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.”
https://twitter.com/EricVespe/status/973061461013561344
https://twitter.com/ErikDavis/status/973060960368906240
https://twitter.com/scottEweinberg/status/973062374470094849
https://twitter.com/erickohn/status/973061778010755077
https://twitter.com/graedrake/status/973067082148601857
https://twitter.com/Rodriguez/status/973074706105544704
https://twitter.com/bverhoev/status/973062562840481792
https://twitter.com/TashaRobinson/status/973075648318181377
