Review: 'Ralph Breaks the Internet' uses character crossovers in excellent fashion
It’s always a joy seeing characters from different franchises interacting in films, especially for fans who have multiple interests. The logistics and co-ordination (for intellectual property rights and royalty issues) don’t always work out, which is why these cameos can be hastily written and awkwardly thrown in for some films. But the sequel to Wreck-It Ralph, Ralph Breaks the Internet, manages to weave together its increasing number of characters from different properties, giving them entertaining and significant moments in the film.
It should be no surprise there, since Ralph Breaks the Internet was made by Disney, which already gives them (easier) access to multiple franchises already under their umbrella. Wreck-It Ralph had already laid the groundwork with a smaller pool of characters from other media (not all of whom were Disney-owned, like Sonic the Hedgehog, Street Fighter, and Super Mario), paving the way for even more characters to be integrated into the film.
This sequel sees the continued adventures of Ralph the wrecker and Vanellope the racer, as they venture beyond the confines of their arcade and into the endless expanse of the Internet, in a quest to save one of the games back at the arcade. They meet different characters in their journey and learn more about themselves, even as they have to deal with an unexpected threat of the online world.
The visualisation of the Internet (which is often intercut with how the the Internet looks in the “real world”) in the film is an engaging and colourful take on how the World Wide Web would look to the digital characters of the world. There are plentiful jokes about the sometimes odd nature of the Internet, but the way the world is presented is intuitive enough that both the characters and viewers immediately understand how it works.
Vanellope is thankfully much less grating and self-centred here than in Wreck-It Ralph. In fact, she’s the more likeable and level-headed one in the film — in contrast to Ralph, who seems a little out of character from the previous instalment. Vanellope, rather than Ralph, is the one who drives the story this time. New characters KnowsMore (a search engine), Shank (another racer), and Yesss (an algorithm) are refreshing new additions which add variety to the personalities in the film, going beyond video game heroes and villains.
The message of self-discovery and friendship rings true in the film, and it’s a surprisingly mature one too. It goes beyond the usual themes of finding yourself and being friends, and takes it to a more realistic and poignant level, appealing to adult audiences of the film. It’s this powerful message that helps to make the movie a worthy and meaningful sequel.
The Disney princesses also appear in the film (although not in the way you’d expect them too) in what seems to be merely a gag. But their inclusion serves an important dramatic purpose, which helps to push the plot forward. They also gently poke fun at the stereotypes of Disney princesses, without seeming like there is some sort of feminist agenda at work.
All the cameo appearances are much more meaningful than how other films approach it, simply because of the plot-driven nature of the addition of these characters. Yes, it’s a thrill to see them — but even if you’re not a fan, you also appreciate the fact that their characters are important to the story.
For example, the Stormtroopers from Star Wars are true to their nature as enforcers in the film (resulting in some shenanigans), while Groot from the Guardians of the Galaxy pops up to deliver his signature line. Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh delivers some witticisms in his usual gloomy fashion. And in an all too brief moment, Stan Lee makes his appearance, done up in the same style as the Internet avatars that Ralph and Vanellope appears, breaking our hearts as it reminds us of his recent passing.
Unfortunately, the lack of a proper antagonist does make the movie a little contrived towards the end, especially since you know there has to be some sort of huge confrontation to cap the movie off. The requisite action set piece is there and it’s played up for its comedic value, but a more straightforward villain would have made for a more impactful ending.
What makes Ralph Breaks the Internet so memorable, though, ultimately comes back to the story. It’s a message about change — changing interests, changing friends, and a changing world. Just like Toy Story, it has grown up with its fans, and adapted itself accordingly.
Should you watch this at weekend movie ticket prices? Yes.
Should you watch this more than once? If you want to spot all the cameos, yes!
Score: 4.1/5
Secret ending? Two.
Running time: 112 minutes
Ralph Breaks the Internet is a 3D animated action comedy that is a sequel to 2012’s Wreck-It Ralph.
The film revolves around Ralph and Vanellope’s adventures in the Internet, as they explore a whole new set of different worlds, some of which are completely foreign to them. However, they soon learn that their greatest threat may be internal, rather than external, in nature.
Ralph Breaks the Internet is directed by Rich Moore and Phil Johnston. It is also written by Phil Johnston, with additional writing credits for Pamela Ribon, and story credits for Rich Moore, Jim Reardon, and Josie Trinidad. It features the voice talents of John C. Reilly (Wreck-It Ralph), Sarah Silverman (Vanellope von Schweetz), Gal Gadot (Shank), Jane Lynch (Tamora Jean Calhoun), Jack McBrayer (Fix-It Felix Jr.), Alan Tudyk (KnowsMore), Taraji P. Henson (Yesss), and Alfred Molina (Double Dan). It is rated PG.
Marcus Goh is a television scriptwriter, having written for popular shows like “Lion Mums”, “Crimewatch”, “Code of Law”, “Incredible Tales”, and “Police & Thief”. He’s also a Transformers enthusiast and avid pop culture scholar. You can find him on social media as Optimarcus and on his site. The views expressed are his own.
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