R2ToTo reveals him for what he is. Then Darth takes off the mask, returns to the light side of the Force, and is seen flying off in a hot air balloon powered by the emissions of four green light sabers.

[Trike]

If only the prequels were just a dream....

[Dara]

Fantastic ‘Ready Player One’ Posters Pay Homage to Your Favorite Movies from the Past

I mean... I wouldn't call them 'fantastic'... but ya know, to each their own.

[Rob, Roberator]

Yeah. I love the book and I'm excited for the movie, but those posters were pretty bad IMHO.

[Tom]

I think whoever is running the RPO movie marketing is brilliant. First the poster with the ridiculous long leg, and now these. This is all designed to create controversy and discussion. Which it does.

[Sean]

Dara wrote: "Fantastic ‘Ready Player One’ Posters Pay Homage to Your Favorite Movies from the Past

I mean... I wouldn't call them 'fantastic'... but ya know, to each their own."

No, they're really bad. There's no reason they couldn't've licensed the actual Blade Runner font, but instead they took a regular font, manipulated one A and put an invisible line through the text.

And the Labyrinth one ... did they just try one gradient on the text and decide, "Yeah, close enough"? At least make an attempt at recreating the 3D effect.

If a college student turned these in as a digital art project, they'd get a C.

[Dara]

The Verge wasn't quite as nice as SlashFilm about it: "But for a few of the posters — like the riff on The Matrix, below — the aesthetic looks more like something you’d get if you handed a teenager a cracked copy of Photoshop."

Are these Ready Player One posters supposed to be cool or cringeworthy?

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

The Iron Giant one is great. Might as well have just used the original.

[Brendan]

https://twitter.com/electrolemon/stat...

[Ian (RebelGeek)]

Ya’ll drinkin’ Haterade.

[Dara]

And of course... because the internet is the internet, they've started making their own posters.

Things really escalated after those Ready Player One fan-art posters were released via The AV Club.

[Trike]

I think the posters are stupidly fun and on the nose. In other words, exactly like the book.

This thing is peak dorkdom, so they should totally embrace that.

[Rik]

I saw it opening day and loved it.

There are very substantial changes from the book which it only really follows in concept but some of the changes were both necessary and probably for the better. For instance Wade playing Joust wouldn't really work on the screen so they put in the car race that is featured prominently in the trailers in its places. Other challenges are different though one crucial one is the same.

Definitely going to be worth seeing again just to try and catch all the visual easter eggs. There are just so many that you tend to miss them or immediately forget about them. For instance I found it weird there was no Star Wars only to read about all the Star Wars references and then go "oh yeah, that was there."

And for those who doubted, Artemis had her birthmark in the movie.

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

I saw it and liked it. My 14 year old daughter liked it too, and now she wants to read the book.

I enjoyed the special effects and the many easter eggs. I didn't mind the changes to the plot which like Rik pointed out were necessary for a movie-going audience. We watched it in 3D which enhanced the experience - I find this is terrific in some movies but unnecessary in others.

[Tom]

I read the book and I thought they did a wonderful job with the movie adaptation. All of the changes were justified to make a fun movie-going experience, for both newcomers and book fans alike.

Five thumbs up!

[Michele]

I really enjoyed the movie, none of the changes bothered me much - aside from wishing for at least a few Monty Python quotes. I did get nauseated - I have to start avoiding the IMAX 3D versions of films with a lot of action, I guess.

Okay - are any of you also Community (the TV show) fans? Because when they first showed us Wade with his gear on and the harness and the omni-directional track...I had a very strong memory of the Dean with his terribly outdated VR rig, intoning "Jesus Wept!" over and over.

[Iain]

I saw this yesterday with my 14 yo son. It was a perfectly serviceable Spielberg movie with amiable stars. My son loved it and enjoyed the various video game references.

Standard Hollywood problems of prettifying the characters (they have all been on diets and had a lot more sun than the characters should have) but that it normal in a mainstream movie.

Perfectly harmless. Nothing great but a good way to spend a rainy afternoon.

[Rob, Roberator]

I enjoyed the movie, but not as much as the book. I had fun. I was fine with most of the changes.

My main disappointment was how little Off their was.

I went with 5 people who hadn't read the book. Most liked it. I think one thought it was OK.

[Rik]

Its been 5 years or so since I listened to the audio book (I've never *read* it). Decided today after the movie to do it again. OMG, even though its easily my favorite audio book of all time I nonetheless had forgotten how much I loved it. Even though I know whats coming I'm making up reasons to do things which will allow me to listen more just to get to the next part. Going to go see the movie again probably next weekend.

[Rob, Roberator]

I listened to the book about a month ago in preparation for the movie. I'll probably wait to buy it rather than see it in theatres again.

[Silvana]

Just watched it and it was pure popcorn with some groanworthy moments. I liked the book better.

Was chuckling a bit seeing Director Krennic and Dutch here since I kept remembering their characters in Rogue One and Dark Matter.

[LouLouReads]

I seem to be in the minority, but I couldn't get into the book at all and *loved* the film. I felt like the exposition and world building was handled much better (in the end, it was the pages upon pages of exposition that caused me to stop reading). It was a hugely enjoyable film with a few extremely silly moments, as most big action films have.

[Tom]

I like Jenny Nicholson's YouTube channel. She does a pretty good analysis here, that some fans are upset about. I think it's possible to enjoy the movie/book and also consider her critique:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07w3u...

[John (Nevets)]

Got a love $5 Tuesdays at the theater. Just got back from this one. It was fine, and most of the changes were understandable, there were a few I wish they had left in, but hey I'm not a mainstream audience. The biggest being (view spoiler)[I wished they had left Wade in High School, and done a bit with that. (hide spoiler)]

I also do not understand why on earth they didn't do something. With all the other references made how did they not (view spoiler)[have Wade (or Halliday) come back at the end of credits and ask the audience "Why we were still there?" If one movie deserved to do that homage, it was this one, or even a possible "Back to the Future" credits reference, but nothing, what a waste of an opportunity. (hide spoiler)]

Overall, I liked it, and I could see watching it again in a few years, but nothing more then that.