Review: ‘Ralph Breaks The Internet’: And Wins Hearts Nationwide
When I saw Wreck It Ralph my inner arcade nerd was beyond happy. I feel like in a way that the film did for arcade games what Toy Story did for toys. They made us think about the inner worlds behind characters we grew up playing repeatedly. Are these racers really competitive? Do the villains really have a support group? Better yet do the villains deserve all the hate they get? The truth is no because that’s how the game programmed these characters. We cannot change ourselves and how we were born. We can grow from our mistakes and learn from them but ultimately deep down some of our ones and zeros are pre-programmed.
Ralph Breaks the Internet makes our inner dreamers soar. This time Vanellope (Sarah Silverman) finds herself in a bit of a rut and desires new racing tracks. She wants more than ever to just be able to do something unpredictable for the day. Instead she’s in the same ‘ol routine and knows the tracks inside and out. When Ralph (John C. Reilly) attempts to grant her wise chaos ensues as a young player breaks the steering wheel and causes them to go on a goose chase inside of the Internet to get a replacement wheel for Vanellope’s game so it isn’t taken to the salvage yard.
The animation is spectacular in this one. I loved the world created for the various spots on the internet we go. The imagery created from when someone is bidding on an item we are bidding on, to the way a virus can take the internet by storm is fantastic. There’s something about seeing the inner workings of an arcade too that remains beyond enjoyable to partake in as well. The film also has a moment reminiscent of The Little Mermaid when Ursula gains King Triton’s crown that I particularly enjoyed. Though I will admit I feel that the imagery in this one appears far more frightening than anything Ursula could have conjured up once upon a time.
With the additions of seeing all the Disney Princesses in casual attire and seeing Gus and Jaq again was splendid, even though it was for a very limited time, the film truly becomes an homage to past and present Disney. The additions of Yesss (Taraji P. Henson) and Shank (Gal Gadot) and her team were marvelous. Though the surprise which character provides the darker side of the internet. I also thoroughly enjoy Knowsmore (Alan Tudyk) as well because the film shows the aggressive nature of auto fill! All the additions work nicely and play off one another with more ease than one would expect. Plus for we get to see the princesses really take charge and help save the day and that is always a win.
The jokes were both amazing for children and adults alike. During the scene where Ralph recreates as many trending Internet videos as possible that shines for adults. Lots of hidden gems for various programming and clips that we have watched to make it through our workdays that provides many laughs are spread throughout the sequence. I also love that Sonic the Hedgehog was the character that explained exactly what Wifi is to all the other arcade characters. Maybe this is because his game was before we could save all our progress and had to start over. Though those rules never apply at the arcade so that notion becomes null and void. Plus we cannot forget about Felix (Jack McBrayer) and Calhoun (Jane Lynch). These two provide the key to successful parenting in the film this go around while showing the difficulties of first time parents too.
There’s two important messages I took away from the film and are great talking points with children. I love that the film takes the time to explain that real friends don’t hold people back. It also explains that our friends can all be different from one another. It’s acceptable that we are all unique in this life. We don’t have to want the same things in life to remain close. The truth is that we can always be there for one another no matter what. By not being around one another twenty-four seven makes the moments that we do get to spend with our friends even more special. Even if that’s a weekly phone conversation or random text messages throughout the week to maintain our friendships.
The film also reminds us that our dreams are important and valid. We should never give up on attaining what we really want in life. I think it’s important to now also that our friends have our backs in attaining these dreams. While at first we might feel that ping of jealously or the selfish desire to hold our friend back for them to remain with us, the film ultimately shows that a support system is just as big as a key to success as hard work. Sometimes this occurs because our friends are afraid we will leave them behind, but the film showcases the blending of one’s dreams and maintaining friendships beautifully. We must all find our songs. Besides, if I had given up on my dreams I wouldn’t be writing on this site and Vanellope would not have taken a ride in Shank’s car.
Ultimately Ralph Breaks the Internet is a film that’s truly fun for the entire family. As far as animated films go this is one of the best ones I’ve seen this year. The film is extremely smart and well put together, making me sad that the creators are not looking to make a trilogy. However, there’s so much going on that audiences will continue to want more despite the fact the story seems wrapped in a bow for us all. Since this might be the late time we get to see Ralph and Vanellope on the silver screen audiences should take advantage while they can. Besides how can one deny Vanellope’s face below? You cannot so go see Ralph Breaks the Internet today.
Michelle Patterson prides herself on her random pop culture knowledge. She finds great joy in all things horror related and tries to enjoy movies on a weekly basis. If she’s not at the theater, she can be found at a convention or a concert. To connect with her more, check out her Instagram page, Twitter Page, Facebook Page, or her website.
