As a huge fan of the book, “Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline I have eagerly awaited the release of the movie version directed by Steven Spielberg. While I really enjoyed the movie I have to go back to that age old line “The book was better”.

Don’t get me wrong, the movie is outstanding and is an instant favorite. I have seen it twice and have to say it is worth the IMAX and 3D experience. The visuals are exceptional and if you hadn’t read the book the story is engrossing. I highly recommend the movie but read the book first.

SPOILERS AHEAD

If you haven’t read the book or seen the movie let me give you a quick background of what it’s all about. Essentially, “Ready Player One” is 21st century version of the story told in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (Willy Wonka). In the story, James Halladay is the inventor of The Oasis which is a virtual reality world that everyone uses for work and play. When Halladay dies he leaves behind his fortune and his control over The Oasis to whomever finds his “Easter eggs” hidden within the virtual world. Thus begins a tale of adventure and nostalgia based in the pop culture of the 1980s as that is the time period Halladay fondly recalls as his happiest. This is where my true love of the book comes from and where the two versions (movie and book) begin to diverge. In both versions the winner of the contest must complete 3 challenges that will yield them keys to gates that ultimately will unlock the Easter egg and win the contest. Of course the villain of the story is a mega company, IOI, who is trying to win control of The Oasis via the contest and using their overwhelming resources to do so.