RE: A Geeky Dad's Movie Guide to Ready Player One (2018)
I've read the book, haven't seen the movie yet.
In defense of adapting from books to movies, things will inevitably have to change. It's just a question of what works for a particular medium. I remember as I read the book, I thought some aspects would be perfect for a movie; and others would be very difficult to make work. (Though it's been so long, I don't remember what those details were...)
By hoping that a book adaptation is going to be 2.5 hours, you're pretty much setting yourself up for significant disappointment. Studios want two hours or less - because once you go over, that cuts into the number of screenings you get in a day.
However, learning that they switched out a lot of the references in the book to resonate with younger audiences is disappointing. (Though, I suppose, understandable.) Don't tell me they took out Zork!?
I'll have to watch it and decide for myself, I guess. :)