The year is 2044, and trillionaire James Halliday, creator of the virtual universe known as the OASIS, has just died with no heirs. Who will inherit his assets? Whoever can solve his three challenges and win the keys to his kingdom. In order to do so, one must become very familiar with the pop culture of the 1980's in which Halliday grew up. Though the plot gets a little bogged down with references to 80's movies, TV shows, music, and video games, the intricate puzzles and plot more than make up for the pacing. And if you remember and love the 80's like I do, the book provides a sentimental romp through the most enjoyable decade of the 20th century. The movie, though brimming with special effects and action, just scratches the surface of 1980's pop culture references in the book and there are quite a few differences in the challenges, how the characters meet each other, etc. As is usually the case, the movie definitely does NOT supercede the book!
Comments