The biggest news coming out of the first few days of SXSW isn’t some big tech announcement or some surprise indie film. No, the big news is Steven Spielberg’s premiere of “Ready Player One.” After months of hype, and terrible marketing, Spielberg’s latest was just screened for critics, and although there were some technical difficulties, everyone seems to be praising the blockbuster.
Apparently, according to multiple reports, the “Ready Player One” screening was interrupted twice for technical difficulties. During a big, loud action scene, the speakers allegedly blew out and the screen froze. After a quick fix, the scene caused another sound and video interruption. However, once the film started again the audience burst out into cheers. It’s also reported that when the film ended, the crowd gave the film a standing ovation.
With less-than-inspiring marketing materials, including terrible retro posters and nostalgia-filled trailers, “Ready Player One” was being viewed as a potential misstep for Steven Spielberg. Many critics entered the SXSW screening as self-described skeptics but left with smiles on their faces. Critic Eric Vespe said, “So yeah, I LOVED Ready Player One. It’s perhaps the geekiest movie ever made. So so so happy right now!”
Filmmaker Robert Rodriguez left the screening elated, saying, “What a blast, can’t wait to see it again. Rewards repeat viewings. Tons of great references, visuals and heart. So kick ass it blew the speakers!”
Does this mean the film is guaranteed to become a huge hit when it’s released later this month? Absolutely not, but apparently the critics enjoyed it. Sounds like it’s officially time to start getting excited about “Ready Player One.”
So yeah, I LOVED Ready Player One. It’s perhaps the geekiest movie ever made. So so so happy right now!
— Eric Vespe (@EricVespe) March 12, 2018
#ReadyPlayerOne is classic Steven Spielberg. It’s got the references, the ferocious effects and the great ‘80s soundtrack, sure, but also the charm, the heart, the humor and a fantastic Alan Silvestri score. I loved it & so did this #SXSW crowd. Be excited for it! pic.twitter.com/xwPOGwXDxd
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) March 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/scottEweinberg/status/973062374470094849
READY PLAYER ONE feels like Spielberg watched a ton of Luc Besson movies and decided to outdo them. In terms of pure spectacle, it’s the most astonishing thing he’s done. Never underestimate Steve. #SXSW
— erickohn (@erickohn) March 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/graedrake/status/973067082148601857
#ReadyPlayerOne is classic Spielberg fun! What a blast, can't wait to see it again. Rewards repeat viewings. Tons of great references, visuals and heart. So kick ass it blew the speakers!
— Robert Rodriguez (@Rodriguez) March 12, 2018
I didn’t think I would like #ReadyPlayerOne, but I liked it a WHOLE LOT. I think people cheered and laughed every 2 mins and dang this film was entertaining. So many references, I can’t wait for everyone to see it so we can all talk about it! #sxsw
— Beatrice Verhoeven (@bverhoev) March 12, 2018
Went into READY PLAYER ONE skeptical as hell. Came out largely as a joyous convert. I have a handful of issues with the structure and characters, but it improves on the book in important ways, the action is riveting, and I really bought the humor. #readyplayerone
— Tasha Robinson (@TashaRobinson) March 12, 2018
