The Plot
In a dystopian future, humanity has turned away from the depressing,
overcrowded real world, and spends all of their time in an online, virtual
reality universe known as The Oasis. When the founder of the Oasis dies, a treasure
hunt for control of his fortune – and control of the Oasis – brings out the
best and the worst of people. A young man named Wade Watts is the first to make
progress in the treasure hunt, and news of his success earns him worldwide
fame, but subjects him to the dangerous intentions of an evil corporation.
** SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY **
The Adoption
Connection
Wade’s parents have both died. Wade lives with his Aunt
Alice and her physically abusive boyfriend. We see the boyfriend hit Wade on
one occasion. One of Wade’s friends reveals that one of their parents died in a
sort of debtors’ prison.
Strong Points
The film encourages its viewers to embrace life in the real
world, and to not let fear stop them from taking important steps.
Challenges
Two characters have experienced parental loss. One has to
flee his home when it becomes unsafe, and is apparently abducted.
A character kills his friend’s avatar in the virtual world
to help them in the real world.
Recommendations
Ready Player One is one of my favorite books. The movie is
not a faithful translation of the book, but it does seem to stand on its own as
a decent, imaginative action movie. Some scenes may be too loud or scary for
younger viewers, but this one should be OK for most viewers ages 11 and up.
Questions for
Discussion
Have you ever had an online friend or a pen-pal?
What would you do if you won half a trillion dollars?
If you could control the Internet, what changes would you
make?
Other Ideas
No comments:
Post a Comment