Wreck-It Ralph is Disney’s most recent animated flick, executively produced by animation guru John Lasseter: the man responsible for groundbreaking feats such as the Toy Story films, A Bug’s Life, Finding Nemo, Ratatouille and most recently, 2012’s Oscar-winning Brave. In short, the most powerful and highly revered figure in the today’s animation world. Hence, it should come as no surprise that the man’s latest greenlit piece, helmed by The Simpsons and Futurama director Rich Moore, is a work of genius.

 

Frustrated with his life as an outcast and a bad guy in arcade game Wreck-It Ralph, the eponymous 2D character Ralph (John C. Reilly) attempts to gain acceptance by winning a medal in the neighbouring first person shooter game Hero’s Duty. This medal is lost along the way, forcing him to train Vanellope von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman), a glitch in the kart racing game Sugar Rush, to win it back. 

 

Filled to the brim with subtle (and not-so subtle) references to videogames of past and present, Moore’s movie is as visually vivacious as its female protagonist. From the plush, candy-coloured world of Sugar Rush to the gloomily glossy high-definition of Hero’s Duty, Disney expertly illustrates each gleaming game with just the right amount of polish. However, its lacquered look does come dangerously close to being an eyesore at times. 

 

 

 

Reilly is an apt choice for Ralph, the warm, fuzzy dulcet tones of his voice contrasting his boisterous character: a protagonist whom the audience can’t help but root for. He provides the ideal contrast to Silverman’s miniature, baby-faced high-pitched squeak of a glitch.

 

Disney’s underlying narrative structure – the outcast, determined to prove himself to the rest of the world – is glaringly clichéd. Similarly, the course Ralph and Vanellope’s friendship takes is highly predictable – yet, it magically manages to steer clear of mawkishness and retain a sense of credibility.

 

Yet another win for Disney – go Lasseter!

 

 

Stars - ★★★★

 

 

Reviewed by Rehan Mudannayak

 

 

Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

 

Animation | Adventure | Comedy

 

A video game villain wants to be a hero and sets out to fulfill his dream, but his quest brings havoc to the whole arcade where he lives.

 

Director: Rich Moore

 

Writers: Rich Moore, Phil Johnston

 

Stars: John C. Reilly, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch