Virtual Reality: Review of Ready Player One

Ready Player One

Director: Steven Spielberg

By Alex Watson

Adapting the beloved novel Ready Player One by Ernest Cline was no easy job. Few directors were better equipped for the task than Steven Spielberg. In stunning detail, the legendary director captures the virtual paradise that is 'The Oasis' and he stays true to the novel's pop culture references (including several cheeky nods to his own work). While it nails the look and feel of the novel, the characters in this universe feel underdeveloped on screen. The script by Zak Penn and Ernest Cline is well paced but the splicing and dicing of the original story will alienate hardcore fans.

Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan) is a teenager living in a decrepit 2045 Columbus, Ohio. With the world in ruins and society having fallen, most people opt to send their entire days inside the virtual reality world 'The Oasis'. This world was the product of innovator James Halliday (Mark Rylance) and Ogden Morrow (Simon Pegg). After Halliday's death, he left an Easter Egg within the game and whoever passes the three challenges required will inherit his entire company. Wade (playing as avatar Parzival) sets out to claim, but his quest will bring into contact notorious gamer Art3mis (Olivia Cooke).

Any fans who have ever wondered how on earth this imaginary world could even be plausible on screen- you will not be disappointed. Seeing this production in 3D is truly awe-inspiring and you will find yourself transfixed. Spielberg gives all kinds of hard to spot popular culture fun like a car race interrupted by T-Rex from Jurassic Park and King Kong and a battle scene featuring the likes of Jason Voorhees and Freddy Kruger. Literally, Spielberg populates his movie with some many little finds (Zemeckis cube anyone), you will find your eyes in a state of cat-like readiness. With it's 80's cheese soundtrack of Van Halen, Hall & Oates and Joan Jett, this world feels like stepping back in time while surrounded by the beautiful future. We never really learn how the world has declined into a people living in stacks, but in this movie, such details are considered irrelevant.

We learn early on that Wade is a 'Gunter' (a person who hunts the easter egg), this quest brings him to Art3mis' path and both emerge as two purists who are well ahead of the game. Their ability to clue into the smallest details while looking back through Halliday's old journals is mind-bending. Of course, sparks fly but his buddy Aech (Lena Waithe) remains sceptical on the subject of digital love. It also set up a hilarious sequence when along with the other gunters they are forced to search through 'The Shining's' Overlook Hotel. The scary old lady in the bathtub takes on a whole new meaning here.  A rival company IOI are looking to claim the egg for themselves. Nolan Sorrento (Ben Mendelsohn) is the corporate jerk out to ruin everyone's fun and he has amassed an army of people called 'Sixers' whom he owns through debt. He even sets up 'Loyalty Camps' to ensure anyone and everyone aids him. Sorrento is not a man who wishes to have the keys to the kingdom not because he is skilled at playing the game, but because he just wants to get even richer.

Despite this capturing the feel of Cline's novel, the story itself is left second to the visuals. The backstory of the falling out of Morrow and Halliday feels more like a tidbit here. Also, the actual quest Parzival undertakes is completely changed for the movie. Those who have read the book will be unaffected, but fans will fume. In the novel, Morrow plays a vital role in the potential success of our heroes, here this character barely registers. Although Wade and Art3mis make for a cute couple and they firmly stabilize the story both in and out of the game- the same can't be said for the rest of the supporting cast. Other Gunter's Sho (Philip Zhao) and Toshiro (Win Morisaki) are barely given a look in. The decision to bump up antagonist i-R0k (voiced by T.J Miller) is strange because he barely features in the novel. Spielberg does give us a realistic and utterly believable version of Halliday who in this universe was a shy and conflicted Steve Jobs type. Overall, it hard to complain too much about Spielberg's adaptation and it hard to imagine a better person to bring this world to life.

Tye Sheridan has recently been a young actor with promise through his turn's in Nic Cage's movie 'Joe' and the comedy 'A Scout's Guide to the Apocalypse'. Spielberg has always had a good idea for future and Sheridan is excellent throughout. Channelling the die-hard gamer who wants to save The Oasis from corruption, he has the movie's heart on display. Olivia Cooke who was so excellent in the dark comedy Thoroughbred's adds another impressive performance to her resume. Together these two are a charming pair of romantic leads. Mark Rylance, although very briefly on screen is scene-stealingly brilliant as the terminally awkward Halliday. Ben Mendelsohn however, is once again shortchanged in a big film. His Nolan Sorrento has the potential to be a cunning nemesis. In this universe, he just comes across an egotistical dick with little substance.

Ready Player One is a game that you'll want to play by the movie's end. Keep your eyes peeled though, you will busy spotting different characters.

Standing On The Shoulders Of Giants: Review of The BFG

The BFG

Director: Steven Spielberg

By Alex Watson

Despite Steven Spielberg wielding some neat and magical visual touches, his adaptation of Roald Dahl's The BFG cannot escape feeling slightly underwhelming. The casting of Mark Rylance and Ruby Barnhill is inspired and the pair together are the main source of fuel for Spielberg's picture. The principle problem is that although this adaptation is wonderful is some areas, it also drags in others. Although the great man tries his hardest, this just doesn't feel like vintage Spielberg.

Sophie (Ruby Barnhill) is an orphan living in London who one night is snatched up by giant The BFG (Mark Rylance). Taking her back to his home, The Giant World the pair begin to bond when he shares his hobby of collection and giving dreams to people. In this land, he is one friendly giant as all others are bloodthirsty children eaters led by the Fleshlumpeater (Jermaine Clement). Together the pair hatches a plan to put a stop of their evil deeds for good.

Despite a very promising and tense opening where we see The BFG snatch Sophie from her bed during 'the witching hour' Spielberg cannot keep this momentum going. Seeing his giant hand reaching for the curtains is as thrilling on a big screen as it was on paper. The early scenes of her introduction to this 24-foot gentle giant are very touching with some well-timed comic moments. His constant particular speech and mispronouncing of words get plenty of laughs, as he refers to humans as 'Beans'. But none get more giggles than when he shows what when you do a 'Whiz-Pop' by drinking Frobscottle. Although these scenes do bring a charm, the film is too reliant on dialogue and as a result, scenes feel overly long.

London has never looked more wonderous on screen and the scenes set during the black velvet night look like something right out of a fairytale as BFG and Sophie deliver a pleasant dream to young boy where he gets a call from the US President. Entering Giant country, at first, we are transfixed by its beauty, most notably during a gorgeous sequence where we see the giant collecting dream. The FX in this scene sparkles like a beautiful dream and is a rare moment of wonder. The child-eating giants while visually impressive, lack any kind of development and they feel tame compared to the horrifying creatures in the 1989 animated version. BFG is bullied for being a runt and is too meek to fight back. Yes, he has our support as the underdog, but after a point, we wish these guys would just go away.

The final act promises great things as Sophie and BFG approach the Queen (Penelope Wilton for help. Giving her one of the worst dreams imaginable, what follows is possible the strongest scene in the picture as she along with her maid Mary (a lovely Rebecca Hall) find Sophie outside her window. Can the Queen possibly believe this unlikely dream about the Giants she just had? Also, there is the added bonus of watching her butler Mr. Tibbs (Rafe Spall) trying to get the Queens guard out without giving himself away. Comedy galore comes rolling forward when BFG is giving breakfast, requiring servants to give large quantities of eggs, toast, and many other things while he is perched up high. Spielberg is known for being funny, but here is carries off well. Sadly for all our hopes, the finale is a rather bland one and only adds to the gigantic disappointment that has been looming throughout.

Mark Rylance proves to be a fine choice to portray the BFG and he is able to both charm and amuse us in equal measure. Sporting a West Country accent, this big guy is a slightly bumbling and confusing character at first. Once the kinks have been ironed out, a big-hearted and lovable giant is born and Rylance brings to life the joy that Dahl gave this character. Ruby Barnhill is an equally wise choice and her down to earth portrayal of Sophie is one of the movie's plus points. The two leads bounce off each other well and are primarily responsible for keeping at a respectable level. Jermaine Clement might have convinced as Boris The Animal in MIB 3, but he is given little work with here. In this age of CG, the Fleshlumpeater should have been a horrifying sight. Instead, he is reduced to comic foil.

The BFG has brief moments that will bring a smile, but Spielberg is not able to make this one of this summer's strongest hits. Hopefully, his adaptation of Ready Player One will be up to scratch.

Best Ralph Fiennes Moments

The Grand Budapest Hotel

In Wes Anderson's divine 2014 comedy, Fiennes proved his comic worth in a golden performance as self absorbed concierge Gustave M. His talents for fast talking and subtle humour where best demonstrated during one of cinema's most unorthodox interviews!

Schlinder's List

Steven Spielberg's 1993 Oscar winner was people's real introduction to Ralph Fiennes- as stone cold Nazi commandant Amon Goeth, Fiennes is able to freeze a scene whenever he steps forward. This sequence provided a perfect insight into Goeth short temper and perhaps inner frustration with himself. Hearts are in mouths as he attempts to shoot a Jewish factory worker simply because he can!

In Bruges

As foul mouthed mob boss Harry, Fiennes gave us an insight into his ability to do funny. The F-Bomb is never far away whenever this man rears his head. Through limited screen time, Fiennes succeeded in taking the movie from under star Colin Farrell. In this scene, his lurking threat is felt even when off scene!

Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire

As 'You Know Who' Fiennes was the perfect casting and his icy malice cast a dark and wide show over the series. Making the perfect entrance, his presence is felt almost immediately and in an instant, the man nightmares were created for is born!

(Maid in Manhatten Not Included!)

Pawn Sacrifice: Review of Bridge of Spies

Bridge of Spies

Director: Steven Spielberg

By Alex Watson

Marking the fourth collaboration between Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, this one might just be their strongest effort yet. Bridge of Spies is a finely made thriller that almost effortlessly bring forward the tension and frailty that the Cold War provided. This ride to justice is a long one, but the journey never once feels strained. Thanks to an Oscar worthy Tom Hanks and a cracking Coen Brothers script we see how much one man was willing to put on the line to save others. 

When Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance) is arrested by the US Government for being a Soviet spy, insurance lawyer James B Donovan (Tom Hanks) is given the unlikely task of defending him. Despite the guilty verdict, he still presses for the mans innocence much to the displeasure of his fellow partner Tom Watters (Alan Alda). But when a US pilot is shot down while on a mission over Soviet territory, Abel and Donovan find themselves involved in a potential swap deal. 

Spielberg smartly does not rush the telling of his story in Bridge of Spies as he knows that the sheer power of it drives the movie along. The build up to the possible exchange gets to almost unbearable levels of anxiety as Donovan enters East Berlin. Here a fair outcome is not promised and there is a sense that both the CIA and the Soviet agents aren't thoroughly concerned with being by the book. Abel is an almost meek and gentle presence who when arrested by the US agents greets them in his underpants asking them to hand him his false teeth. Donovan is a straight shooting character who believes that any man has a right to defense under the US Constitution. At first defending Abel is simply as a publicity stunt which frightens his wife Mary (Amy Ryan). Dirty looks are cast his way and the people soon turn against him, but never once does he fold. From early on he realizes the value Abel could bring to the US and this trust pays off big time. 

The chemistry between Abel and Donovan gives Spielberg's thriller an almost comic edge. Frequently we see his attorney ask the man "Aren't you worries?" only for him to reply "Would it help?" Early on a big pawn enters into the game when US pilot Francis Gary Powers (Austin Stowell) and idealistic and love-sick student Frederic Pryor are both captured and imprisoned. Entering the other side of the Iron Curtain, Donovan has to meet some ruthless and temperamental persona's such as shady and volatile GDR agent Vogel (Sebastien Koch). Securing a swap for both men is seemingly impossible and even his own government seems more concerned with Powers than Pryor. In East Berlin, Donovan is desperately out of his depth and there are moments that shock us. One moment sees two people brutally gunned down while attempting to cross from East to West! 

Featuring a script by the Coen Brothers, at point there is a typically zany feel by these two in Bridge of Spies. Watching Donovan meeting Abel fake and delusional East German family is one moment that is throw back to the screwball humor that are able to bring. There are also sequences that are wonderfully underplayed but offer electricity nonetheless. The calm and docile opening chase sequence on the Brooklyn subway is eye-catching throughout. The real point of suspense late on is as the switch becomes nearer. Will this go smoothly? Or will one over zealous agent throw a spanner into the works? Donovan in this sequence steps up his game and emerges as a real hero, particularly in the docile and almost charming way he blackmails a youthful office assistant. In this moment, he has found perhaps the one man in Berlin will listen hard! The uncertainty of what Abel's people will do with him is one question that haunts the picture. 

Tom Hanks shows what a presence he can still be when tasked with holding things together. As James Donovan he is the voice and face of reason and even when the odds are stack he goes down swinging. Hanks plays to the characters strengths and is an engrossing presence who willfully steps into the crooked ground. Mark Rylance however, steals the film from underneath Hanks with a buttoned down turn as the quiet Abel. Whenever Rylance appears he is a likable and almost tranquil presence. Steadfast in his beliefs, Abel makes no apologies for his past or present actions, he simply just wants to paint. Cast as the BFG in Spielberg's new adaptation of Roald Dahl's beloved novel, Rylance gives a big sign of what could be next. In this he is very much the little friendly giant who has become the US' most valuable asset. 

Bridge of Spies is one film that will no doubt be an awards favourite this year, if only for the acting work on display. Spielberg and Coen brothers have proven a fine mix and hopefully this is one collaboration we will see again.

Five Unfortunate Movie Deaths

Eaten on the Shitter (Jurassic Park)

As always in a Steven Spielberg picture, there is always an undercurrent of comedy. In this case it is the unfortunate timing of tightly wound lawyer Donald Gennaro (Martin Ferrero). Choosing to visit the men's room while a huge T-Rex is escaping is never a wise choice. On this occasion, his bowel moments will be the least of his worries.

VX Poison Gas (The Rock)

Early on in Michael Bay's 1996 action flick, VX poison gas is one of those things "we wish we could un-invent!" The full effects of these dastardly green balls is shown to us in a gruesome format. One soldier while attempting escape gets hit by it, what follows is Elephant Man style mutations as his painful last few moments pay out!

Losing My Head (The Omen)

Throughout this legendary horror, each nasty death predicted comes true in grim fashion. None more so than photographer Keith Jennings (David Warner). Towards the movie's climax, Jennings discovers just what the funny line across his photo comes to represent! Never rule out a lorry carrying glass window panes people.

Explosive (Four Lions)

In Chris Morris' clever satire towards the world of suicide bombers, there are multiple moments of shocking humor. The best one comes from the unfortunate end of Faisal. While running through a field of sheep carrying a bag of explosives- he manages to blow himself up! Previously this guy had been training birds to carry out the deed, imagine how that would have gone?

Sharp as a Razor (A Prophet)

According to Morgan Freeman "Prison is no fairytale world" and that is precisely the case throughout Jacques Audiard's drama. One scene has since become infamous as it sees new convict Malik (Tahar Rahim) slit the throat of troublesome Reyeb with a razor blade (Hichem Yacoubi) to appease a crime-lord. The full effect of this scene is chillingly realistic and will follow Malik at every turn.

Top 5 Movie Escapes

The Shawshank Redemption

The most iconic escape on this list see Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) conduct what is the most unlikely plan. Who would have thought that scraping a wall with a rock hammer would prove so effect? Well that and a giant poster. But Andy's break for freedom is picnic, just listen to the Morgan Freeman narration. However, as we see the famous image on Robbins stood bare chested in the rain, it is a moment that uplifts our hearts.

The Silence of the Lambs

Hannibal Lector's (Anthony Hopkins) escape from Memphis Police Custody is by far the most terrifying on the list. What starts as a routine check becomes something scary as hell. Who would have thought the most banal object could have the biggest effect on lives? What comes afterwards though, is clever trickery by director Jonathan Demme. "After you Sergeant Pembrey!"

The Great Escape 

 One of the 1960's truly great escape plans sees the Allies outsmarting their German captors at every turn. Seems their idea to put all the great escape artists into one camp was one that backfired spectacularly. But of all the various escapes on show, it is Virgil Hilt (Steve McQueen) and his daring motorcycle ride that amaze the most.

Ocean's Eleven

The finale of Steven Soderbergh's excellent remake is one to savor 14 years after release. The thing that makes this robbery so memorable is the misdirection that fools Bellagio owner, Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia). His quiet horror at realizing just what video tape he has in front of him sets up a cunning dupe by Danny Ocean (George Clooney).

Raiders of the Lost Ark 

Steven Spielberg started this legendary franchise with a bang back in 1981, and his breathtaking opening still stuns us to this day. Watching Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) risk life and limb to recover his precious artifact whilst the entire temple shakes is death dying stuff. But just when you think he safe, the ultimate challenge arrives- a huge rolling boulder!

Three Best Ice Bucket Challenges

Hugh Jackman, Garrett Hedlund, Rooney Mara & Entire Cast/Crew of Pan

Out of all the ALS Ice Bucket Challenges, this one had the most party atmosphere to it as Hugh Jackman, taking centre stage brings basically everyone but the Janitor into frame to accept the challenge! Now that's what you call an interesting work day!

Tom Cruise & Chris McQuarrie

The long time collaborators founded themselves challenged by Jackman & Co to undertake the challenge- but as they point out most the crew isn't there so they decide to take the hit for them. Have to say for sheer determination these two do well, you almost feel their strain by the end!

Steven Spielberg

From the varying reactions on show, the legendary directors one was the most cool and collected (except for maybe Chris Hemsworth, though we are still waiting for JJ Abrams to dump the bucket over his head!

10 Great Opening Sequences

Children of Men

Alfonso Cuaron's opener to his 2007 Sci-fi masterpiece is one to cherish and proves to be a great example of succeeding in grabbing attention with minimum of effort. Clive Owen looking bored, walks into a crowded coffee shop. As he walks away (sneaking a drop of alcohol for good measure) suddenly the shop explodes! Prepare to jump with shock as this happens! Shot in one continuous take, Cuaron showcases the movie's rough feel and brings us in a future Britain where things are about to get heated!

Up

Animated opening sequences don't get more magical or devastating than UP's magnificent 'Married Life' segment. Truly anyone who doesn't find this enthralling, must have had their heart ripped out early in life, because it wonderfully captures the immense joy of finding the perfect mate and the crushing lows of losing them. It also sets up the character Carl's grumpy old man feel and aids our sympathy for him in the movie ahead.

The Social Network

Aided by Aaron Sorkin's razor sharp script, this opening break up scene in David Fincher's movie lays the ground work for Mark Zuckerburg's journey into the midst of fame and fortune, as being a red flag indicator for his difficult persona. Jesse Eisenberg and Rooney Mara truly make this scene come alive and you can feel the gradual hatred building to the point of things breaking apart! As break up scenes go, none will be more fabulously scripted than this!

Aguirre: The Wrath of God

Werner Herzog has always been a director who likes to get straight to the point, his opening sequence for Aguirre gets right to that. As we watch our band of heroes on their doomed search for El Dorado walking along a dangerous mountain path, it foreshadows the madness, murder and the series of other 'unfortunate events' that will follow suit. But what Herzog really succeeds at here, is creating an unsettling aura that will follow Aguirre throughout.

Apocalypse Now

Francis Ford Coppola's beginning to his Palme D'or winning classic is one that forever sticks in the mind. Opening with the sound helicopter blades followed swiftly after by flames rising from a tree line hit by Napalm- we sit up straight away. Interlaced with the haunted gaze of Captain Willard (Martin Sheen), it gives an eerie indicator of Willard's state of mind and the violent climax of his journey. Perfectly sound tracked by 'The End' by The Doors, this proved to be one of the last great moments of Coppola's career.  

Sunset Boulevard

Billy Wilder's opening scene to Sunset Boulevard is a great moment in the history of classic Hollywood cinema, as it plays out in reverse of the story. Watching police cars with sirens blaring head towards a large Hollywood house, we hear William Holden's narration advising us someone has been killed! But as arrive on the crime scene, learn that the man is none other than Holden himself! Wilder beautifully sets up a dark and mystique feel to this tale and we are given a great device to make us wonder how Holden ended up in water?

Jaws

The moment we hear John Williams' pulsating orchestral scores, we know instantly that Jaws is about to appear. This moment caused a great number of people to fear going into open water and Steven Spielberg proves here what a master of suspense he can be. The very second we begin underwater, our bodies freeze over with fear as we see the shark about to grab his first prey! This moment would demonstrate the qualities Spielberg has been able to bring and this moment is still ageless in cinema.

Touch of Evil

Orson Welles' opening shot of his 1958 crime classic is a masterclass in how to nail one continuous tracking shot. Watching Inspector Vargas (Charlton Heston) and his wife (Janet Leigh), you see a bomb being loaded into a car- which they pass several times on the way to the Mexican boarder! Welles builds the suspense up to unbearable levels and the thought this bomb could explode at any point stays with us throughout! The dark noir feel of the movie begins with the moment and it is still one of Hollywood's most perfect examples.

Trainspotting

Danny Boyle's arrival on the world of film was cemented with his excellent opening sequence to the 1996 British Classic. Arriving on the thumping drums of 'Lust for Life' by Iggy Pop, we hear Renton's (Ewan McGregor) almost poetic 'Choose Life' speech. The scenes that follow set up the characters and encapsulates the joy that their life of heroin brings them. But it will also add to the narrative drive later on and the euphoric high comes one horrific come down!

Inglorious Basterds

Tarantino's opener to his WW2 piece is one that has life and death hanging in the balance. The moment that Colonel Hans Lander (Christoph Waltz) arrives, you know this is no ordinary soldier because he has a wit and intelligence higher than most men! Also it superbly positions the awkward place the farmer has got himself into, does he give into the demands of Landa? Or does he make a brave stand and possible lose his life? QT brings alive one his most monstrous yet elegant characters and will prove to be a dangerous adversary for all that follow