Sci-fi and Heroic Fantasy discussion

According to Hollywood Reporter, Steven Spielberg will direct a movie adaptation of Cline's cyber-romp through 80's nostalgia, Ready Player One. Steven Spielberg To Direct Sci-Fi Cult Favorite ‘Ready Player One'; Back At Warner Bros

(Might be worth remembering a couple of months ago they reported with equal enthusiasm that Christopher Nolan was on board the same project.)

I love the book. One of my all time favorite books. I hope he does well with the movie.

I listened to this read by Wil Wheaton which made it even better. The movie could be excellent, but I hope they don't get slaughtered by copyright fights. I can see some companies being real jerks about allowing their stuff to be shown - a huge mistake, IMO. This would be a springboard for a revival, great advertizing for bands, movies, & old games.

I agree, this is a movie that could be done really really well, but it could also be messed up really easily.

Have not read this one. I'll have to add it to my list.

The book kinda close to the movie Matrix in spirit, so I would be the first one in line for the tickets if Wachowsky siblings direct it. Spieblerg I am cautiously optimistic about.

Jim wrote: "The movie could be excellent, but I hope they don't get slaughtered by copyright fights. I can see some companies being real jerks about allowing their stuff to be shown ..."

So, to follow the book, they'd have to clear the movie Wargames (which is from UA, a different studio), a TV show, Godzilla & Ultraman a few old arcade video games (Joust, Pacman & Defender), a D&D module, some 80s music (movies are used to doing that),...

The movie won't have time for nearly as many geeky references is the book, so they can probably pare it down to just a few that they can strike a deal to use.

Zemeckis managed to get both WB & Disney to clear use of Daffy & Donald Duck, Bugs Bunny & Mickey Mouse for Who Framed Roger Rabbit. (As well as some indie Toons such as Felix the Cat.)

The alternative is to invent 80s nostalgia that doesn't actually exist, e.g. Galaxy Quest.

G33z3r wrote: "...The alternative is to invent 80s nostalgia that doesn't actually exist, e.g. Galaxy Quest. "

I hope they don't go with the alternative. Those bits of 80's trivia are exactly what made the book for me. For instance, I have very fond memories of playing Joust. Making up another game like it to take its place just wouldn't be the same.

Agreed, in a very real way, this book set in the future is all about the past. Without legitimate 80's elements, I doubt it would get enough of the people who loved the book to relate with a film adaptation. Regardless, I'm ecstatic about the movie news - I read the book and love Wil Wheaton's audio version as well. It has the potential to show a lot of the newer generations out here what their definition of "cool" was built on.

Jim, I read the book, then learned that Wil Wheaton did the narration for the audiobook. I bought it for my birthday and loved it. He was perfect for that narration.

Leo (Rahien Sorei) wrote: "... It has the potential to show a lot of the newer generations out here what their definition of "cool" was built on. "

As someone who was an adult during that decade, I'll dispute that statement, but agree with the general sentiment.
;)

So pumped for this

Seems like a good fit. I am really looking forward to this movie.

The way I see it- you only need two well-known actors in this movie- one to play Ogden Morrow, and one to play Nolen Sorrento. (Cause- if it is going to be attached to a studio- they have to have the drawing power of well known actors. You know- in case the increasingly rabid following for the book isn't enough.) And as they don't actually have all that much screen time- most of the budget would rightfully be spent on CGI.

Sarah wrote: "I enjoyed the novel, but found the first trailer for the movie underwhelming. Ready Player One Trailer. Yes, it was interesting to get a visual of The Stacks. Beyond that, my impression was a sameness to so many other movie trailers. Sure, I'm not the target audience, being more of the '70s. I would love to know how younger fans of the novel feel about the trailer. ..."

Not the soundtrack I'd expect for an 80's nostalgia trip.

G33z3r wrote: "Not the soundtrack I'd expect for an 80's nostalgia trip."

Well technically Tom Sawyer is an 80's song, and Rush is mentioned in the book. I think they should have used something that really screams 80s, though: heavily synthed-pop (something like Depeche mode) or even hair metal.

By the way I like how they managed to avoid hyperboles and stay grounded with expressions like "cinematic game changer Steven Spielberg" and "Ernest Cline's holy grail of pop culture".

I have a great imagination and after seeing the trailer, I think I am going to have to pass. I enjoyed this book to smithereens and I don't want any IOI agents messing with it ;)

But seriously, first trailers are supposed to wow you into watching. I was like "UGH".

Rachel wrote: "I have a great imagination and after seeing the trailer, I think I am going to have to pass. I enjoyed this book to smithereens and I don't want any IOI agents messing with it ;)

But seriously, f..."

nothing is at all like i pictured it, i'm skeptical as well....I'll wait and see other people's opinion.