Ralph did not "Wreck-it"


Nov. 5, 2012, 11:11 a.m. | By Caroline Gabriel | 11 years, 4 months ago

"Wreck-it Ralph" gives moviegoers a refreshing break from vapid story lines


A lot of movies nowadays tend to recycle ideas one after the other and lack any form of originality. "Wreck-it Ralph" defies this tacky trend with its refreshingly unique story line that takes video games to a whole new level.

"Wreck-it Ralph" follows Ralph (John C. Reilly), a villain who is tired of playing the bad guy in his video game and longs to be appreciated like the hero of his game, Felix (Jack McBrayer). As a result, Ralph's jealously drives him to search for other games where he can be the hero and ends up in a racecar game called "Sugar Rush." He meets Vanellope (Sarah Silverman), who is also treated like an outcast in her world and can't compete in go-kart races because her existence is a "glitch." Ralph connects with Vanellope, and not only does he make it his mission to get Vanellope to go-kart race, but he also learns how to be a hero.

Simply put, this is one of the most creative and breathtaking animated movies Disney has made in a really long time. A lot of credit has to be given to John Lasseter, who not only produced this film, but also every Pixar feature film ever released. He brings a lot of the same charm from his Pixar movies into "Wreck-it Ralph," giving the story a timeless feel as the plot transcends conventional Disney storytelling. A movie about the 'real lives' of arcade game characters is a unique and satisfyingly different idea from most films nowadays. Even if you are not one to enjoy cartoons or gaming, the original plot and setting of this movie would be a pleasant break from mundane stories of most movies that you would appreciate it regardless.

While "Wreck-it Ralph" is a cartoon, various well-known comedians and actors play the voices of many characters in the movie. Jane Lynch plays Calhoun, a character similar to her tough figure on "Glee" as Sue Sylvester. On the other hand, Reilly's roles in movies are usually geared towards making inappropriate jokes for a more mature audience, like Dale Doback from "Step Brothers" and Cal Naughton Jr. from "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby." Also, Silverman being an inappropriate stand-up comedian vastly juxtaposes her sweet, innocent character in the movie.

The visuals in the movie are remarkable. At first the characters are shown how humans would see them: as pixilated pieces in the arcade games, moving as a character in any animated game would. Once they are shown in their 'real lives' outside of their video games, however, their features really come to life. Ralph's unrealistically, disproportioned large head and hands somehow look realistic despite their ridiculousness. Also, to get between the various arcade games, characters must ride a life-like subway, called "Game Central Station", which strongly resembles the crowded grand central station in New York.

Although the movie is enjoyable and the graphics are outstanding, seeing it in 3D would be a waste of money. Similar to most 3D movies nothing really seems to pop out any more than it would in the regular film. There was not one scene in the entire movie that seemed the slightest bit three-dimensional, and in reality the movie would have been exactly the same in 2D.

Overall, the movie's unique setting and plot and its exceptional animation make this a movie you must see – just not in 3D.

"Wreck-it Ralph" is rated PG for some rude humor and mild action/violence. It is now playing in theaters everywhere and is also available 3D.



Tags: Movie Review disney pixar Video Games Jane Lynch John C Reilly John Lasseter Sarah Silverman Wreck-It Ralph

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