Ralph Breaks The Internet (a sequel to 2012’s Wreck-It Ralph), the newest film by Walt Disney Productions, takes on the mess and intricacies of the online world.
The story addresses friendship and loyalty while highlighting the journey that most adults will see as they transition from old school video games to the modern day internet. The characters, a video game former-bad guy Ralph and fellow misfit Vanellope von Schweetz, step into the world of the World Wide Web in search of a replacement part to save Vanellope’s video game, Sugar Rush. Quickly they realize they are way beyond their comfort and familiarity zone. They search for, and are presented, ways to earn the money to pay for the replacement part found on the internet through Ebay, which is only one of the many current internet monstrosities seemingly advertised in the first half of the movie. The second half brings in Marvel and Disney princesses.
The actual plot is rather unclear and from an adult perspective seems like it could be seen as a commercial for Disney entities. If your kids like action and video games, they will probably like this film. My fifth grade daughter felt the message of the movie was: “You shouldn’t let friends control you,” which is a respectable message. She also rated it five stars. On the contrary, I found this to be a weak Disney movie when I was hoping for something so much better.
I would not give this movie more than two stars. Based on reactions from kids leaving the theatre, children apparently disagree with me.
Movie times: click here
Director: Phil Johnston, Rich Moore
Starring: John C Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Gal Gadot, Taraji P Henson, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch, Alan Tudyk
Genre: Animation
Rated: PG for some action and rude humor
Running Time: 112 min
