{"id":41055,"date":"2015-08-25T08:00:59","date_gmt":"2015-08-25T12:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/?p=41055"},"modified":"2022-02-05T23:42:40","modified_gmt":"2022-02-06T04:42:40","slug":"movie-review-wreck-ralph","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/movie-review-wreck-ralph\/","title":{"rendered":"Movie Review: Wreck-It Ralph"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Wreck-It<\/a><\/p>\n

DVD Cover Copyright Disney<\/em><\/p>\n

Centered in the world of classic arcade games, Wreck-It Ralph <\/em>was theatrically released on November 2, 2012 as the fifty-second full length animated feature in Disney history. The film is 101 minutes in length.<\/p>\n

Development<\/strong><\/p>\n

In 2008, Disney Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter asked Rich Moore, a longtime director of popular television series such as \u201cThe Simpsons\u201d and \u201cFuturama,\u201d to try something new, to direct an animated feature for Disney. Moore, having admired Lasseter\u2019s work since the former was a student at CalArts, gladly accepted the offer, and he was quickly afforded a pleasant surprise. (1)<\/p>\n

Said Moore in an article he wrote for the New York Times<\/em>, \u201cHe [Lasseter] suggested that I think about developing a story set in the world of video games. The idea of a video-game movie had been floating around Disney Animation for at least 10 years, though no one had been able to crack a story. So here I was being offered the opportunity to combine my loves at the greatest animation studio in the world. I thought I had died and gone to heaven.<\/p>\n

For four years, I lived and breathed the world of video games. The team spent work hours playing games – from Donkey Kong to Halo to Mario Kart – all of which would heavily influence what eventually became \u201cWreck-It Ralph.\u201d And while I always believed in the film, I had days when I wondered if it would resonate with anyone outside the walls of Disney Animation.<\/p>\n

Having spent the past eight weeks traveling the world – from Paris to Buenos Aires to Sydney, Australia – I can tell you that the amazing thing is how universal video games are. And while the movie has struck a chord with all ages, it has really hit home with people in their 30s, 40s and 50s, who reflect back on the untold hours they spent in arcades. I realize that I was not alone back then.\u201d (2)<\/p>\n

Although Ralph and most of the flick\u2019s players are original characters, several classic arcade protagonists, including Sonic the Hedgehog, Pac-Man, and Q*bert, are given cameos. (3)<\/p>\n

Moore was clearly interested in the subject of the movie, a great benefit for the final product.<\/p>\n

Topsy Turvy<\/strong><\/p>\n

2012 proved to be a sort of backwards year for Disney\u2019s sister animation studios, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar. Whereas Wreck-It Ralph<\/em>, created by the former studio, struck many viewers as a Pixar film because it exuded, among other features, \u201ca solid story, dazzling detail, inventive settings and jokey characters,\u201d Pixar\u2019s 2012 release, Brave<\/em>, was a princess flick more in the mold of a traditional Disney movie. (4)<\/p>\n

Both Wreck-It Ralph <\/em>and Brave <\/em>were nominated for \u201cBest Animated Feature Film\u201d at the 2013 Oscars, with the latter movie winning the category. (5) Brave <\/em>became the seventh Pixar film, after Finding Nemo<\/em> (2003), The Incredibles <\/em>(2004), Ratatouille<\/em> (2007), WALL-E<\/em> (2008), Up <\/em>(2009), and Toy Story 3<\/em> (2010), to win the category since its inception at the 2002 Oscars. In 2014, Frozen <\/em>(2013) became the first non-Pixar Disney feature to earn the accolade.<\/p>\n

Plot Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n

With kids and kids at heart enjoying classic games, Mr. Litwak\u2019s arcade would superficially seem to be a typical old-fashioned gaming establishment\u2014such is hardly the case. You see, inside the consoles, the characters, including Wreck-It Ralph, the antagonist of the game \u201cFix-It Felix, Jr.,\u201d have minds of their own. These characters also have feelings of their own, and when Ralph feels unloved, he ditches his game in an effort to win a medal and a token, no pun intended, of respect from success in the game \u201cHero\u2019s Duty.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ralph\u2019s decision results in both good news and bad news. The good news is that Ralph wins the medal. The bad news is that he accidentally hatches the eggs of viruses called Cy-Bugs and is ejected into another game, \u201cSugar Rush,\u201d where a girl named Vanellope von Schweetz steals Ralph\u2019s prized possession to enter herself in a car race. Now, not only is Ralph unpopular, but he does not have his medal. This situation cannot possibly end well. Can it?<\/p>\n

Distinctions<\/strong><\/p>\n

At the Bad-Anon meeting near the beginning of the movie, Zangief tells a depressed Ralph that there is a difference between being a bad guy and being a \u201cbad guy.\u201d This distinction may seem awkward and nonsensical, but it is actually true in this movie\u2019s world. Whereas a bad guy is a complete villain, a \u201cbad guy\u201d is a decent being who happens to get stuck with the undesirable job in his or her game. Destroying windows for Felix to fix may not be a glamorous occupation, but it is necessary for \u201csociety,\u201d meaning the \u201cFix-It Felix, Jr.\u201d game, to persist.<\/p>\n

Jealousy<\/strong><\/p>\n

Two characters in Wreck-It Ralph<\/em>, including the title character, become jealous at the glory enjoyed by others. This emotion is destructive, but it has plausible causes. The decision of his colleagues to exclude him from \u201cFix-It Felix, Jr.\u2019s\u201d thirtieth-anniversary party was devastating to Ralph.<\/p>\n

\"Wreck-It<\/a><\/p>\n


\n<\/a>\u00a0Photo Copyright Tim Rogers<\/em><\/p>\n

Perseverance<\/strong><\/p>\n

Despite constant reminders of their worthlessness, Ralph and Vanellope, respectively, refuse to surrender to their detractors. Indeed, they will battle until they gain the respect of their peers. Everyone is worth something.<\/p>\n

Miscellaneous Questions and Observations<\/strong><\/p>\n

If the video game characters lead independent lives, how can a mechanic have any chance of repairing a game? Of course, this movie is based in fantasy, so scientific impracticality is assumed.<\/p>\n

What was Fix-It Felix, Sr. like?<\/p>\n

Somebody in the arcade is likely breaking the rules. A sign at the entrance prohibits outside food and drink, yet a Subway drink cup is present.<\/p>\n

Music<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wreck-It Ralph <\/em>is not a musical, but the score is excellent nonetheless. Background music perfectly complements the varying moods of the film, and one feature song, Rhianna\u2019s \u201cShut Up and Drive,\u201d adds extra adrenaline to Vanellope\u2019s first run around the track.<\/p>\n

Animation<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wreck-It Ralph <\/em>is eye candy. The scenes in \u201cSugar Rush\u201d are colorful and fun to view, and the segments in \u201cHero\u2019s Duty\u201d feature extremely crisp computer animation.<\/p>\n

References<\/strong><\/p>\n

In addition to video game characters, numerous popular companies and products are highlighted in Wreck-It Ralph<\/em>, including Subway, Nesquik, Oreos, and Devil Dogs. The movie\u2019s \u201cGame Central Station\u201d is a parody of New York City\u2019s Grand Central Station.<\/p>\n

Humor<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ralph gives excellent impersonations of Paul Bunyan and the Hulk. Look out; there\u2019s a green blob on the loose!<\/p>\n

Felix gives creepy smiles, enthusiastically dances to \u201cCelebration,\u201d and speaks both English and Q*Bertese.<\/p>\n

For better or worse, a large portion of the comedy in Wreck-It Ralph<\/em> comes via \u201ctoilet humor.\u201d Vanellope and Ralph are especially fond of these jokes.<\/p>\n

Relationship to Other Disney Films<\/strong><\/p>\n

Non-Disney characters are also included in Who Framed Roger Rabbit?<\/em> (1988) (6)<\/p>\n

The concept of games coming to life is similar to that of Pixar\u2019s Toy Story <\/em>trilogy.<\/p>\n

In the Parks<\/strong><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, no characters from Wreck-It Ralph <\/em>currently hold regular meets at Walt Disney World or Disneyland, though Ralph and Vanellope may appear in parades at \u201cMickey\u2019s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party\u201d and \u201cMickey\u2019s Very Merry Christmas Party,\u201d respectively. These events are offered at an additional cost on select nights at Florida\u2019s Magic Kingdom from September through December.<\/p>\n

\"Wreck-It<\/a><\/p>\n

A scene from Wreck-It Ralph<\/em> can be seen in the Celebrate the Magic<\/a> Castle Show nightly.<\/p>\n

If you are craving a thrilling ride around a racetrack, check out \u201cTest Track\u201d at Epcot or \u201cRadiator Springs Racers\u201d at Disney\u2019s California Adventure. A tamer racetrack experience can be had at the Magic Kingdom\u2019s \u201cTomorrowland Speedway\u201d and Disneyland Park\u2019s \u201cAutopia.\u201d<\/p>\n

In Wreck-It Ralph<\/em>, Vanellope\u2019s car accelerates to sixty miles-per-hour in 3.5 seconds. At Disney\u2019s Hollywood Studios, guests on \u201cRock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith\u201d reach the same speed in only 2.8 seconds!<\/p>\n

Arcades with various games are offered in the resort hotels throughout Walt Disney World.<\/p>\n

Overall<\/strong><\/p>\n

Great visuals and an engaging story make Wreck-It Ralph <\/em>a must-watch movie. Just don\u2019t tell your dentist that you watched it.<\/p>\n

Notes<\/strong><\/p>\n

1) Moore, Rich. (2012, December 29). From Child’s Play to Dream Job: [The Arts\/Cultural Desk]. New York Times<\/em>, p. C.1. Retrieved July 27, 2015, from http:\/\/0-search.proquest.com.alpha1.suffolk.lib.ny.us\/docview\/1264876395?accountid=35174<\/a><\/p>\n

2) Ibid.<\/p>\n

3) Moore, Roger. (2012, November 2). Disney borrows from Pixar’s best for ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ The Journal News<\/em>, p. 8. Retrieved July 27, 2015, from http:\/\/0-search.proquest.com.alpha1.suffolk.lib.ny.us\/docview\/1240418115?accountid=35174<\/a><\/p>\n

4) Ibid.<\/p>\n

5) Cavna, M. (2013, February 25). HANDICAPPING THE OSCARS 2013: The long and short of our favorites for the animated Academy Awards [Updated] (Posted 2013-02-25 02:03:25): HANDICAPPING THE OSCARS: The long and short of our favorites for the animated Academy Awards. The Washington Post<\/em>. Retrieved July 27, 2015, from http:\/\/0-search.proquest.com.alpha1.suffolk.lib.ny.us\/docview\/1309204958?accountid=35174<\/a><\/p>\n

6) Vinson, J. (2012, June 5). Wreck-It Ralph Looks Like Disney’s \u2018Who Framed Roger Rabbit\u2019 But With Video Games. Retrieved August 3, 2015, from http:\/\/www.webpronews.com\/wreck-it-ralph-looks-like-disneys-who-framed-roger-rabbit-but-with-video-games-2012-06<\/a><\/p>\n

What do you think of Wreck-It Ralph? Let me know in the comments!<\/em><\/p>\n

Sponsored Ad:<\/strong>\u00a0 Would you like to help support The Mouse For Less website in continuing their mission of being THE Disney vacation planning resource?\u00a0 You can do so by purchasing Wreck-It Ralph<\/a> from our Affiliate Link through Amazon. Thanks so much for your support!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

DVD Cover Copyright Disney Centered in the world of classic arcade games, Wreck-It Ralph was theatrically released on November 2, 2012 as the fifty-second full length animated feature in Disney history. The film is 101 minutes in length. Development In 2008, Disney Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter asked Rich Moore, a longtime director of popular…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":67,"featured_media":41056,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[73],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-41055","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-disney-movies"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41055","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/67"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41055"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41055\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":82582,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41055\/revisions\/82582"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41056"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41055"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41055"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41055"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}