My favorite hero is Ready Player One work so well, and in my opinion, why the movie failed to capture the same magic. I will also show how it easily could have equaled, if not surpassed the novel if different writing, directing and casting decisions were made.
Before we delve into the analysis, here's a brief background as to why the novel means so much to me. I first came across Ready Player One back in 2012. The review of the book in Entertainment Weekly hooked me with the prospect of a dystopian adventure saga about an online universe based on the author’s (and my own) love of 80s pop culture.
I quickly picked up the book and was not disappointed. While some may take umbrage at the premise, which is the very definition of derivative, the execution was fast-paced and suspenseful, the dialogue was geeky and comical, and the puzzles were intricate and satisfying.
Add to that a cast of main characters that were well-drawn, surprising, and likable and it was easy to see why it became the phenomenal success it became and the future directing project of none other one of the main character’s heroes, Steven Spielberg.