WRECK-IT-RALPH returns to the screen in RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET November 21st and I’m just going to be straightforward and blunt ~ RUN, DO NOT WALK to get those tickets!!! See? I couldn’t even hold that in until the end. In my personal opinion (for what that’s worth), this movie about friendship is totally worth seeing as soon as it comes out!!
I received an invite to a complimentary media screening. All opinions in this post are 110% mine and mine alone. This post also contains affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure policy for more information.
Ralph Breaks The Internet ~ The Friendship Plug-In?
#RalphBreaksTheInternet
Honestly and truly, I believe we may have another Disney gem here. You take a lovable, loyal and simple-minded giant whose sole purpose is to destroy things, pair him with a tiny, sarcastic, spritely candy-car racer who craves adventure and you have a tremendous duo who never see a dull moment! Add to the mix brilliant screenwriters and gifted animators and Disney may very well have yet another award winner on its hands.
The story
The sequel takes place six years after the original. Our video-game bad guy, Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) and sugar-crazed car racer, Vanellope (voice of Sarah Silverman) have developed quite the bond and routine together. While Ralph is rather content in this daily routine, Vanellope suddenly begins to find herself a little restless and eager. She is eager to try something new. In an attempt to be the good friend he always wants to be, the gentle giant creates a new “path” for his energetic friend. However, this unfortunately ends in chaos.
The mission then becomes to find a way to save Vanellope’s game. The two venture into the vast unknown world of the Internet to find a “sole” piece of equipment among the netizens there. However, as they explore their new surroundings, Vanellope finds that her own “soul” is craving something else. She ultimately realizes that there is more to life outside her little game at the arcade and she wants a piece of the action. The problem is that she doesn’t know how her “best friend” is going to take the news.
The Theme
The movie explores friendship in a way that somewhat parallels its backdrop. As the Internet itself is all about relationships (whether good or bad, deep or superficial), the movie explores the benefits of being a good friend versus the consequences of being a bad one. It uncovers motivation and intent, navigates through unchartered emotions and challenges the validity of one’s commitment.
The animated picture also does a fantastic job showcasing various emotions ~ anxiety, insecurity, fear, anger, joy, encouragement and disappointment ~ as well as creating visual expression so realistic and vivid. It’s actually difficult at times to see them as animated characters at times. Props to the animators!!
The script
As someone who loves to write and has dabbled in scripts before, this piece is brilliantly executed ~ creating a story around modern technology that pulls in the younger generation, depicting numerous references that attract the adult population, pulling in the Disney Princess element to create hype and curiosity and delivering a message about friendship that speaks to the masses. The dialogue is captivating and the flow keeps your attention.
Not to mention, it will tug on your heartstrings harder than a leashed dog running after a squirrel!
The Disney Princess Scene
There is no question that this is likely the most anticipated scene in the entire movie. Everyone has been curious to see how the Disney Princesses would be incorporated into the story and, as expected, the writers did NOT disappoint. The articulately placed puns and catch phrases are there. The original voices are loud and clear. The humor is evident. The fierceness that is female is present.
And those pajamas!!! Thank, God, I don’t have any daughters!!!
**CHECK OUT THESE RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET COLORING PAGES AND ACTIVITY SHEETS!
Would I recommend?
YES! However, let me leave you with a few things to keep in mind.
- There is a scene towards the end that may be a little intimidating for littles. The form in which the “enemy” takes is a bit disturbing and may be somewhat cringeworthy ~ even for adults. Just be prepared to give a few extra hugs before bed that night.
- Compared to the original, there is a little more violence in the film as we have the introduction of the “Slaughter Race” game. There is intense action and fire and, of course, even the trailer shows a shark eating a dog. The set for “Slaughter Race” is also a bit on the dark side, but there is nothing in the scene to truly alarm parents.
- There may be a good handful of phrases and references that go over the heads of youngsters. However, I will say that, to the writers’ credit, I am very glad that they kept the language down to “doodie” and “butthead.”
I brought my youngest with me to see the film and, along with my friend, her son and the movie critic who sat in front of us, there was a generous portion of laughter heard throughout the movie. This is a sequel that I believe will most likely survive the dreaded fears of ruining a good thing.
So – how’s your “friendship connection”?
While the friendship between Ralph and Vanellope was tested, RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET ultimately survives disconnection. The lesson learned is that the strength of our “friendship wifi” is going to be tested at some point or another. Are we going to grow insecure and impatient, leading us to “smash the router” and ultimately the friendship? Or are we willing to be patient, look at where the problem lies and wait for the connection to reestablish ~ no matter where we are?
Personal note: I literally just saw this happen in my own life. A new friendship challenged by slight personality differences, likely related to our personal experiences being brought to the table. All it took was a step back, a deep breath, open ears, understanding and a desire to stay connected and we are now good to go! Friendships should be cherished!
OH ~ AND HEED THIS ADVICE!!!
STAY UNTIL THE END!! THE VERY END!!!!! You will NOT regret it.
**all photos courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures
DON’T MISS OUT ON READING MY FRIEND VERA’S EXPERIENCE ON THE RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET “RED CARPET” PREMIERE!!
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