Steven Spielberg clarified that he made a movie. Not a film. I think the distinction he wanted to make was that there are some movies that should be taken seriously – almost academically. Then there are movies that are meant to be enjoyed for what they are: a fun escape from the world. A chance to enter a new world and experience something amazing. In that way, Ready Player One is definitely a movie. And as such, I think it should be evaluated not solely on it’s artistic merits, but for what it’s like to watch it, to experience it. This was great fun. I hope that many people go see it in the theaters. It’s communal cinematic events like this that really make movie-watching (and movie-going) so magical. Spielberg, more than anyone else, has a knack for reminding us of that.

3.5 out of 5 stars