craigavon, Local Online News Community, Forums, Chats, For Sale, Classified, Offers, Film Reviews, Events, Motors Sale, Property For Sale Rent, Jobs, Hotels, Taxi, Restaurants, Pubs, Clubs, Pictures, Sports, Charities, Lost Found
  1. Published on: 29/03/2018 01:20 PMReported by: Film Critic
    Plot: When the creator of a virtual world dies and announces an Easter egg hidden in his world that gives them ultimate control, the race is on to find that egg.

    I have been waiting a long time for this film. No, I've not read the book. I'm talking about the first Steven Spielberg film with a blockbuster sensibility for several years.

    Lately, he seems to be concentrating more on serious biopic dramas. One exception being The BFG, which to date is only Spielberg that I did not like.

    I have had my suspicion that maybe Spielberg is losing is high-quality touch. While a lot of his recent films are really good, none have ever had the same magic that most of his films had from the mid 70's to the early 2000's.

    As for the book, I've never read it. But I had an idea on what to expect as it contains a lot of pop cultural references. Nostalgia particularly from the 80's is a huge thing right now in many popular films and shows. So the timing of this film release could not have been better.

    My Dad really enjoyed the book, and so all of this excitement had got me labelling this film as my most anticipated for 2018. So I think you can tell that from my perspective, a lot was riding on this. That is if it's great, then we're onto a winner with it being a Spielberg film.

    Firstly, I adore the ideas within this story. It's like a mix of Avatar and The Matrix with the concept of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory. It's a film and video game nerds dream of.

    The visuals are so striking, and I was in awe every time we get transported into this virtual world. As you get to understand the world we have been transported to, I loved how integral pop culture is to making the story move along.

    It took a while for me to get invested with the characters. There was a particular high point that had me at my peak investment with the story and characters combined.

    Sadly, it never went past that when going into second half. However, there was still plenty of rich visual content that kept me entertained right through to the very end.

    The performances were pretty good on the whole. But the lack of depth in their backstory and development prevented this from being an all-out classic that can compete with Spielberg's best work. Films like Jaws, E.T. or Jurassic Park were never about the monsters or creatures. It was about the characters.

    None of them were bad. It's just when I think back to this film, I think about the visual spectacle first, and then maybe the characters after that.

    Tye Sheridan was a solid lead and the carried the film well. His chemistry with Olivia Cooke's character was strong and very believable. I have been a big fan of Cooke after seeing her in films like Me And Earl And The Dying Girl, as well as The Limehouse Golem. She is an amazing talent, and this is just another kick-start into opening many more doors.

    I thought Ben Mendehlson really embraced his role as the main villain and had enough threat to be creditable in the main story. I really liked him in Rogue One, and I can see him doing similar roles like in these two films.

    To be honest, there were not many other exceptional performances. But thankfully, none of them were bad whatsoever. However, it was great seeing Mark Rylance and Simon Pegg feature to give them some star power.

    I could tell that there was a lot in this story to cram into this film from its source material. But from what I could see, it seemed to work for the most part. There was one segment however just before the final act that seemed to just leap forward and explain a lot of development really quickly so we can get back on track.

    The third act is noticeably bloated. Some people will feel that it drags. However, whilst I could tell it was dragging, I was still gripped and intrigued by what was happening on screen.

    The technical side is really on point and is masterfully made. I can certainly see this being in contention for many of the major technical awards next year. There are so many amazing action sequences filled with dazzling visuals.

    Also, it goes without saying that this will be an incredible gave of 'spot the cultural reference'. There seemed to be an unlimited amount of references to keep your eyes out for. I saw more than plenty to keep me smiling. But I am sure there were many small ones that you can find on multiple viewings.

    I think I can safely say that my high expectations were met. I had a blast watching this, I was never bored and it was just great watching a Spielberg film that made me see the magical side of him that people associate him with the most. This is probably his most enjoyable blockbuster film since probably War Of The Worlds or Minority Report.

    It is a wonderful crowd-pleasing experience that is certainly worth paying good money for to see on the big screen. I would not quite rank it amongst Spielberg's very best due my problems with the lack of character development. But it's pretty damn close.

    I was concerned about this story being over-blown with pop culture references. But I felt almost all of the ones mentioned felt integral to the development of the story, and thankfully the 80's inspired soundtrack was never over-used.

    I do fear a lot of people won't get certain references, and that will just lose their investment in the story. But I guess if you remove that, then you're kind of losing the source material. So this could be seen as a niche movie, or certainly one of the nerdiest. However, with a lot of the most popular shows revolving around nostalgia, this could very well be a financial success worldwide.

    I was somewhat disappointed however with the lack of a post credits scene, as a film that contains Easter eggs, you would naturally expect one.

    Rating: 8/10
     

  2. Your Comments:



You are in: UK / Craigavon / Northern Ireland
Find any Town in the UK, or Use UK map
Local Google MAP for Craigavon



User Control Panel

Not a Member? Sign Up!

Login or Register


Film Reviews, Last Cinema Movies, Movies, DVDs
craigavoncraigavon News


Stats: Qlocal over 500,000 page views a month (google analytics)
craigavon Bathroom Suppliescraigavon Bathroom Tapscraigavon Bathroom Furniturecraigavon Bathroom Showerscraigavon Shower Enclosurescraigavon Bathscraigavon L Shaped Bathcraigavon P Shaped Bathcraigavon Wet Roomscraigavon Bath Screenscraigavon Bath Mixer Tapcraigavon Bidet Tapscraigavon Toilet Seatscraigavon Sanitarywarecraigavon Combined Toilet Basincraigavon Stovescraigavon Wood Stovescraigavon Home Stovescraigavon Cooker Stovescraigavon Enamel Stovescraigavon Designer Stovescraigavon Contemporary Stovescraigavon Multi Fuel Stovescraigavon Accounts Softwarecraigavon Sage Softwarecraigavon Sage Line 50craigavon Sage Line 200craigavon Pegasus Accountscraigavon Access Accountscraigavon Car Servicingcraigavon MOTgcraigavon Tyrescraigavon Car Batterycraigavon Exhaustcraigavon Journalist Jobscraigavon Reporter Jobscraigavon Writing Jobscraigavon Freelance Writercraigavon Self Employed Jobscraigavon Franchise Businesscraigavon Franchise Opportunitiescraigavon Driving Schoolscraigavon Driving Lessonscraigavon Driving Testcraigavon Driving Theory Testcraigavon Driving Instruction, 0000 craigavon Driving Instructor, 0000 craigavon Insolvencycraigavon Insolvency Servicecraigavon Insolvency Servicescraigavon Liquidation Servicecraigavon Business Recoverycraigavon Insolvency Practitionercraigavon Bankruptcy Servicecraigavon Winding Up Petitioncraigavon Business Financecraigavon Business Recoverycraigavon Voluntary Arrangementcraigavon Individual Voluntary Arrangementcraigavon IVAcraigavon Debt Advicecraigavon Debt Managementcraigavon Company Administrationcraigavon Administrationcraigavon Corporate Recoverycraigavon Corporate Voluntary Arrangementcraigavon CVAcraigavon Corporate Insolvencycraigavon Corporate Liquidationcraigavon Members Voluntary Liquidationcraigavon MVLcraigavon Partnership Voluntary Arrangementcraigavon PVAcraigavon Tax Demandcraigavon Invoice Financecraigavon Bridging Financecraigavon Voucherscraigavon Dealscraigavon Matalancraigavon Firewoodcraigavon Fire Woodcraigavon Kiln Dried Hardwoodcraigavon Logs For Salecraigavon Log Suppliescraigavon Logscraigavon Firewood Logscraigavon Seasoned Logscraigavon Hardwood Logscraigavon Firewood Supplierscraigavon Firewood Log Supplierscraigavon Firewood Dumpy Bagscraigavon Firewood Cratescraigavon Cheap Firewoodcraigavon Homefire Logscraigavon Cheap Firewood Logscraigavon Kindle Conescraigavon Pizza Oven Logscraigavon Heating Oilcraigavon Home Heating Oilcraigavon Red Dieselcraigavon White Dieselcraigavon Keresenecraigavon Commercial Fuelscraigavon Calor Gascraigavon Propane Gascraigavon Butane Gascraigavon Heating Gascraigavon Horse Trainingcraigavon Horse Trainercraigavon Horse Whisperercraigavon Equine Whisperercraigavon Horse Whisperer Victoria Smithcraigavon Rattan Garden Furniturecraigavon Rattan Furniturecraigavon Rattan Sofacraigavon Rattan Dining Setcraigavon Rattan Directcraigavon Cheap Rattan Furniturecraigavon Rattan Corner Sofascraigavon Rattan Day Bedscraigavon Rattan Sun Loungerscraigavon Rattan Cube Setscraigavon Rattan Bistro Setscraigavon Chimeneascraigavon Firepitscraigavon Patio Heaterscraigavon Card Payments Processingcraigavon Credit Card Processingcraigavon Merchant Servicescraigavon Merchant Accountcraigavon Merchant Paymentscraigavon Card Machinescraigavon Card Terminalscraigavon Online Paymentscraigavon Worldpaycraigavon Bouncy Castlescraigavon Bouncy Castle Hirecraigavon Garden Trampolinescraigavon Pramscraigavon Pushchairscraigavon Strollerscraigavon Hauck Pramscraigavon Huackcraigavon Childrens Trampolinescraigavon Baby Mobilescraigavon Baby Activity Matscraigavon Baby Bedroom Furniturecraigavon Childrens Bedroom Furniturecraigavon Hygiene Vendingcraigavon Washroom Vendingcraigavon Air Freshenerscraigavon Air Carecraigavon Aerosol Systemscraigavon Gel Systemscraigavon Water Savingcraigavon Urinal Water Savingcraigavon Eco Capscraigavon Sensaflushcraigavon Water Managementcraigavon Urinal Dosingcraigavon Urinal V Screenscraigavon Legionella Risk Assessmentcraigavon Legionaires Bacterialcraigavon Odour Controlcraigavon Odour Eliminationcraigavon Odour Removalcraigavon Airsterilcraigavon Hand Carecraigavon Hand Creamcraigavon Hand Soapcraigavon Hand Washingcraigavon Hand Dryingcraigavon Hand Dryerscraigavon Electric Hand Dryerscraigavon Fast Hand Dryerscraigavon Commercial Hand Dryerscraigavon Energy Efficient Hand Dryerscraigavon Hand Dryer Rentalcraigavon Hand Dryer Salescraigavon Paper Towelscraigavon Roller Towelscraigavon Cotton Roller Towelscraigavon Blue Roller Towelscraigavon White Roller Towelscraigavon Janitorial Suppliescraigavon Janitorialcraigavon Cleaning Suppliescraigavon Cleaning Productscraigavon Cleaning Equipmentcraigavon Office Cleaningcraigavon Home Cleaningcraigavon Debt Recovery Servicescraigavon Debt Recoverycraigavon Debt Collectioncraigavon Outsource Credit Controlcraigavon Collection Agencycraigavon Debt Collection Agencycraigavon Commercial Canopycraigavon Steel Canopycraigavon Bike Shedscraigavon Bike Storagecraigavon Bicycle Storecraigavon Bicycle Storagecraigavon Bikes Storecraigavon Bike Storecraigavon Outdoor Canopycraigavon Cycle Shelterscraigavon Cycle Shedcraigavon Cycle Storagecraigavon Cycle Rackcraigavon Cycle Compoundcraigavon Cycle Solutionscraigavon Scooter Storagecraigavon Scooter Sheltercraigavon Canopiescraigavon Canopycraigavon Play Area Canopycraigavon Entrance Canopiescraigavon Entrance Canopycraigavon Waiting Sheltercraigavon Smoking Sheltercraigavon Parent Waiting Sheltercraigavon Parent Sheltercraigavon Teen Sheltercraigavon Nursery Canopycraigavon School Canopycraigavon Play Canopycraigavon Envirolawncraigavon Astroturfcraigavon Cheap Astroturfcraigavon Artificial Grasscraigavon Cheap Artificial Grasscraigavon Astro Turfcraigavon Artificial Lawncraigavon Fake Grasscraigavon Fake Lawncraigavon Fire Stove Glasscraigavon Heat Resistant Glasscraigavon Fire Glasscraigavon Stove Glasscraigavon Fire Resistant Glasscraigavon Replacement Stove Glasscraigavon Glass For Stovescraigavon Spill Kitscraigavon Spill Control Kitscraigavon Spill Kit Refillscraigavon Spill Kit Refill GK6craigavon Chemical Spill Kitscraigavon Oil Spill Kitscraigavon Solar Panelscraigavon Solar Panels Costcraigavon Solar Heatingcraigavon Solar PVcraigavon Commercial Solarcraigavon Photovoltaiccraigavon Dust Matscraigavon Entrance Matscraigavon Reception Matscraigavon Anti Fatigue Matscraigavon Floor Matscraigavon Logo Matscraigavon Washroom Servicescraigavon Principal Washroomscraigavon Washrooms Suppliescraigavon Washrooms Solutionscraigavon Sanitary Disposalcraigavon Sanitary Binscraigavon Sani Binscraigavon Lady Binscraigavon Feminine Hygiene Unitscraigavon Sanitary Waste Disposalcraigavon Sanitary Wastecraigavon Sanitary Unitscraigavon Feminine Unitscraigavon Hygiene Servicescraigavon Sanitary Bin Suppliercraigavon Sanitary Bin Rentalcraigavon Sanitary Bin Rental Servicescraigavon General Wastecraigavon Trade Wastecraigavon Commercial Wastecraigavon Business Wastecraigavon Waste Managementcraigavon Waste Collectioncraigavon Cardboard Wastecraigavon Paper Wastecraigavon Plastic Wastecraigavon Glass Wastecraigavon Biomass Wastecraigavon Metal Wastecraigavon Confidential Wastecraigavon Confidential Waste Servicecraigavon On Site Shreddingcraigavon Off Site Shreddingcraigavon One Off Shreddingcraigavon Contract Shreddingcraigavon Dental Wastecraigavon Dental Waste Disposalcraigavon Dental Waste Legislationcraigavon Dental Waste Compliancecraigavon Accupuncture Wastecraigavon Accupuncture Waste Disposalcraigavon Accupuncture Waste Collectioncraigavon Tattoo Wastecraigavon Tattoo Waste Disposalcraigavon Sharps Bincraigavon Sharps Collectioncraigavon Hazardous Sharpscraigavon Non Hazardous Sharpscraigavon Cytotoxic Sharpscraigavon Cytostatic Sharpscraigavon Ink Blockcraigavon Wet_Wastecraigavon Tattoo Inkcraigavon Drug Destructioncraigavon Drug Disposalcraigavon Drug Denaturingcraigavon Unwanted Drugscraigavon Out Of Date Drugscraigavon Pest Controlcraigavon Rodent Controlcraigavon Bird Controlcraigavon Bird Proofingcraigavon Guano Controlcraigavon Pest Call Outcraigavon Pest Preventioncraigavon Pest Deterrentcraigavon Nursery Wastecraigavon Nappy Wastecraigavon Nappy Bincraigavon Nappy Disposalcraigavon Nappy Wheelie Bincraigavon Nursery Waste Disposalcraigavon Nursery Waste Collectioncraigavon Incontinence Padscraigavon Offensive Wastecraigavon Human Wastecraigavon Nursing Home Wastecraigavon Care Home Wastecraigavon Hazardous Wastecraigavon Infectous Wastecraigavon Pharmaceutical Wastecraigavon Medicinal Wastecraigavon Medicine Wastecraigavon Infection Controlcraigavon Hand Sanitiserscraigavon Clinical Waste Disposalcraigavon Clinical Waste Managementcraigavon Clinical Waste Policycraigavon EA Registrationcraigavon Hammockscraigavon Garden Hammockscraigavon Adult Hammockscraigavon Childrens Hammockscraigavon Baby Hammocks