The movie is glossy and filled with great cgi set pieces, it's unfortunate that that's all this film has to offer. Of course, fans of the book will realize quickly that the source material was almost entirely abandoned outside the concept of a VR video game contest with the whole world competing. I understand things must be condensed, changed for a visual medium, and cut for time but this was honestly egregious disrespect for fans of the book. It has some redeeming qualities like Nolan Sorento and TJ Millers characters being hilarious villains, but that doesn't excuse the poor plot, writing, and needless references that are packed into the film just for the sake of it. If you haven't read the book, this might be a fun film to watch with some popcorn on a lazy day, if you have though, do not expect much.