Ready Player One

Out now / CERT 12a / 140 mins

Yes, you can moan about the depth of character, whinge about sentimentality and complain that a barely-visible birthmark goes no way towards making Olivia Cooke unattractive, but the fact remains: if you can’t find something to love in Ready Player One then you’re dead inside. the most fun Spielberg’s been in years, this is a heartfelt love letter to all things 1980s and a joyous romp through the evolution of gaming culture and, for all its flaws, I had an absolute blast. From the thrills of the big race to the heart-swelling battle for the OASIS (think Pelennor Fields, with more Battletoads), Ready Player One had me whooping in giddy delight. You don’t need to be a gamer, nor to get the hundreds of references scattered throughout the film’s runtime.

Just remember what it was to be kid, and jump in with both feet. You won’t regret it.