Animation Spotlight: Disney's "Wreck-It Ralph"

Walt Disney Pictures has a way of crafting movies that can be equally enjoyed by older and younger viewers. I suppose you could call it magic, but whatever it is, it works. Disney's latest release, Wreck-It Ralph, takes a page or two from the Toy Story franchise, but is still an original film that can certainly stand on its own. Instead of toys, the featured characters are from various video games, both real and imagined, who star in an endlessly clever effort that, of course, teaches a lesson or two along the way.

Wreck-It Ralph (John C. Reilly) is the villain in the Fix-It Felix Jr. video game. Ralph smashes (sort of the like the Hulk) and then Felix fixes, which makes him the undisputed hero of the game. Felix is also well liked and supported by the other residents of the video game, who clearly do not like Ralph, even though he is an integral part of their world. Ralph grows tired of playing the villain and confides is his support group for video game villains that he wants to move on. However, a game that does not have all of its participants is labeled with an out of order sign and eventually unplugged, leaving the remaining members homeless. Regardless, Ralph is tired of not receiving the respect he deserves, so he moves on.

Ralph visits various other games, including Pac-Man and Hero's Duty, where he vies for and wins a medal, but inadvertently releases a Cy-Bug in the process, which has the potential to infiltrate and ruin any game that it enters. Without realizing it, Ralph takes the Cy-Bug to another game, Sugar Rush, where it causes all kinds of mayhem. Thankfully, Sergeant Calhoun (Jane Lynch), from Hero's Duty, arrives and is intent on finding the Cy-Bug and destroying it, but she needs Ralph's help. They also have support from Felix (Jack McBrayer), who was searching for Ralph when he met up with Calhoun.

Ralph soon encounters a young, mischievous girl, Vanellope von Schweets (Sarah Silverman), who quickly finds a way to take away Ralph's precious medal. Vanellope needs the medal to try to buy her way into a race and Ralph decides to help his new friend, instead of sparing over the medal. Ralph builds Vanellope a vehicle to use in the race, but when King Candy (Alan Tudyk) finds out, he does everything in his power to stop Vanellope and Ralph. Even though King Candy tries to spin a story about why it is best to keep Vanellope from participating, his intentions are selfish and dishonest. Shortly thereafter, Ralph finds himself facing two formidable challenges, from the Cy-Bug and King Candy, but has assistance from Vanellope, as well as Calhoun and Felix, who appear to be falling in love. The balance of the film details their struggle to save themselves and Sugar Rush.

There are many references to characters from classic video games that are made and shown throughout the film. However, you need to pay attention or you will miss a great deal, like I did. In addition to the aforementioned Pac-Man, Q*bert, Frogger, Bowser (from Super Mario Bros.) and Doctor Eggman (from Sonic the Hedgehog) all make appearances. Of course, their presence will appeal to older viewers, while younger viewers will relate to Vanellope's wonder and excitement of youth, which is conveyed perfectly through the effervescence of Sarah Silverman. By the way, how many youngsters would not want the opportunity to spend time is a land of candy and sugar filled highs, which is sort of the equivalent of a life size version of the classic board game Candy Land?

The voice actors are well cast, from the commanding Jane Lynch to the hysterical Alan Tudyk, whose voice talents reminded me of characters from the classic Rankin-Bass holiday specials. The supporting cast includes Ed O'Neill (Modern Family), Dennis Haysbert and Mindy Kaling (The Mindy Project). All of the actors make the most of the screenplay by Rich Moore, Phil Johnston, Jim Reardon and John C. Reilly, which is creative and intelligent. However, the humor seems to be confined to certain parts of the film, where I found myself laughing repeatedly, but then sat silent for long periods of time. I am not sure that is even a criticism, but it was something I noticed.

The animation looks terrific and the outstanding use of color adds another level of enjoyment to the film, as the images are literally brought to life. While Wreck-It Ralph is a family friendly effort, there are a few scenes featuring the Cy-Bug and during the final moments that may be frightening to younger viewers because of the (mostly tame) violence and precarious situations that some of the characters find themselves having to contend with. In any event, director Rich Moore has crafted an entertaining film that will likely have viewers smiling for the duration, as some revisit their youth, while others are forming positive memories of their childhood in real time.