REVIEW: Wreck It Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks The Internet
When they first announced they were doing a sequel to Wreck-It Ralph, I thought it was interesting. But, given that it was in the world of video games, I thought there could be some interesting new angles they could take. And, then we found out that they were taking Ralph (John C. Rielly) and Vanellope (Sarah Silverman) and saw the potential. So, I was super excited for this film to come out. When they showed us the famous princess scene in the movie at the D23 Expo, I became even more excited for the film.
I will say that I really enjoyed Wreck-It Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks The Internet.
Did I like Ralph Breaks The Internet more than the first? I think I still like the first more mainly because I am obsessed with Sugar Rush. I loved all the racers and know all their names, all the way from Rancis Fluggerbutter to Adorabeelze Winterpop. While I enjoyed the netizens of the Internet, I didn't find them as enchanting as the Sugar Rush Racers. But, I also think that I enjoyed the first more because of the simplicity of the story. In Ralph Breaks The Internet, I think it gets bogged down in the good and bad about the Internet while, at the same time, tell a story about friendship. For some reason, in the first film, the gags about video games didn't feel as intrusive as the gags about the Internet were.
Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed this film and the it accomplished what I usually need Disney films to do - it made me cry. This means that it hit the emotional touchstones that make Disney films special to me.
Anyway, Ralph and Vanellope make their way into the Internet when the Sugar Rush controller breaks after Ralph tries to help Vanellope spice up her game by providing a new track. It is here they go to search for the new controller. When they arrive, they see this big bold world that frightens Ralph and excites Vanellope.
To me, where the film is at its best, is where the film deals with Ralph's and Vanellope's friendship. Ralph likes his life as it is. He's perfectly happy going to "work" and then hanging out with his best buddy. Vanellope, however, is not content with the daily routine. It's not that she is unhappy with Ralph. She just wants more. Just like any Disney princess. LOL.
Actually, that's what makes the princess scene so special. This is one unconventional princess seeking advice from the classic princesses. She realizes that she is not the only one who wants more. The scene is also spectacularly hilarious and I am glad they didn't show everything in the previews or even the D23 Expo preview. And I loved the second scene with them which I will not spoil for you all. This film will also be special for bringing all the living actresses who voiced the princesses together.
Another person that gives Vanellope advice is Shank (Gal Gadot), the kick-ass racer of the online game Slaughter Race and who is interestingly designed like a modern Disney princess. Vanellope falls in the love with Slaughter Race because she is not isolated to the same track. She feels the freedom of this world that offers unpredictability. Vanellope confides in Shank that she really wants to be there, but she doesn't want to disappoint or hurt Ralph. Shank tells her, "There’s no law saying best friends have to have the same dreams." I really enjoyed their relationship
The characters that felt extraneous were Yesss (Taraji P. Henson), the algorithm from BuzzTube who helps Ralph and Vanellope raise the money for the sugar rush controller, and Spamley (Bill Hader), the pop-up ad that takes Ralph to the dark web . It's not that I didn't like them, but their parts of the story ended up bogging down the film.
Overall, I thought Ralph Breaks The Internet is a solid film. I will most likely watch it again, mainly because there are so many gags and references that, after two viewings, I still feel I missed things. But, also because I enjoyed the film. Be sure to stay through the credits because there is both a mid and end credit scene.