Josh Wilding Reviews: Disney/Pixar's WRECK-IT RALPH 3D
It may have released in America last year but Disney's Wreck-It Ralph has only just now hit the UK. So, what did I make of this story of an arcade game bad guy who decides its time to show he's a good guy?
If you grew up on arcade games, Wreck-It Ralph will provide you with the a surge of nostalgia which is sure to leave you longing for the days before high definition gaming and next-gen consoles. However, if you're someone who grew up with the latter, then you'll still find plenty to love in this heart-warming and enjoyable animated feature from Disney. Director Rich Moore and his team have all brought the world to life in both a convincing and genius fashion. Everything from the way certain video game characters move to how they all travel from game to game and the way in which we see both how the gamers see these characters and the actual world inside the arcade games is expertly and magnificently handled. You'll struggle to find another movie of this type which is so perfectly and cleverly crafted. Even the background is packed out with well-known video game character cameos and easter eggs.
Another area handled well in Wreck-It Ralph is the voice cast. John C. Reilly (Ralph), Sarah Silverman (Vanellope) and Jack McBrayer (Felix) are all perfectly cast and bring a lot of heart and soul to the characters they play. Unfortunately, the same can't quite be said for Jane Lynch (Calhoun) and Alan Tudyk (King Candy). Whereas it feels as if the three characters mentioned above were all written with the actors in mind, these two never quite click and this ultimately lessens the effectiveness of their roles in the movie.
In terms of story, Wreck-It Ralph is good, although a little formulaic and predictable. However, it throws in the odd few surprises and more than makes up for any shortcomings by packing a strong emotional punch and sending a very clear message which hopefully resonates with younger viewers. Henry Jackman's (X-Men: First Class) score isn't really his best work and this is telling from the fact that scenes which feature the likes of Rihanna's "Shut Up and Drive" are far more memorable. If you wanted to really nitpick, the idea of kids still visiting arcades to play games such as the ones featured in the movie is a little hard to believe, but Wreck-It Ralph is joyfully nostalgic and it would be ridiculous for faulting it for embracing this. Instead, the filmmakers should be applauded for putting together a film which will appeal to kids and adults alike. Oh, and the 3D is good, but nothing special and adds little to nothing to the overall experience.
Wreck-It Ralph is sweet, fun and proof that it's not only Pixar who are capable of delivering original and clever animated movies. Bring on the sequel!
Ralph is tired of being overshadowed by Fix-It Felix, the "good guy" star of their game who always gets to save the day. But after decades doing the same thing and seeing all the glory go to Felix, Ralph decides he's tired of playing the role of a bad guy. He takes matters into his own massive hands and sets off on a game-hopping journey across the arcade through every generation of video games to prove he's got what it takes to be a hero. On his quest, he meets the tough-as-nails Sergeant Calhoun from the first-person action game Hero's Duty. But it's the feisty misfit Vanellope von Schweetz from the candy-coated cart racing game, Sugar Rush, whose world is threatened when Ralph accidentally unleashes a deadly enemy that threatens the entire arcade. Will Ralph realize his dream and save the day before it's too late?
STARRING:
John C. Reilly as Wreck-It Ralph
Sarah Silverman as Vanellope von Schweetz
Jack McBrayer as Fix-It Felix, Jr.
Jane Lynch as Sergeant Tamora Jean Calhoun
Alan Tudyk as King Candy
Dennis Haysbert as General Hologram
RELEASE DATE: Out Now!
DISCLAIMER: ComicBookMovie.com is protected under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) and...
[MORE]
ComicBookMovie.com, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.