Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong
Wreck-It Ralph took audiences by surprise six long years ago, now he returns and breaks the internet in the Film’s Sequel. The Movie picks-up where we last left-off – everyone doing their jobs in their respective games, then hanging-out across other games after the arcade closes. Ralph Breaks the Internet is one of those rare cases where the Sequel is as great, if not, better than the original, and I for one welcome it all with open arms.
Everything is going smoothly for our beloved characters until Vanellope (Sarah Silverman) until she tells Ralph (John C. Reilly) that she is bored with Sugar Rush and wants something new and exciting. This causes Ralph to create a new track on Sugar Rush which Vanellope plays during operating hours, causing the customer on the other side of the game to inadvertently break the steering wheel on the game. This leads the arcade owner to find a replacement wheel to Sugar Rush or he will replace the game. He decides to check eBay and when the price appears to be too much, Ralph and Vanellope go into the internet to try and Sugar Rush.
What makes Ralph Breaks the Internet such a delight is the new world that our characters can discover and explore. This gives adults a hilarious look into the internet, while the target audience of the children have the Social Media gags they can also appreciate. There are so many new characters as well that also have some great moments in the Film that add complete sheer enjoyment. Characters such as KnowsMore (Alan Tudyk) playing the search engine, is refreshing and entertaining. He allows the audience to see what other characters in the virtual world are exploring and doing on the internet, something that Wreck-It Ralph didn’t allow audiences to really explore. The new completely open world is one of adventure and excitement that has a lot of crisp, witty jokes that will entertain the more mature audiences. Moreover, what makes Ralph Breaks the Internet so delightful is the exploration of Slaughter Race particularly (an online racing game that Vanellope falls in love with). The main objective to Slaughter Race, other than racing, is to steal Shank (Gal Gadot) car. Ralph and Vanellope try this, and it gives Vanellope that excitement that was eagerly looking for and felt like she was missing.
Lastly, the Voice Acting in Ralph Breaks the Internet is once again outstanding. The chemistry shared between John C. Reilly and Sarah Silverman is ecstatically joyful. They bring a new level of charisma to their performances. Silverman who is best known for her non-PG work, uses her squeaky voice to continue bringing her charm and charisma to the pair. Alan Tudyk channels his Rogue One character with his sass. Gal Gadot and Taraji P. Henson who plays Yesss both forth a soothing calmness, stealing the show when their characters are present.
The animation in Ralph Breaks the Internet is what we expect from Disney, breathtaking and gorgeous. The way that the audience gets to see the ‘internet’ and explore the world through our characters eyes are just gorgeous. Ralph Breaks the Internet is the family-friendly, laughtastic adventure we all need this holiday season!
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET Wednesday, November 21, 2018.
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