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That is the mantra that the titular character (John C. Reilly) recites along with other video game "bad guys" as they learn to cope that they're designed to be that: bad guys. But what if you're not happy with that life? What if you want to feel loved and accepted instead of hated and rejected?
Wreck-It Ralph introduces us to a world inside and "behind" classic arcade games. A world where video game characters travel from game to game and mingle in a surge protector that acts like a "train" station to each game. When Ralph, the "bad guy" in a game called Fix-It Felix, Jr. gets tired of rejection, he sets out to win a medal in another game, any game, to prove to the residents of his game that he can be a hero.
The biggest asset of this film is the clever way in which it builds this imaginary world and in how the characters interact. They travel through power cables, they have a drink at Tapper, and then they go back to their "worlds". The creativity with which each "world" is built is amazing and keeps the film feeling fresh. The game where Ralph decides to win his medal, Hero's Duty (a mix of Call of Duty and Halo) is dark and sinister, whereas the game where he ends up trapped afterwards, Sugar Rush Speedway (a mix of Mario Kart and Candy Crush) is colorful and cheery.
It is in this game that Ralph meets Vanellope (Sarah Silverman), a young girl that dreams of being a part of the game, but can't because of some "glitch" that causes her to appear/disappear erratically. Like Ralph, she is an outcast trying to fit inside the world she inhabits. Of course, the two become friends as they attempt to convince King Candy (Alan Tudyk) of her worth.
Aside of the world-building and animation, the voice performances are great. Reilly is superb in conveying the weariness and depression of Ralph, while Silverman's voice work as Vanellope, combined with the character design, results in one of the cutest and most lovable characters ever. The same care applies to characters like Ralph's "nemesis", Felix (Jack McBrayer) and Calhoun (Jane Lynch), who have to follow Ralph to stop a virus from Hero's Duty to contaminate Sugar Rush and eventually the whole arcade.
My main issue with the film comes up in the last act. The motivations of King Candy and the "twist revelation" about Vanellope ends up feeling like an unnecessary deus-ex-machina, and it ultimately muddles what seemed to be the main message of the film of accepting outcasts for who they are, which Ralph proudly proclaims in the end ("there's no one I'd rather be than me"). Unfortunately, in order to be accepted and "win" her place, Vanellope is forced to become someone else which feels like a betrayal.
Despite that, the film is fun enough for everyone to enjoy. Even though it is aimed at children, I assume it is adults like me that would get a kick out of it with all the 80s and 90s video game references. The characters are great and likable and, even with the muddled message, still works thanks to the great voice performances and character design.
Grade:
WRECK-IT RALPH
(2012, Moore)
(2012, Moore)
"I'm bad, and that's good! I will never be good, and that's not bad!... There's no-one I'd rather be... than me."
That is the mantra that the titular character (John C. Reilly) recites along with other video game "bad guys" as they learn to cope that they're designed to be that: bad guys. But what if you're not happy with that life? What if you want to feel loved and accepted instead of hated and rejected?
Wreck-It Ralph introduces us to a world inside and "behind" classic arcade games. A world where video game characters travel from game to game and mingle in a surge protector that acts like a "train" station to each game. When Ralph, the "bad guy" in a game called Fix-It Felix, Jr. gets tired of rejection, he sets out to win a medal in another game, any game, to prove to the residents of his game that he can be a hero.
The biggest asset of this film is the clever way in which it builds this imaginary world and in how the characters interact. They travel through power cables, they have a drink at Tapper, and then they go back to their "worlds". The creativity with which each "world" is built is amazing and keeps the film feeling fresh. The game where Ralph decides to win his medal, Hero's Duty (a mix of Call of Duty and Halo) is dark and sinister, whereas the game where he ends up trapped afterwards, Sugar Rush Speedway (a mix of Mario Kart and Candy Crush) is colorful and cheery.
It is in this game that Ralph meets Vanellope (Sarah Silverman), a young girl that dreams of being a part of the game, but can't because of some "glitch" that causes her to appear/disappear erratically. Like Ralph, she is an outcast trying to fit inside the world she inhabits. Of course, the two become friends as they attempt to convince King Candy (Alan Tudyk) of her worth.
Aside of the world-building and animation, the voice performances are great. Reilly is superb in conveying the weariness and depression of Ralph, while Silverman's voice work as Vanellope, combined with the character design, results in one of the cutest and most lovable characters ever. The same care applies to characters like Ralph's "nemesis", Felix (Jack McBrayer) and Calhoun (Jane Lynch), who have to follow Ralph to stop a virus from Hero's Duty to contaminate Sugar Rush and eventually the whole arcade.
My main issue with the film comes up in the last act. The motivations of King Candy and the "twist revelation" about Vanellope ends up feeling like an unnecessary deus-ex-machina, and it ultimately muddles what seemed to be the main message of the film of accepting outcasts for who they are, which Ralph proudly proclaims in the end ("there's no one I'd rather be than me"). Unfortunately, in order to be accepted and "win" her place, Vanellope is forced to become someone else which feels like a betrayal.
Despite that, the film is fun enough for everyone to enjoy. Even though it is aimed at children, I assume it is adults like me that would get a kick out of it with all the 80s and 90s video game references. The characters are great and likable and, even with the muddled message, still works thanks to the great voice performances and character design.
Grade: