If you have not yet seen the first Wreck-It Ralph, I would highly encourage you to do so. It was one of the best films of 2012. It is heartwarming, wonderfully written, perfectly animated, featured some of the best performances from John C. Reilly and Sarah Silverman, and provided a valuable lesson about the power of self-acceptance. It is also, at the present moment, the only genuinely good movie about video games, both as a cultural phenomenon and as an art form. It is a film that has real heart and soul, and it is one of my favorites. It's sequel, Ralph Breaks The Internet, is not as good or as emotionally resonating as the first movie, but it is still a mostly fun ride with two genuinely lovable characters. To be honest, that's really all I ever expected from this sequel.
Taking place a few years after the events of the first movie, Ralph (John C. Reilly) and Vanellope (Sarah Silverman) have remained best friends. When they're not performing their day jobs as characters in their respective video games at the arcade, they're spending as much of their free time together goofing off, laughing, and exploring. Ralph seems entirely content with how things are, but Vanellope starts feeling like she wants something different out of life. As much as she loves Ralph's friendship and his company, she just wants a change from the ordinary. Vanellope gets her wish (sort of) when her game console is accidentally broken and is at risk of getting shut down permanently. To save Vanellope's game, she and Ralph will venture into the internet in search of a replacement piece to repair the console. All the while dealing with the struggles of their friendship growing and changing in ways they could never have expected.
This is actually a bit of an odd film for me to review. On the one hand, it's an unfortunately hollow story with very little in the way of stakes, conflict or tension. What little of it is there doesn't have enough weight to maintain investment in the story, and what it lacks in substance it tries to compensate with an overabundance of jokes, both about the internet and Disney, which, even so, are mostly pretty funny. In fact, there's an entire bit about Disney Princesses that seems like yet another attempt at self-parody. Which, while appreciated, is actually starting to get a little old. However, just like the first movie, Ralph and Vanellope have remarkable chemistry and are perpetually entertaining to watch. Even when they are put into contrived moments of forced drama, they are still adorable and engaging. Mostly because of how genuine their friendship feels and because of how incredibly funny they are together. Just like the first film, they are the heart. Also, regarding movies poking fun at the internet and pop culture, this is significantly better than The Emoji Movie. Which I realize is not really a high standard, but my point still stands.
Aside from still getting a ton of enjoyment out of watching Ralph and Vanellope do their thing for ninety minutes there really isn't much else to this film. There is a new bad-ass character played by Gal Gadot who does become a welcome addition to Vanellope's entourage and does play a significant role in helping our heroes achieve their goal. However, aside from that, the rest of the movie is really just a mish-mash of internet jokes, some of which are a little outdated, and a lesson about friendship that, while appreciated and relevant, isn't as compelling as it really should have been. The main attraction is the funny and adorable antics between Ralph and Vanellope, and if that's enough for you as it was for me, then you might have a decent time. If anything else, it'll be a great and fun little reminder of why the first movie was so amazing.
Is this movie worth seeing?
Maybe
Is it worth seeing in theaters?
Maybe
Why?
While I personally had fun with it, I cannot guarantee that you will as well. Ralph and Vanellope make it worth checking out but it's not going to have the same impact as the first movie did, and if that's what you're looking for, then just watch the first film again.
Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm, thank you for reading.
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