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Saturday, December 8, 2012

MOVIE REVIEW: WRECK-IT RALPH

WRECK-IT RALPH




An 8-bit video-game character attempts to shed his bad-guy image by escaping into a popular first-person shooter, but inadvertently wreaks havoc in the video-game universe by freeing a digital villain who can only be contained with the help of a most unlikely ally in this colorful animated adventure. Wreck-It Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) is the arch nemesis of Fix-It Felix (voice of Jack McBrayer), one of the most beloved video-game icons of all time. In a noble bid to prove he is more than the sum of his programming, Ralph sneaks from his cozy retro home into a highly advanced combat game featuring battle-hardened soldier Sergeant Calhoun (voice of Jane Lynch), and strives to prove his bravery by winning a medal. In the process, however, Ralph accidentally frees the greatest threat the video-game world has ever seen. But all hope is not lost, because if Ralph can just convince unpredictable cart racer Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman) to help set things right, perhaps he can finally unleash his inner hero and save the arcade from certain destruction. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Rich Moore

Cast: John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch, Alan Tudyk

Release Date: Nov 02, 2012

Rated PG for some rude humor and mild action/violence

Runtime: 1 hr. 41 min.

Genres: Animated, Comedy, Family

Review:

Wreck-it Ralph is a surprise on many levels. A smart script with a strong emotional center works on various levels and for various age groups. Thrity-somethings will find enough 8 bit nostalgia to keep them grinning throughout with each tasty Easter egg they run into. Children will find a candy coated story with a good story and message for them to chew on. Rich Moore does what few outside of Pixar have been able to do, deliver an emotional bond with these computer creations. He handles his 2 leads characters with a tenderness which comes through especially with some impressive voice work. John C. Reilly as the lumbering Ralph is just perfect throughout, his voice works so well for the character reminding me of his work in Chicago singing Mr. Cellophane in particular. Sarah Silverman’s precocious misfit character fits her voice like a glove. Both establish a strong chemistry with each other, so much so that it’s hard not to get caught up in their story. Supporting characters are all just as strong. Jane Lynch delivers excellent work as the tough as nails FPS character who spends most of the movie with Fix-it Felix. Jack McBrayer’s southern prep fits the character to a T. Alan Tudyk, drawing inspiration from Ed Wynn, just loses himself in his work here as a fitting villain for the story. If there are a few small drawback in the film is its length and its need to keep us in the Sugar Rush world for nearly the entire film. The latter is understandable considering the plot. Still it’s hard to feel that there’s a wealth of story that could have been told in all the video game worlds hinted at but never explored. It would have been a lot of fun had they not gone with a Wizard of Oz inspired plot line. A few cuts or trims could have streamlined the film by a good ten minutes to deliver a sleeker product. Still it’s a very impressive family film.

B+

8 comments:

  1. The previews look interesting. It looks like something I would watch. :)

    --DJ

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    1. It's a lot of fun Diana, I can wait for it to hit video so I can buy it.

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  2. yeah i thought the sugar rush world was a bit long too. but i thikn they thought that was the most entertaining to watch. i actually liked the duty world (i forget the name of the sci-fi part). agree about john c reilly--this and carnage are the best performances i've seen from him in a long while.

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    1. I think so as well, I agree that scifi world looked fun but they went through it very quickly. I haven't seen Carnage but plan on checking it out soon.

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  3. I think you liked it a bit more than I did, especially where a large chunk of the film is set in Sugar Rush (for obvious reasons) there seemed to be some video game territory that was missed. Maybe a sequel? Good review and a solid film.

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    1. Thanks for reading, I did enjoy it but do wish it would have spent more time in other worlds as well. The good news is that a sequel is coming, so maybe we'll get our wish.

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  4. I haven't seen this, but it looks really good. I hope to see it soon before it leaves the theaters.

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    Replies
    1. It's a lot better than I expected, took me by surprise, think you might enjoy it, has a good heart behind the story.

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