Steven Spielberg’s ‘Ready Player One’ Premieres At SXSW To Stellar Reviews [VIDEO]

Following a successful premiere at the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, pop culture fans are enthusiastically anticipating Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One. 

READ: Oscars Best Dressed List 2018

The movie is based on the 2011 novel of the same name by Ernest Cline. The film follows the story of Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan) in the not-so-far-away year of 2045. Earth is has become filled with slum-like cities due to overpopulation, pollution, corruption and climate change. However, the power of virtual reality allows people to escape the hardships of their daily lives, and pursue life in the virtual world of OASIS. Watts embarks on an adventure as he strives to win “Anorak’s Quest,” the winner of the quest will win ownership of OASIS.

The movie received generally stellar reviews following its premiere in Austin on Sunday. “This is Spielberg’s biggest crowdpleaser in years,” wrote Indiewire critic Eric Kohn. “Never, ever underestimate Steven Spielberg. That’s the biggest takeaway from Ready Player One, an immersive sci-fi spectacle about a future overrun by virtual reality gaming that the world’s most famous commercial director has transformed into a mesmerizing blockbuster steeped in callbacks to the best of them.”

READ: Grammys Best Dressed List 2018

The nostalgia-filled movie is not just geared towards gamers, but is meant to be liked by anyone. “Gamers are far from the only ones who will respond to this virtual-world-set picture, which strikes an ideal balance between live action and CGI,” The Hollywood Reporter’s John DeFore noted.

Ready Player One will be released nationwide on March 29.

Watch the movie trailer below.